After extending contracts for two of their own players in the early stages of free agency, the Green Bay Packers are addressing their cornerback depth, which was previously a concern. Keisean Nixon and Corey Ballentine, both of whom received substantial pay raises compared to their 2023 salaries, have been retained by the Packers.
Nixon, who showcased his versatility as a kick returner in 2022, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million to return to Green Bay. Additionally, he is expected to take on a more prominent role as the team’s slot cornerback, a responsibility he fulfilled with success in 2023, ranking among the league leaders in slot snaps played.
In another move signaling confidence in their secondary, the Packers secured Nixon for an additional three years in free agency, with details of the contract yet to be fully disclosed. However, reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggest that Green Bay will commit around $18 million for three seasons, with potential incentives boosting Nixon’s earnings to $6 million to $6.4 million annually—an evident increase from his previous salary.
Ballentine, who stepped up due to injuries in 2023 after initially contributing primarily on special teams, also saw a significant pay bump. His new deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus, along with additional bonuses and a salary surpassing the NFL minimum for a player of his tenure. Overall, his one-year contract is valued at $2.1 million.
While Ballentine’s roster spot is not guaranteed, the incentives and bonuses provided indicate the Packers’ intent to give him a strong opportunity to secure a place on the final 53-man roster. With Ballentine’s contributions on special teams over the past two seasons further bolstering his candidacy, Green Bay is doubling down on their internal options at cornerback.
Under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, there were expectations of personnel changes, but the Packers appear to be emphasizing continuity by retaining their top cornerbacks from the previous season. As they head into the upcoming season, Eric Stokes and Carrington Valentine are set to compete for the outside cornerback position opposite Jaire Alexander, with Ballentine providing depth and Nixon occupying the slot cornerback role. While the possibility of drafting a cornerback remains, Green Bay seems content with their current roster composition in the cornerback position for the 2024 season.