One of those additions, cornerback Keizaan Nixon, is a free agent the Packers can’t afford to lose this offseason, according to Pro Football Focus.
“The Packers have signed former first-round pick Darnell Savage to a new contract,” wrote Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus. “Their safety unit is probably the most unskilled unit in the NFL. In addition to his special teams skills as a returner, Nixon has excelled this season in his role as the starting nickel cornerback. “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 made an immediate impact on the Packers’ secondary after joining prior to the 2022 season, recording 103 tackles and two interceptions in that span in addition to his service in the return game.Nixon, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal before the 2023 season, will become an unrestricted free agent this spring, and his flexibility on special teams and defense could open up a lucrative market for the 26-year-old . . A Packers application may be in the works.
Nixon isn’t the only quarterback the Packers have to save this season. Nixon started every game last season and was one of the most consistent players in the Packers’ secondary and special teams, but Green Bay will also have to make tough decisions about its perimeter players. Corey Ballentine, who has proven to be a reliable starting quarterback, and safety Darnell Savage could also be top priorities for the Packers.
Meanwhile, safeties Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford are expected to leave the organization.Jair Alexander could be playing his last game in a Packers uniform if the team decides to pay him a big salary to get the veteran cornerback. This offseason will give general manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and the next Packers defensive coordinator a chance to completely overhaul the secondary.
