Should the Packers Part Ways with Nate Hobbs This Offseason?
By GilMartin
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst signed free agent cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract last offseason. However, Hobbs’ first season in Green Bay proved to be a disappointment. Now, the Packers have a decision to make about Hobbs and whether they should part ways with him during the offseason or he should return for a second year in Green and Gold.
Hobbs spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Raiders. The former Illinois star played his best football in the slot although he could occasionally play boundary corner as well. He often struggled with injuries during his time with the Raiders. He was hardly considered a ball hawk and only intercepted three total passes in his first four seasons with the team.
When Gutekunst signed Hobbs, he projected that not only could Hobbs play in the slot, but he could become a steady contributor on the boundary as well. Gutekunst knew that Jaire Alexander was unlikely to return to Gren Bay in 2025. When healthy, Alexander was the team’s top cover corner. Clearly, reinforcements were needed at cornerback and Gutekunst believed Hobbs would add experienced depth and versatility to the position.
Unfortunately, Hobbs’ first season in Green Bay didn’t go as planned. He suffered a knee injury in training camp. The Packers and Hobbs opted for surgery with the hope he would be ready to play by Week 1 of the regular season. That meant Hobbs would miss the rest of the preseason and training camp. That was valuable time that would have helped him get comfortable in the Packers defense.
Ultimately, Hobbs returned for Week 2 although he was on a play count. Other nagging injuries hampered his play throughout the season. Hobbs played 11 games for the Packers and started five. He did not record an interception and made 27 total tackles while breaking up two passes. He was on the field for just 48 percent of the Packers defensive snaps in the games he played.
According to pro-football-reference.com, opposing quarterbacks completed 65.5 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Hobbs and had a quarterback rating of 111.1. Pro Football Focus gave Hobbs good grades for playing the run, but below average marks in pass coverage. He ranked below the top half of qualified cornerbacks, overall.
The Packers tried playing Hobbs on the boundary, but he struggled there. That essentially left him as a man without a job. Javon Bullard played well in the slot and deserved to play over Hobbs. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine played better than Hobbs on the boundary.
Hobbs carries a cap hit of $12.8 million dollars in 2026. That’s a lot of money for a player who would be the team’s third best slot corner (behind Bullard and Nixon) and third best boundary corner. Keep in mind this is before the Packers make any additions in the draft and free agency.
The Packers would save less than $900,000 in cap money if they release Hobbs, so the cap savings wouldn’t be substantial. But the veteran cornerback is owed a $6.25 million roster bonus shortly after the start of the new league year in March if he’s still on the team. If the Packers release him before then, they obviously won’t have to pay him that money.
The key question that Gutekunst has to answer regarding Hobbs is whether injuries were the biggest reason for his disappointing season or if he just lacks the skill set to thrive on the boundary. If the team has confidence he can still be a quality starter on the boundary, he’s worth keeping around for another year. If not, if makes little sense to allow a depth player to take up nearly $13 million in cap space and to give him more than $6 million in bonus money when there are must cheaper alternatives.
The Packers are expected to address cornerback in the draft this year and may also add another free agent. Unless they are confident that 2025 was an anomaly for Hobbs, parting ways with him makes more sense and the team should just cut their losses and move on.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHEESEHEAD NATION WEEKLY NEWSLETTER HERE.
__________________________
You can follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
__________________________
Comments (51)
GreenandBold
February 14, 2026 at 10:17 am
I have to ask Why ? Why was he signed in the first place ? Gary picked at 12 ? All of these decisions have come back to haunt the Packers and their fans . Yet Gute lives on in Green Bay to do more roster damage . How many seasons will it take to recover when he is finally shown the door ?
Oxymoron 3339
February 14, 2026 at 11:57 am
Amen
Gute got to go
dblbogey
February 15, 2026 at 04:21 pm
Gute has made some great free agent moves/trades - Adrian Amos played very well for us, McKinney and Josh Jacobs were great additions. Getting Micah Parsons was a great trade.
BUT, I gave no idea why he gave an average guard (Banks) with a history of missing 4-5 games a year, top 6 money, and then brought in Hobbs, another injury history player who had already proven beyond any doubt that he is strictly a nickel corner, but Gute apparently decided, despite the evidence, that he could play outside. Too many mistakes in the draft. I'd been in Gute's corner but I really wish Wolf was our GM.
Brushwolf
February 17, 2026 at 12:57 pm
I used to look forward to waiting, watching for who we would pick #1. It seems best to perhaps just trade it away towards a proven talent (see Mr Parsons). Save the dillema of having to pick up an expensive option with another 'project' waiting to develop.
Since'75
February 18, 2026 at 03:52 pm
That's why i had no problem shipping out 2 #1's for Parsons.
In light of Gute's draft history, you're not giving up that much.
Parsons is a leader, and most important, a difference maker.
The Packers don't have many of them.
A few are paid like it, but.....
Guam
February 14, 2026 at 10:38 am
The cap savings just isn't enough to give up on Hobbs yet. Cut him and you need to find a third CB and you can't come close to replacing a third CB for $900k. He was also playing with injuries for much of the 2025 season and that can hurt a player's ability to compete. I think he gets next year to prove whether he is worth his contract or not. If he doesn't play better in 2026 then cut him after next season. Same discussion for Aaron Banks - injuries can rob a player of the ability to compete effectively. There is a very fine line between success and failure in the NFL.
Bitternotsour
February 14, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Still think Gary played injured for a good portion of the year
Guam
February 14, 2026 at 05:04 pm
I honestly wish/hope that is the case because otherwise the second half of the season is really not a good look for Gary. Gute even commented the Gary's second half of the season was not as good and didn't mention an injury as a reason why. Hmm......
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:49 am
Injuries = apologist.
If we don't freaking know what Gary is, after 7 seasons in the NFL.
God help us all.
I know exactly what Gary is, he's a 'slightly' above average edge rusher, who gets paid like an elite edge rusher.
He's also a player who never reached his 'potential'.
Whether it was in college, or the pro's, period.
THAT...is who Rashan Gary is.
dblbogey
February 15, 2026 at 04:27 pm
I'd be happy with Rashan's career, had he been a late 2nd round pick.
dobber
February 14, 2026 at 12:48 pm
"The cap savings just isn't enough to give up on Hobbs yet. "
I think you're right. They need some depth...but I think they draft two CBs and if one comes in round 2--and if they like him enough---Bullard as the primary slot makes Hobbs' grasp on a roster spot tenuous, if only clear him off the cap.
"Same discussion for Aaron Banks - injuries can rob a player of the ability to compete effectively."
True, but you've got to have guys who can play at less than 100%, though, too.
Guam
February 14, 2026 at 05:01 pm
In today's more injury conscious NFL, guys tend not to play hurt as much. Bruised yes, but actual injuries usually bring on the sub. Banks had actual injuries and tried to play through them (probably because the Packer O-line was so damn thin on depth) and didn't do well. He did play better when healthier in the later part of the season.
I also think the Packers draft two CBs including one on day two. Hobbs will need to put up or shut up next season.
dblbogey
February 15, 2026 at 04:26 pm
Hobbs when healthy is a decent slot corner. I'd keep him one more year as the #2 slot corner given the contract. We could move on from Banks without too big a salary cap hit after 2026 if he continues to be mediocre at best.
stockholder
February 14, 2026 at 11:44 am
Keep him. And draft his back-up.
Treydan Stukes CB Arz.
Hobbs is still tradable.
golfpacker61
February 14, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Jesus yes, at least try to trade him.
ricky
February 14, 2026 at 11:56 am
Once again the Packers thought they could fit a square peg in a round hole. Hobbs was best in the slot, but the team decided he'd be fine on the boundary. That didn't work. Add in the injuries, and the unintentional insult that Valentine and Nixon were both better pass defenders, and Gutekunst made a mistake. Either admit the mistake and move on, or compound it by being stubborn. I'd opt for moving on.
The real question being, in the upcoming draft, are the Packers going to continue their habit of drafting "potential" or are they going to go for immediate, plug and play football players?
golfpacker61
February 14, 2026 at 01:02 pm
"The former Illinois star played his best football in the slot although he could occasionally play boundary corner as well. He often struggled with injuries during his time with the Raiders. He was hardly considered a ball hawk and only intercepted three total passes in his first four seasons with the team."
This is just mind boggling to me. We needed a true BOUNDARY CB, instead we pay $12 million for a Slot CB that is only 3rd best on our team. It really sucks because there are a fair amount of solid, young, cheap, CBs available this year. The 2 Seattle CBs are great and projected to get under $10 million per year.
I have scoured the free agent CB market for every team and there are probably a dozen who would be better suited for GB than Hobbs and all were projected to make less than $2 million per year. These are players who have a lot of starting experience and solid production. If I can find these, GBs scouting dept surely can do the same.
I am for moving on from Hobbs and calling it for what it was. a colossal, expensive, F---ing mistake. Try to trade him or just cut him. Keeping him means he misses 1/2 the year again with injuries as has been his M O.
There are 1/2 dozen solid draft CBs that GB could select between #52 & #72. Trade back for more picks and start the draft with a CB, LIKE WE SHOULD HAVE DONE LAST YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lou
February 14, 2026 at 01:08 pm
His contract at the start of the league new year contains a $6.25M roster bonus, Banks is at $9.5M on the same day if they are on the roster (OTA's haven't even started). With what both contributed last season that is equivalent to a ransome note. In addiition to poor play when on the field he had a history of not being available with the Raiders.
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:38 am
^ Damn straight ^
PhantomII
February 14, 2026 at 01:48 pm
Improve the DL and DE positions will...If healthy make him look better than he is...Trade him after that has been accomplished next season.
HarryHodag
February 14, 2026 at 02:44 pm
I see the 'fire everybody' crowd still is carping about things that won't happen for a long time.
In asking for Gute to be fired then please deny:
Jordan Love, Micah Parsons, Josh Jacobs, Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Zach Tom, D.Wyatt, Rashan Gary(decent player in a slump), Jayden Reed, Quay Walker, E.Cooper, X. McKinney, K. Nixon. Malik Willis, Rasheed Walker, K. Enagbare, Evan Williams,Sean Rhyan, Brook and Wooden, McManu and Whelan(might be the best punter in the NFL)
There are other players but I hope you get the point. I would venture a bet that if any of the players above became available they would be snapped up.
It's really tiring to read the short-sighted analysis that by simply firing everyone when things aren't 100 percent then things will automatically get better. With some roster tweaking this is a team that can and will compete for the division title. If you can't see that, well, the Bears and Vikings would love to have you.
sugarbair
February 15, 2026 at 10:15 am
I see one "All Pro" on your list.
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:18 am
I don't see a lot of Pro Bowlers in there either.
What i do see, is some 'starters'
Congrats Gute.....lol
**********
Signing already 'proven' free agent players, doesn't take an elite talent evaluator, it takes a big enough check.
************
"Rashan Gary(decent player in a slump)"
Funny how a 'decent' player, receives 'elite' money.
*******
Harry....you forgot Nate Hobbs and Aaron Banks on that list.
Simple oversight....i'm sure.
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:23 am
Harry, to be fair.....
Now make a list of all the draft flops and mismanagement decisions
That is a long list also my friend 😲🤷♂️
lou
February 15, 2026 at 04:41 pm
Your post is very valid and we all know a couple of good games early and everyone will be jumping back on the band wagon. However, I think what we have seen in the last three years as loyal fans that have led to the unusual amount of posts for coaching and scouting personnel change is the fact that the down ward spiral for the first time in a long time added some embarrassment to the fan base and we have not seen that in a long time. Yes we have lost some close ones but not in recent memory consistently with big leads. Lets hope for a great draft and some veteran additions to key areas.
Starrbrite
February 15, 2026 at 09:51 pm
Agree with Harry—a good group.
GreenandBold
February 14, 2026 at 03:01 pm
Watching the MNF game Jets vs Packers from 1973 in Milwaukee . The corners for the Packers were Ken Ellis and Willie Buchanan !
lou
February 14, 2026 at 03:52 pm
Ellis was extremely under rated, he was a really good CB and excellent kick returner. Had Buchanon not broken the same leg twice he would have been a Hall Of Famer. Dan Devine used his San Diego State film when he was a rookie for teaching purposes and upset the veterans but they soon found out how good Willie was. Besides blanket coverage he would come up and force like Adderley. Interesting that the Packer players called him Buck (huge Buck Buchanon was a star defensive end at that time with the Chiefs).
PackEyedOptimist
February 15, 2026 at 05:39 am
Interesting story:
Ken Ellis came to my high school to talk to the athletes; I think it was 1972.
He challenged them to pit their/our fastest guy in a race where Ellis would run backwards.
Our conference champion sprinter ran against him, and Ellis JUST beat him.
I wasn't there for it, but heard all about it.
KenEllis
February 15, 2026 at 10:03 am
KenEllis is among the most underrated Packer players ever … and Willie Buchanan may be even more underrated.
lou
February 15, 2026 at 04:48 pm
I remember in the NFL Championship Game that we lost Ellis early in the game, he signaled for a fair catch and the Redskins Bill Malanchak levelled him anyway and he left with a shoulder separation. Malanchak was one of George Allen's long time veterans who only played special teams and several scribes believed Allen had him do this on purpose to get him off the corner - whether true or not it worked because the passing game opened up after it occurred.
The bigger issue was Devine kept trying to run with Brockington and Lane because he did not have confidence in Scott Hunters arm.
PatrickGB
February 14, 2026 at 05:45 pm
Us fans are disappointed over the end of the season. I get that. I am too. The “fire everyone” crowd is out and loud. I would like to see him play healthy with a new defense before I add my voice to that crowd.
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:15 am
They fired no one....lol
Just the opposite, extensions and raises for everyone, just like back in the 70's and 80's.
We have a ton of food (money). Everyone eats!!
Snap the ball
February 15, 2026 at 03:58 am
I think Gutey was drinking when he signed him to that much money. Ok to sign him. But. Not that much.
Gutey is not even close on his picks around 35-38 percent of his picks are good on average
Last year around 15 percent
After sitting back a few weeks MLf beat the bears twice speical teams let us down. Big time
Gutey hasn’t give MLf enough goods. Going back to Rodger’s days. What a waste. Not signing another receiver and Love still would have been on the board
Schidener Seattle Gm. May not win division every year. But when he gets into the playoffs usually have the team to get to the big dance.
I’m still getting over 49 ers loss when Jimmy G. Couldn’t throw more than 10 yards because he was hurt. And old speical teams raised its head. 10 guys on the field with the blocked punt
Omg
Snap the ball
February 15, 2026 at 04:13 am
Gary looked slow in training camp. Going through the motions. It’s all about staying healthy so the pay check keeps rolling in
He learned that from Kenny Clark the year before
Healthy keep playing sub par. And the check keeps coming
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 10:10 am
"It’s all about staying healthy so the pay check keeps rolling in"
Exactly!!
This is why you see players tackle poorly.
Tramon Williams comes to mind.
Who can forget Keisean Nixon's "i want no part of that tackle"
***********
To be fair...a lot of players go through the motions in training camp.
Especially veterans and/or players in a contract year.
The same reason why most starters don't play much, or at all, in pre-season.
The same reason the Pro Bowl is now flag football.
golfpacker61
February 15, 2026 at 07:46 am
I just read one of those "10 trades likely to happen before the 2026 draft" articles. I was very surprised to see Nate Hobbs name in there. They said in the article that if GB paid the $6.5 million bonus that Hobbs would be easy and attractive to trade. Slot CB is a big need for some teams and Hobbs salary would be low enough it would be attractive. Plus they could just cut him in 2027. The Cowboys would be an interested team and if they filled their Slot CB need, they could focus on other needs in the draft. Maybe there is hope to get rid of him.
mrtundra
February 15, 2026 at 08:06 am
Just like the OL players, playing out of their "normal" positions, Hobbs was forced to play CB on the outside, rather than in the slot, which is his strong suit. I know Bullard is our Slot DB, but Hobbs should have been able to play there, once in a while. Can Bullard play outside? We seem to get players, who are not playing at their best positions, and expect them to be as good as if they are playing their best positions.
jannesbjornson
February 15, 2026 at 09:36 am
Bullard was the wrong pick in the '24 draft. He's not a ballhawk.
stockholder
February 15, 2026 at 10:02 am
DeJean was.
golfpacker61
February 15, 2026 at 02:36 pm
Just by adding Cooper DeJean, how different our CB dilemma would look right now. Throw in just one CB in the first 3 rounds last year, when it was arguably the Packers biggest need, and our CB room would look a hell of a lot better right now. We could actually focus on OL & DL and the outlook in GB would be totally different.
Two players we missed on that will forever make me and all Packer fans pissed, Cooper DeJean & Creed Humphrey.
Since'75
February 15, 2026 at 09:28 am
"When Gutekunst signed Hobbs, he projected that not only could Hobbs play in the slot, but he could become a steady contributor on the 'boundary' as well"
"The Packers tried playing Hobbs on the boundary, but he struggled there."
"The key question that Gutekunst has to answer regarding Hobbs is...."
Does Gute know what he's doing?
************
11 games, 14 solo tackles, 2 passes defended. O picks = 18 million dollars
If they keep him, add another 6 million within 3 weeks.
ONLY IN AMERICA
canadapacker
February 15, 2026 at 04:22 pm
Give it up 75
Since'75
February 17, 2026 at 06:44 am
What...pointing out facts?
Fine!.....pass the Kool Aid
sugarbair
February 15, 2026 at 11:17 am
I have read a number of comments on why we should keep player A or player B because the cap savings would be small. Plus where would we find a starter at that salary. We have a small window with Parsons in his prime. Keeping any veteran and ignoring performance would just be wrong. Gute created this and he has to fix it. Probably has two off seasons too do it. Start by watching the March roster bonuses. 2027 season will tell the story.
Since'75
February 18, 2026 at 03:31 pm
I mostly agree
But curious, what do you think the Packers should do with Gary and Jenkins?
canadapacker
February 15, 2026 at 03:07 pm
Keep him and hopefully in this offseason he gets rid of the Raider mentality and bad vibes and gets into shape. All defensive players should be looking to prove their performances when a new co-ordinator comes into an organization. Different coaches run different systems and some guys fit into that system - only time will tell and by getting rid of potential good guys with NFL experience is sometime better than trying to bring players without NFL experience and getting them up to speed. The money is a non- issue IMO. I am also tired of the hindsight 20-20 anti Gute folks -
golfpacker61
February 15, 2026 at 06:19 pm
It's been Hobbs history that he misses a bunch of games every year. That would be important to me if I was in charge of buying or drafting players. Availability is so important.
golfpacker61
February 15, 2026 at 03:32 pm
I was reading an article on 1 of the Packers sites and it was suggesting resigning Diggs to a prove it contract for say $4 million and incentives. It said he won't have a big market, similar to Assante Samuels last year after 2 years of injuries. Diggs tore his ACL in 2024 and tried to play too soon the next year and hurt it again in the first game of 2025. He could be completely healthy now and worth a flyer. GB is in desperation mode now in the CB room.
19kurt
February 16, 2026 at 05:56 am
Offer Hobbs a reduced contract....He played poorly so I doubt he'd get a better offer from another team. If he goes elsewhere Pack should be able to recover from his loss.
golfpacker61
February 16, 2026 at 09:01 am
In another article I read if you ask a player to take a pay cut then you have to be ready to release him if he refuses. This article was about "10 NFL players likely to be traded before the NFL Draft," Hobbs name surprisingly came up. Two factors emerged. It said Slot CB is a big need for multiple teams, and if GB paid his $6.5 million bonus, then Hobbs would become a valuable commodity because he would be a solid, cheap, veteran CB with a ton of experience playing slot.
So essentially GB would be buying s draft pick, which if it was a 4th or 5th rounder, it would be quite valuable to the Packers. I am not saying they should or shouldn't, but other wise we keep and overpay him or we cut him and lose everything. Hobbs is in the drivers seat on this one.
A 2nd article I read may influence why we shouldn't keep Hobbs. I had no idea but apparently Hobbs doesn't listen to coaches very well and is a bad influence in the clubhouse. Before the season in our NFL camp, players were told repeatedly not to tackle hard so to keep anyone from getting hurt needlessly. Hobbs didn't listen and made a brutal and low tackle to Marshawn Lloyd's lower legs, and hurt him significantly. Hobbs response after much criticism was "I will do whatever I want to do, this is football." This explains at least some of Lloyds absence from the field and is very unfortunate since GB has a premium draft pick and $$$ wrapped up in him as well.
Maybe get rid of Hobbs somehow and just sign Diggs back on a $4 million + incentives deal. At least he plays the position we need, Boundary CB.