When a top player on your favorite team is released or signs elsewhere, it's natural to want the void they leave behind filled. Especially when an immediate replacement isn't well-known. Fans can't help that feeling of emptiness, or that feeling of "what now?" They want that player's presence to be filled by at least something. Occasionally, it doesn't even matter if a new addition is in the same position. It's that feeling of loss in that moment that they want cured.
That's where we are after Jaire Alexander's departure from the Green Bay Packers. The Packers don't have a flashy name on deck to step right into Alexander's CB1 position, so many fans are in a panic trying to figure out what's next. The best solution in their minds is to sign a free agent cornerback off the streets. It seems like for some fans, that it doesn't even matter who it is, as long as they know the name and think they can make a difference.
Let's look at some of those top cornerbacks still available:
Asante Samuel Jr. - The 25-year-old likely would've been snatched up easily in free agency back in the spring, but a neck injury and questions surrounding his recovery have tainted his prospects. He's reportedly waiting for a follow-up appointment in early July before signing with any new team. It appears that the Saints and Cowboys have shown interest and are biding their time until his approaching evaluation before making any decision. If he's cleared, he could be a decent target. But I wouldn't count on it. Imagine the commentary after replacing a player who couldn't stay on the field due to injury with a player recovering from a major injury. Then again, if he comes cheap, anything could happen; I just wouldn't hold my breath.
Rasul Douglas - How poetic would it be for the Packers to bring back a player many fans were upset they traded away in the first place, just a little over two years ago? Douglas had a bit of a drop-off in production in 2024 for Buffalo in the interceptions and passes defended category, but he still had a pretty decent season. Douglas himself on social media has made comments that a reunion with the Packers isn't happening, but recently he's joked about making notes of fans who have commented they would pay him to come back to Green Bay. I wouldn't doubt that this is just trolling, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on it.
Mike Hilton - Hilton saw a drop-off in production with the Bengals last year, and is also on the wrong side of 30, but he's still considered a good locker room veteran presence. Some think he's still chasing a large contract and is more of a slot corner than perimeter. The last thing the Packers need is another corner that's spent their career in the slot, with all the criticism around those they currently have and their transition to the perimeter.
Other mentions - Stephon Gilmore & Kendall Fuller - let's just say, nope, and nope.
Liking the guys we have
It's become a common response from Brian Gutekunst and even Matt LaFleur whenever they've been asked about a position group of possible concern and whether or not they are looking to make additions. "We like the guys we have." But do they? 1265 Lombardi Avenue is notorious for not giving off any type of vibe that they're concerned about anything. While some teams make their concerns with decisions or options they have on the field well-known in the media, the Packers are often very tight-lipped. Whether that be because they have true confidence or not, rarely does that concern leak out of the confines of Lambeau Field.
Regardless, their lack of attention to the cornerback position early in the NFL draft, even though it seems they knew they'd be moving on from Jaire Alexander, tells us that perhaps they have been content with what they have. At the corner position, they lost Alexander as well as Eric Stokes, but have added Nate Hobbs in free agency with a pretty decent-sized contract. If there's one thing we know about the current Packers' regime, it's that they are not willing to pay guys enormous contracts without the high confidence that that player is going to be a contributor. They don't pay players out of desperation. While the Nate Hobbs addition was with very little fanfare, history tells us that maybe the Packers are on to something. Perhaps Hobbs has some untapped potential just waiting to be uncorked that the Raiders weren't drawing out properly, but Jeff Hafley's defense will.
Looking at the rest of the cornerback room, there are question marks behind Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon. Admittedly, Nixon had some blunders last season. He would seemingly get beaten in situations where it appeared he should not have. Putting it out there directly, last season Keisean Nixon was likely thought of as CB3 or CB4. But due to circumstances, he was launched into a CB1 or CB2 role. Sometimes it's no excuse, but you also sometimes have to give a player the benefit of the doubt when being thrown to the wolves. Valentine had a few blunders last year, but overall had a decent sophomore season.
There are two more players to keep an eye on to step up at the corner position. Kalen King, a 7th-round CB in 2024, spent the entirety of his rookie season on the practice squad. King was initially projected to be a first-round pick in 2024, but a 2023 college season that didn't live up to expectations, as well as a slower 40-time, dropped him to the 7th round. Micah Robinson, chosen in the 7th round of 2025, seems to be a small-school hidden gem. Many of his comparisons live up to pretty good NFL corners as well as former Packer Sam Shields. It's hard to bank on these diamonds in the rough paying off, but as we head into the 2025 season with questions at the position, perhaps one of these players is ready to show why they shouldn't have been overlooked.
Big free agent signings quickly plug those holes of need. They're easier for putting our minds at ease in certain positions. But in 2025, unless there's a secret about to come out unexpectedly, I wouldn't bank on a free agent hero to save the Packers' current CB room.