Don’t Be Surprised if Packers Mostly Stand Pat at Cornerback
Green Bay's starting cornerbacks may look very similar in 2026.
By markoldacres
The cornerback position has been in the spotlight in Green Bay ever since it became fairly clear the Packers intended to move on from Jaire Alexander at this time a year ago.
Brian Gutekunst was vindicated in cutting Alexander, who is currently out of the league after a forgettable spell with the Ravens, but his plan to remodel the cornerback room had its ups and downs to say the least.
Signing Nate Hobbs was the big move, costing Green Bay $48m in free agency last offseason. His season never really got off the ground as he dealt with injuries from training camp onwards, and when he was on the field, the results were not what the Packers would have hoped.
Carrington Valentine did not take a step in his third season, and Keisean Nixon continued to be a lightning rod of conversation within the fanbase (even if his overall performance was nowhere near as bad as many think).
All that has meant cornerback is back in the spotlight for the Packers ahead of the 2026 season, with fans wondering what Gutekunst will do to augment the position.
Do not be surprised if the answer is: not much.
The primary reason for this could be that before the Micah Parsons injury, the cornerbacks as a collective, along with Green Bay’s wider pass coverage as an entire unit, was more than getting the job done.
They essentially built the corner room on the basis that they would be playing behind Parsons, and that would allow them to play more aggressively and not have to cover as long. It worked until Parsons went down. He should be back early in the 2026 season to make their lives easier.
Looking at the personnel specifically, it is difficult to see any of the Packers’ primary corners not being on the roster in 2026.
Whatever you think of Nixon, his contract is a steal for a starting corner, and he is a passable starting corner in the right circumstances.
It is not like Gutekunst to bail on a big free agent investment after one year, and the Packers likely feel Hobbs never really got the chance to properly show what he can do in 2025. It would be a bit surprising if they moved on so early. Valentine is on a cheap contract and should stay, too.
Javon Bullard took a jump in the slot in his second season, so Green Bay does not desperately need to add there.
Gutekunst may look at the overall situation and ask Jonathan Gannon to see what he can get out of the group. The Packers do not have unlimited resources to dive back into the cornerback market in free agency, and they also may not be blessed with options.
Where Green Bay absolutely does need to make an investment at cornerback though is in the draft.
They have not taken one in the first three rounds since 2021, when they picked Eric Stokes in round one. Before that, the only other early picks were Alexander and Josh Jackson in Gutekunst’s first year.
A relatively early pick at corner should certainly be on the checklist for this draft, but it will be more difficult without a first round pick, and they arguably have more pressing needs in terms of immediate impact players, like on the defensive line.
They could take a shotgun approach and draft multiple corners throughout the draft, hoping at least one hits. Regardless though, how likely is it that a rookie picked outside the top 50 is able to walk through the door and displace one of the existing starters?
Perhaps the heightened sense of urgency in a championship window motivates Gutekunst to make more sweeping changes at cornerback this offseason, but do not be shocked if the only additions are a draft pick or two.
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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres
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Comments (80)
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 10:14 am
This is a deep draft for CBs.
He won't sign Nixon again.
If there isn't a run on CBs.
His first two picks should be a CB.
He should take a NT in the 4th/5th.
DeMonte Capehart
Harris
Durant
Just several good picks late.
Duneslick
February 02, 2026 at 11:00 am
What about a center
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 11:46 am
Resign Rhyan for $7 million. That's a cheap fix. He is finally valuable at Center and he plays a strong OG too. There are no dominant Centers in this draft. I do like Trey Zuhn-He was All-SEC at LT but plays OG and OC too. He is listed as a Center in the draft.
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 12:25 pm
I'd resign Rhyan.
But draft Pat Grogan out of Ind.
Projected G- and C in the 5th.
Because money is tight.
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 11:48 am
No drafted center would start. period!
jannesbjornson
February 02, 2026 at 12:22 pm
The best will go in Rd One and the top of Rd Two. This is a guy who would light the fuse on a stick of dynamite, thinking it was a candle. Might as well try to get into Rd Two for a couple of picks. I would move on a DT and CB, but he may take another SEC lightweight to play the MLB.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 02, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Nixon is signed through the next season.
Houndog
February 02, 2026 at 10:21 am
"do not be shocked if the only additions are a draft pick or two'!
From Gutekunst, nothing will shock me. I'm just happy he can't screw up more 1st round picks over the next two years!
T7Steve
February 02, 2026 at 10:27 am
To "stand pat" in the NFL means not trying to get better. If you aren't getting better every game let alone between seasons in the NFL, you're falling behind. Not a good recipe for success as far as I'm concerned.
Maybe some of the guys they have can and will improve. Don't think any of them will become faster or more athletic. Some have reached their ceiling and if they can't get better, see above.
dobber
February 02, 2026 at 10:44 am
The bottom line is that behind Valentine, Hobbs, and Nixon, they have very little to work with. It's debatable whether Melton or Hadden was DB4, but with Bullard playing over the slot a lot, neither of them played very much even with Hobbs missing a significant amount of time.
Nixon's complaining about his deal. He's NFL in GB and even if he plays it out, he's got '26 on his deal and that's it. Valentine's entering year 4 and the Packers may not keep him around. Hobbs has been hurt and hasn't been "noteworthy" in a good way.
jannesbjornson
February 02, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Kleen Haus.
PackerBackerAZ
February 02, 2026 at 04:14 pm
The bottom line is: they have very little to work with in Hobbs, Nixon and Valentine. Hobbs and Nixon are better slot than outside corners. Bullard is better than both in the slot. Hobbs is an injury waiting to happen with no outside corner ability. Nixon is a penalty waiting to happen with poor outside corner skills. Valentine has a problem with initiating contact and should only be a backup because of it.
Any corner drafted that has some talent (being able to learn proper techniques and coverage assignments within scheme and implement them correctly) and a demonstrable football mentality (Has a nasty aggressiveness and enjoys hitting and tackling the opponent within the rules) will be better than what the Packers have now.
Guam
February 02, 2026 at 04:23 pm
Both Valentine and Nixon will be free agents after the 2026 season. Gute has a long history of drafting replacements before guys come up for contract renewal. I don't see him deviating from that pattern with CBs. I think he double dips at CB this draft both for depth next year and options in 2026 if Nixon or Valentine want too much money.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 02, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Doesn’t the article point out that they did play better when GB had a functional pass rush? So fix the pass rush and the corners can be more aggressive and cover long enough. Every team wants to improve but has to do it within the salary cap. Every team has weaknesses.
I think if the offense can play better in the second half of games, it will keep the D from getting gassed late in games. That would improve the D at all 3 levels.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 01:26 pm
Any individual perimeter CB, or group thereof, will perform better when a QB has little time to throw. Aside from incompletions and forcing more risk or direct errors, that affects accuracy and also prevents routes developing, shortens coverage time and condenses the field and thus area to be covered. That’s as true of Charles Woodsons as it is of no hopers. It’s not a yardstick of defender quality, more of a truism independent of CB capability.
dobber
February 02, 2026 at 10:34 am
"Where Green Bay absolutely does need to make an investment at cornerback though is in the draft....They could take a shotgun approach and draft multiple corners throughout the draft, hoping at least one hits. Regardless though, how likely is it that a rookie picked outside the top 50 is able to walk through the door and displace one of the existing starters?"
The talk about the Packers scheming to play zone coverage behind 4-man Parsons-led rush packages is about right. Opponents adjusted to it later and were getting the ball out fast and sustaining drives...low-scoring, low-possession games where single mistakes mean more. They can't continue to be bled out this way.
Gannon is supposedly someone who prefers zone coverage, but he needs to be more aggressive up front. I think someone posted that his Philly defenses had a very low blitz rate...someone can correct me if I have that wrong. I hope he adapts, because he's going to need to be creative in his rush until Parsons can play a full slate of snaps.
If the Packers stick with their current 6 picks (and I think they'll trade down a couple times for more draft capital), I wouldn't be surprised to see them take only CB, DL, and OL...maybe they take a LB instead of a second DL (or a TE), but there's no one past Hobbs, Valentine, and Nixon, so at least two NFL bodies would be good. It would be great if they found a gem who could compete to start right away, but hopefully they'd be able to at least push for time or step in when Hobbs gets hurt and then be ready to be regular contributors in '27.
There will likely be a little wiggle room against the cap after the anticipated cuts and restructures are made, and the Packers might be able to find some value-contract vet help at some of those key spots. Remember that Gute will make those kinds of value signings before the draft to help free his hand to chase "opportunities".
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 11:00 am
Gannon blitzed very rarely (31st most often, 17.4%) in his first year, about mid pack (18th) in his second. However, he really did not need to in his first year, as the front 4 were doing it themselves.
He came under fire in year 2 for not getting more aggressive faster when the front 4 were not getting it done nearly as effectively. He was actually well in the top half among blitz rates in the second half of that season.
So what does that tell us for what he may do here? I don’t know, honestly. He likely doesn’t have Parsons to start out. That looks to me like a strong argument for him blitzing furiously based on the current rest of that room.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 11:57 am
"They could take a shotgun approach and draft multiple corners throughout the draft, hoping at least one hits." If this continues to be the plan of action then we might as well plan on a 9-8 record or something close. Teams will continue to exploit our weakness because that's what good offenses do. We are supposed to be a potential Super Bowl contender, not if we keep ignoring the biggest needs on the team.
Drafting players is hit or miss anyway for the most part as evidenced by how many players the Packers have on the team from past drafts. We blew it last year when many above average CB were available to us in the 2nd & 3rd rounds. Expected to find a potential starter after the 4th round is a piss poor approach to fixing the problem. It changes to more of a hit or miss-miss-miss when selecting from the 150-250 group of players.
GreenandBold
February 02, 2026 at 10:36 am
So by default our corners are the new special teams just run them back out there and hope for the best again this season . Bold strategy . Not taking a CB in the first 3 rounds since 21 is another Bold Strategy ( BS) how’s that working out ?
LambeauPlain
February 02, 2026 at 10:45 am
Stokes just had his best season since his rookie year starting all 16 games. Appeared he was finally healthy. No INTs but had 53 tackles, 3 TFLs and 5 PDs.
Gutey needs to have faith Hobbs very poor year was due to year long injury plague and will see a similar rejuvenation in 2026.
But "don't be surprised" if Gannon and Babich, after doing a complete review and analysis of the CB room, convince Gutey they need reinforcements.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 11:05 am
Stokes looked fully recovered and that had to be a factor. However, he also was not playing off zone as opposed to using his length to prevent completions. Remarkable how he looked better doing what he was drafted to do and did as a rookie before Barry went zone and then he got badly hurt.
dblbogey
February 02, 2026 at 11:33 am
Hobbs is strictly a slot receiver. And he has a long history of injuries. Gute apparently was the only guy who thought Hobbs could play outside despite 4 years of tape showing he couldn't, and the only guy who thought giving an average at best Aaron banks $77 million was brilliant strategy.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 12:03 pm
"Stokes just had his best season since his rookie year starting all 16 games." I saw that too Lambeau, he is projected to get a contract in the $9 million per year range.
Hobbs and Banks will last another year because we don't save enough by cutting them, and nobody would trade for either at those prices. Although I did read a crazy article that said Hafley might have interest in trading for Hobbs because of his "versatility."
Unless a bigtime CB or DT fall to #52, I predict a trade back for more picks. That's what I would do this year and would have done last year with #22.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 10:50 am
I’d be shocked if we stand mostly pat on CBs. Firstly we are extremely thin on the 53 and PS. Only Nixon, Hobbs and Valentine have any experience.
Hobbs may or may not be back on merit/contract cost evaluations, but there’s then the additional question of fit. Both he and Hobbs are Hafley type players not prototypical perimeter corners. Do they fit what Gannon will run? Of the depth, Hadden is injured, but he’s also nearest to Nixon in athletic ability and play style. Melton has never played the position in a competitive game.
I think it’s possible Sullivan/Hafley trade for Nixon to kick start his D implementation. Nixon will also be 29 next season. There are also rumors he wants more money. I simply don’t see that happening here, especially post Hafley (another reason why a trade could happen if there’s truth in that). At 29, Nixon won’t be ancient but an at age where building behind him is probably called for at that position and where, if he’s going to get paid, it needs to be now.
The room is going to change, how much and how fast at the top may depend on the D Gannon wants to an considerable extent, as well as their view of how representative of his potential Hobbs season was. I see at least a couple of draft picks in the mid rounds and perhaps a later flyer and redemption candidate or two in later, cheaper FA.
It’s not hard to envisage a season where only Valentine is back (cheap), though 2 of that 3 maybe more likely. It will be interesting to see if Gannon uses a Hafley style slot role too. It’s quite possible we are going to need 3 full time true corners in a default alignment in a quarters style system.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 12:14 pm
If Stokes is projected to get $9 million per year after a solid season in LV, then that is probably the going rate for Nixon too. I wouldn't pay it because he is a head case/instigator.
I didn't read about Hafley having interest in Nixon, but I did read he might have interest in Hobbs. He can have either as far as I am concerned. Wish we had that $12 million back for Hobbs right now. Last year my #1 choice I would have gone after was Paulson Adebo. An actual outside CB that we needed.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 01:08 pm
I’m purely speculating about Hafley wanting Nixon. I don’t want to suggest it’s based on more than that.
I think he was the driver in elevating Nixon and that Hobbs was signed because he was a very similar type of player (though much more athletic in a short area). I could have mentioned Hobbs as a possible trade too, but if the rumors of Nixon wanting money are true, it just seemed a more likely scenario to me. Maybe they want both? That would work for me.
splitpea1
February 02, 2026 at 11:10 am
The Packers have a second and third round pick, and one of those should be used on a boundary CB. This is a position where athletic talent is paramount (more so than many others), so you want a guy that has the necessary prerequisites and a shorter developmental curve to be able to step in and start if needed. Hopefully we'll be selecting someone with more polished technique than the straight-line speed talent of Stokes.
It's been suggested that Gute may opt to trade down out of the higher picks to get more draft capital, but I am very opposed to this. Without a first-round pick, we should be trying to get the best players available and not adding extra to our collection of developmental players (especially on the IDL!!).
Tundraboy
February 02, 2026 at 07:29 pm
Yes , absolutely. It is time to shop for new core players that can see the field immediately not volume bargain shopping. No more projects for a while please.
Ferrari-Driver
February 02, 2026 at 11:28 am
"...when they picked Eric Stokes in round one."
Mark, are you trying to ruin our day?
HarryHodag
February 02, 2026 at 11:40 am
Gute often picks players to fill in for a departing player in upcoming years. Nixon is a free agent in 2027. He very likely could get a nice contract elsewhere. Then what?
My bet today, in early February, is Gute takes a cornerback in either the second or third rounds. I'm also not sure he's going to keep Hobbs around. A couple of cap gurus said Hobbs' deal with the Packers has an 'out' for Green Bay after the first year. I'm not so sure the Packers are set at corner.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 01:34 pm
Hobbs’ contract would be a lot of dead money (12 million) unless it’s designated after June 1. Then it sort of becomes doable. However, we only get 2 such designations. One may well be needed to move on from Gary and the other might be needed for Banks. Both of whom would hurt more otherwise. Possible, but hardly a given.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 11:42 am
It would almost be a crime if GB ignores the CB position again this year. Is having a below average CB room going to be the norm in GB? Parsons really impacts the entire defense, and he was well worth what we gave up for him. Our first round picks have been underwhelming for the most part anyway, so why not get an actual difference maker.
Even if we had waited until the 2nd round last year, 1/2 of the Top 10 CBs were still available. Belton, who I liked in the 3rd or 4th round, should not have been the pick. Shavon Revel, an intriguing big CB with a first-round grade by some, fell to our 4th round pick. He had been mocked to the Packers alot early on and would have been a fabulous steal instead of Sorrell, and the Edge room was full at that point. The Cowboys got a STEAL in the 4th round for Revel.
To advance farther in the playoffs requires fixing all the holes on the team. We did a great job with the Safety & WR groups. I thought the TE group was a strength also but was concerned that GB depending on Musgrave could be a monumental mistake if Kraft went down. GB lost that gamble.
Fix the biggest problems with the premium picks, CB & DT. I did in this Mock:
52. Chris Johnson-CB San Diego State
84. Domonique Orange-DT Iowa State
120. Daylen Everette-CB Georgia
158. Trey Zuhn III-OC Texas A&M
199.DJ Campbell-OG Texas
236. Kendal Daniels-LB Oklahoma
254. Sam Roush-TE Stanford
257. Diego Pounds-OT Ole Miss
Turophile
February 02, 2026 at 11:59 am
Nice picks. I especially like a double-dip at CB - and adding an excellent blocking TE in Roush, late in the draft, though I think he's a 5th or 6th rounder.
Other, or alternative holes that could be fixed somewhere: Kicker, PR/KR, Edge. The first two might be filled with UDFAs.
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 12:09 pm
52. Chris Johnson-CB San Diego State
Speed is 4.55 and questionable top end speed.
Gutes had too many fail at Nickel back.
Gute loves 4.3/ 4.4 guys at CB.
Daylen Everette-CB Georgia. is
climbing after the senior bowl
He's 3rd currently, and could go second
after the combine.
Orange is early 3rd.
Tim Keenen NT Al/// is a better run stuffer.
But you need stats better than Raji.
If you take a dT.
You won't get a guy to collapse the pocket.
They go in rd 1.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 12:21 pm
I don't think Johnson will last until #52 anyway Stock. I can see a small trade back there to gain a couple picks.
I like the Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun-6'2 200 lbs runs 4.3s he could be there at #70
Tacario Davis & Stukes from Arizona
The TE I picked won't last that long either.
Orange is a run stuffer/pocket pusher-exactly what we need
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 12:28 pm
OK will see.
sugarbair
February 02, 2026 at 03:45 pm
Igbinosun, is a pass interference walking. Stay away from him.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 06:36 pm
What he is 6'2 200 lbs 4.3 40 and a tackling machine for Ohio State. He can be coached out of the penalties.
Canam73
February 03, 2026 at 10:28 am
We should definitely pick up an OT named Diego Pounds.
Packers0808
February 02, 2026 at 11:48 am
Joe Barry hired by Hafley.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 12:08 pm
As LB coach (and run game coordinator). I’m not sure about the run defense part, but he’s been a good ILB coach over his career. Better than Duggan, his new DC, appeared to be here last year.
bjkdad44
February 02, 2026 at 09:34 pm
😂😂
Leatherhead
February 02, 2026 at 11:49 am
I think that Gutekunst is wary of spending high draft picks on DBs. Alexander, Stokes, and Savage haven't been as productive as the guys we got in FA, and on the Day 3 of the draft.
We have Nixon, Valentine, and Hobbs under contract. We normally only play two, sometimes three. I'm not seeing what would compel Gutekunst to take a CB early in this draft.
stockholder
February 02, 2026 at 12:20 pm
The OL is the key.
If he keeps them intact.
(Which I doubt)
He won't draft the OL until later.
Nixon, Valentine, and Hobbs
are done after this year.
Gute has to draft their replacements.
This is the reason Nixon wants to
renegotiate his contract.
jannesbjornson
February 02, 2026 at 07:51 pm
There is no Doug Evans, or Newsome on this squad. No Homegrown talent at the CB. Valentine can play the ball somewhat, but is poor in route recognition, read & react and actually trying to tackle somebody. His inability to stay focused in crunch time is telling. The Hobbs deal really hurt the order. Bullard over Bullock, or Kam Kinchens, or even Cole Bishop puts you behind the eight ball.
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 12:24 pm
I don't know, NEED maybe. Our CB room is very weak.
Turophile
February 02, 2026 at 11:52 am
While the Packers haven't used high picks at DB recently, go back a little further in time and it was a position selected both high in the draft and often. Between 2015 and 2021 they picked up Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins, Kevin King, Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, Darnell Savage and Eric Stokes. The results were to put it politely, spotty.
I'm thinking a threefold approach to fix what might be the weakest unit on the team....and we are talking CB here, not Safety.
First. Have another go at getting a vet CB - Hobbs didn't work as he is a slot corner only and Bullard is a better, more aggresive option.
Second. Invest a day 2 CB pick in the draft (for example: Keith Abney II, Brandon Cisse, Chris Johnson, Daylen Everette, Will Lee III, Malik Muhammad). There should be several options here.
Third. Add a late (7th round) developmental pick to bring on over time, someone with the physical tools but inexperienced (for example Tony Grimes, Denver Harris, Fred Davis II, all are 6'0" and all can run in the 4.3's).
golfpacker61
February 02, 2026 at 01:50 pm
Wow, that list of draft picks is sad other than Alexander. I think it is very dangerous to draft any player at any position who is a one-year wonder. Multiple years of solid production and growth are more important than underwear Olympics and R A S. Being a Hawkeye fan, that is exactly what Josh Jackson was, a 1-year wonder. Stokes wasn't even the best CB on his Georgia team. Damarious Randle was an early example of the Packers drafting a player to play another position, it didn't work and rarely does. I wonder how many others on this list fit the 1 year wonder profile?
Unless a Top 5 CB drops to #52, I would move back 10 spots, get extra picks, and draft a CB there.
stockholder
February 03, 2026 at 05:49 am
Third - Nice picks - I have
Tony Grimes - Purdue CB.
Fred Davis. - Northwestern senior bowl
Andre Fuller. - Toledo east west shrine
lou
February 02, 2026 at 12:30 pm
The 2 starters played solid the first half of the season, Nixon actually led for a time in pass breakups and Valentine's best asset is man coverage. The reasons for this was obvious it was the pressure put on the QB by Parsons, Gary, and Wyatt and Cooper's ability to cover in the middle of the field. Looking forward one would expect if they can get the same level of play from the D-Line and Edge rushers again our 2 starting CB's can be productive.
On the other hand our GM trying to beat the system again by projecting that Hobb's could be a boundary corner without showing that ability to date means that they will need to acquire at least one CB who has shown that ability. Normally you could move Hobb's to slot CB but that would mean sitting an ascending young player who has proven himself - Bullard.
GregC
February 02, 2026 at 12:43 pm
I agree with the author that Nixon is not nearly as bad as most fans think he is. He seems about average to me. Same for Valentine. You don't want to settle for average, but there are other priorities, mainly defensive tackle. If the Packers pick a DT in the second or third round of the draft, as I think they should, that leaves only one more day two pick. A CB would be nice, but what if there is better value with an offensive lineman? Or if there is a steal to be had at some other position, for that matter? Should they still reach for a CB? Maybe not. I didn't love the Belton pick last year, and I really didn't like the Savion Williams pick, but this is where we are at because of those decisions.
Coldworld
February 02, 2026 at 01:19 pm
Nixon is good in some scenarios and bad in others. He’s great facing the QB, not great tracking. That’s not a starting perimeter DB in most defenses. It was clearly an element of Hafley’s. He used the plus run support skills heavily and hoped to force shorter throws. That unraveled when there was no rush in both seasons.
However, in a quarters system deeper coverage moved to more route coverage than area policing. Nixon (and Hadden) likely lack the change of direction abilities to pull that off. They are more slots if that’s true. One can’t have a room with 3 slots (plus Bullard) and 1 perimeter player on Valentine (unless Melton really does break out). Something has to give.
PackBacker
February 02, 2026 at 01:12 pm
We just saw the same cast of characters at the top renewed for several more seasons. So unfortunately, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised.
Turophile
February 02, 2026 at 01:25 pm
Well, the coaches under LaFleur have had huge changes from the defensive coordinator on down.
Now, i'll grant you these changes were brought about more by the loss of Hafley and the repercussions arising from that, but it is still the most significant shakeup for years.
While you might not be enamoured of LaFleur and Gute, I'm not sure there was anyone out there in this coaching cycle that was better. There WERE lots of choices this year, but not a slam-dunk better option. No good tossing guys out if you can't find better.
PackBacker
February 02, 2026 at 05:18 pm
I understand what you're saying. But Lafleur was essentially an unknown when he was hired. Hafley was essentially an unknown when he was hired. And there are still plenty of other essentially unknowns out there who are at least as qualified to be a head coach in the NFL as Lafleur was when he was hired. So, my question is how many more first round playoff exits will we need to see until someone else actually is hired.
Turophile
February 03, 2026 at 09:57 am
I'd say maybe two. You obviously think the Packers have no chance at a SB with LaFleur, I disagree.
The real question is whether we have a better chance with a new HC or with LaFleur. you want a new guy, I'll stick with the current guy for another 2 seasons.
Leatherhead
February 03, 2026 at 10:51 am
We're going to be able to look at Baltimore and Buffalo this year and see how firing a competent coach worked for them.
I'd be willing to bet a six pack of Pabst that none of the new coaches makes it to the Super Bowl this year.
ThinkBig
February 02, 2026 at 01:22 pm
Wow the Packers went into the season planning on the corners we have because of Parsons? We didn't trade for Parsons until the week before the start of the season! The first couple of games looked great & then the teams adjusted & they mostly sucked the rest of the year. Hafley failed to adjust throughout the year as evidenced by our number 23 ranking in time of possession. Gutenkunst has been a disaster on drafting CB's in the first or 2nd round.....he learned well on drafting injury prone players & busts from his mentor Ted Thompson.
There were lot's off opportunities to pick up a veteran CB throughout the season....but = NOPE. Hobbs has been a bust with his play & Gute knew of his injury history on the Raiders! Nixon started great & then showed flashes & disappeared. Diggs is a much better option than either of these players. Cut Hobbs & offer Nixon a restructured contract or show him the door. You keep spouting that we are the youngest team in the league...get some Veterans.....there were plenty of corners & defensive tackles that could have made a difference. I'm tired of watching our DB's play 12 yards off the line with 3 or 5 yards for a first down....on to many occasions the Hafley defense folded & it killed the Packers again in the second half in the playoffs!
Oh & our Special teams that are truly SPECIAL & SUCK..... FIRE Rich Basaccia.....what the hell are the Packers waiting for???
In closing look at the two teams in this years Superbowl....both great defenses that made substantial additions in the offseason & drafted players that start or play right away....not sit on the bench & develop like Gary & LVN & Morgan & Golden. Oh & for the last 5 years top Defensive teams that pressure the QB have been in the SUPER BOWL..... Rant over (for now)
Turophile
February 02, 2026 at 01:28 pm
@ThinkBig.
I think you need to "think more positive". It's better for your blood pressure.
GregC
February 02, 2026 at 02:08 pm
No, the author did not say that the Packers went into the season planning on the corners they have because of Parsons. Maybe read more carefully next time.
Hard to complain about the Packers not making substantial additions to their defense when they completed the biggest trade in years in the entire NFL to get Micah Parsons.
Celise...
February 02, 2026 at 04:56 pm
"They essentially built the corner room on the basis that they would be playing behind Parsons, and that would allow them to play more aggressively and not have to cover as long."
this sounds to me like your the one who should read more carefully. "built on the basis they would be playing behind Parsons" ... explain what you think that means
ThinkBig
February 02, 2026 at 07:46 pm
Celise, you saved me the reply.
GregC
February 03, 2026 at 05:47 am
Ugh, I missed that, I'm sorry. He buried it in the middle of the article, and it is so obviously untrue that I assumed he did not write it. The corner room was built before the Parsons trade, of course.
TarynsEyes
February 02, 2026 at 01:56 pm
Why should anyone be surprised if GB stands pat when they do everything possible to achieve status quo mediocrity and, for some unknown reason, arouse 'hope' for change and growth every season?
Leatherhead
February 02, 2026 at 05:08 pm
Making the playoffs every year is mediocrity?
TarynsEyes
February 02, 2026 at 05:30 pm
Making the playoffs as a success goal becomes mediocrity when you're booted out in the first round nearly every year. Other playoff teams don't worry about you. If the playoffs add another seed, will it still be a success by claiming that 8th seed? How many lower rungs down a ladder will you support before you realize the issues in GB and mediocrity being a norm? How sure are you that Love will be able to get through that window before he isn't what you think him to be now? The years go by fast.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 02, 2026 at 05:51 pm
They weren’t booted out in the first round in ‘23. They were a score away from the NFC Championship game. Last year they lost in the first round. This year it was difficult to make the playoffs with the injuries to several top players. But it’s not like you frame it.
Packers0808
February 02, 2026 at 03:31 pm
Don't surprised if they don't!
SDPack
February 02, 2026 at 03:36 pm
Our pass defense was ranked 11th and our rush defense was ranked 18th during the regular season. There is logic to this article. With a healthy Parsons and a better scheme to unleash Cooper, our boundary CBs will have more support, not to mention our very strong nickel and safeties.
By far, the more pressing need for this team is interior run defense. Teams wore us out in the 4th quarter between the tackles. With Walker likely gone and no true nose guard on the roster, it will only get worse. I would expect the Packers to prioritize a massive interior anchor for their D-line in the draft. If we can be stout against the run, and our pass rush returns, the CB deficiencies will can be managed. I would draft a big DT at 2, an OL at 3, and then grab a couple CBs to develop.
Turophile
February 02, 2026 at 04:07 pm
I wouldn't go as far as to say a run stopping DT/NT is 'by far' the greater need, but it is as important as upgrading the CB room. The Ravens game showed why we need to get better at DT.
Although Gute is one of the hardest GMs to predict on draft day, I'm expecting DT and CB to be the day 2 picks. An O lineman might throw a monkey wrench into the gears by being taken early, but my money is on DT and CB.
WestCoastPackerBacker
February 02, 2026 at 05:53 pm
Those are the two thinnest positions on the roster.
SDPack
February 02, 2026 at 09:35 pm
I can see what you are describing playing out. The reason why I say nose guard is by far the biggest need is because we do not possess a starting caliber one on our roster. We have some CBs that have starting capability…not shutdown guys…but serviceable. We have nobody at nose that can push the line of scrimmage. No game wrecker. Teams easily ripped 5+ yard runs at us on 1st downs. Perhaps Gutey can find a reasonably priced space eater in free agency at nose but the cap is tight without mortgaging the future.
Leatherhead
February 03, 2026 at 10:53 am
Scoring points. We need to score 100 more points before we're in the Super Bowl discussion. How are we going to do that?
Oxymoron 3339
February 03, 2026 at 04:08 pm
I agree we need to score more points. A great way to do that is by having your D get 3rd down stops.
Improving at CB can help.
bjkdad44
February 02, 2026 at 09:24 pm
I think Nixon will hold out?!?!
stockholder
February 03, 2026 at 04:33 am
Trade him and sign Newsome II
Rebelgb
February 03, 2026 at 11:29 am
Teams have been drafting starter ready cornerbacks for years now. Its not unlikely we will use our #2 pick for a starting CB. Look for us to make a move or two to acquire another 2nd or 3rd round pick, or to move up in round 2 if a starting caliber CB is on the board.
Rebelgb
February 04, 2026 at 10:15 am
LOL a downvote? Were the facts too hard to swallow?
Oxymoron 3339
February 03, 2026 at 04:09 pm
Not a big fan of our O Line. If we can improve OL & CB that would be nice.
golfpacker61
February 05, 2026 at 07:44 am
"After avoiding the position for the past few years following Jalen Ramsey's departure, the Rams are now faced with an unavoidable problem that must be resolved. It would be malpractice for general manager Les Snead to ignore the concern once more. More size, physicality, proper technique, and discipline are needed at cornerback in Los Angeles, and one direction they could go to find that is in this year's NFL Draft, specifically through last week's Senior Bowl."
This so easily could be a statement about the Packers CB room, or lack thereof. Substitute Jaire Alexanders nane for Ramsey and everything else aligns. It has to be addressed early where the best talent is.