The Green Bay Packers have multiple needs that they need to address regarding their roster this off-season. One of these is at the cornerback position, which is composed of players that, quite frankly, did not play up to expectations in 2025. While Keisean Nixon was named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement and broke up 17 passes, opposing quarterbacks still had a passer rating over 105 when targeting him.
Nate Hobbs, who was signed to a four-year $48 million contract last off-season, only played in 11 games due to injury. But even when he was healthy, opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating over 111 when targeting him.
And then there was Carrington Valentine, who had easily the worst season of his career in 2025. After holding opposing quarterbacks to passer ratings in the 80’s during his first two years, they ate him up to the tune of a 121 passer rating when targeting him last year.
Needless to say, none of those numbers are good enough.
The Green Bay Packers could sign Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during their football game on Sunday December 12, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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As the Packers look to improve their cornerback room, they will likely look to the free agent market, particularly at players that are going to be cap casualties before the new league year begins in March. One of these, according to Matt Okada of NFL.com, is likely going to be Chicago Bears two-time Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson:
“Johnson played five solid years for the Bears, earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024, before missing the majority of the 2025 campaign with a severe groin injury. He was largely considered a top-10 cornerback entering last season — though his contract lands just outside that range, with his $19 million average annual value ranking 13th at the position.
“So, why is he a cut candidate? Well, there are surprising cuts every offseason, and they usually come down to money. Johnson carries a $24.5 million cap hit in 2026, and the Bears could save $15.5 million by designating him as a post-June 1 release (their most lucrative option for that designation).
“Also, Johnson’s 58.7 overall defensive grade from PFF ranked 64th out of 98 corners with 400+ snaps in 2025, and his 12.2 yards allowed per target was seventh-most among corners with 20+ targets. He is still young (27 years old in April), but Chicago could do a lot with that cap space if GM Ryan Poles decides Johnson’s not worth the price tag anymore.
Obviously, Johnson is coming off of a down year, which may give some pause about bringing him aboard for 2026. However, with Jonathan Gannon in as the new defensive coordinator, there may not be a better place for Johnson to have a get-right year. This is also true because of Micah Parsons, who prides himself getting his cornerbacks paid by rushing quarterbacks into poor throws.
It is also worth noting that Johnson is still just 27 years old, which would fit in with Green Bay’s young roster makeup.
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