The Packers free agent labeled the $4 million defense “can’t lose.”The Green Bay Packers offer a revamped defense in 2024, especially thanks to the firing of former defensive coordinator Joe Barry.
Seven Packers quarterbacks, including five defensive backs, will become unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins in March. Pro Football Focus noted that the Packers cannot afford to lose one of their secondary players, cornerback Caseian Nixon, in free agency this offseason.
“The Packers have signed former first-round pick Darnell Savage to a new contract,” writes PFF’s Brad Spielberger. “And their safety room is probably the most talented unit in the NFL. Nixon played an excellent role as the starting nickel cornerback and also showed off his special teams return skills while holding down his position this season.
“Nixon’s 31 defensive stops ranked sixth among cornerbacks in the Class of 2023, and he averaged 27.5 yards and 73 yards per return after averaging 28.8 yards per 105m return in 2022.
”Nixon has made an immediate impact on the Packers’ secondary since arriving ahead of the 2022 campaign, recording 103 total tackles with two interceptions in that span in addition to his contributions in the return game.Nixon, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract before the 2023 season, will be an unrestricted free agent this spring, and his versatility on both special teams and defense could create a strong market for the youngster for 26 years.
. Nixon is far from the only quarterback the Packers will try to retain this offseason.Nixon started every game last season and was one of the most consistent players in the Packers’ secondary and special teams, but the players around him will have to make tough decisions against Green Bay. Corey Ballentine, who has become a consistent starting cornerback, and safety Darnell Savage are likely the top priorities for the Packers to retain. Security products from Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford are also available over the counter.
And if Green Bay decided to take a big hit to trade the veteran cornerback, Jaire Alexander could have played his last game in a Packers uniform.General manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and the next Packers defensive coordinator will have an opportunity to rebuild the secondary this offseason.
Packers defensive tackle Gutekunst and Co. Your spending flexibility may be limited this season.Green Bay is projected to have just $4.8 million in cap space before free agency, the 10th least in the entire league. That’s before the Packers commit cap space to their draft class.
When free agency begins on March 13, the Packers’ roster could look dramatically different from the team that walked onto the field in San Francisco after the NFC Divisional round, and it could look different anyway after making some moves to create needed cap space. space-bar. When the market opens.
