Last off-season the Green Bay Packers signed cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year $48 million contract in free agency. They had hoped, of course, that he would bring stability and consistency to one of their defense’s weakest positions. Unfortunately, he had the opposite effect.
Hobbs battled injuries for much of the season, appearing in only 11 games. When he was healthy, too, he was ineffective. In 2025, Hobbs allowed opposing quarterbacks to have a 65.5% completion percentage and 111.1 passer rating when targeting him.
His poor 2025 campaign has led many fans to call for his release. However, the Packers may instead choose to explore a trade.
Green Bay Packers CB Nate Hobbs named a top-15 NFL trade candidate
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs (21) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In a recent article published by ESPN, NFL analysts and insiders listed the top 15 players that they think could be traded this off-season. Based on his poor performance in Green Bay last season, Hobbs made their list:
“Hobbs was a free agent signing for Green Bay just last year. But he dealt withinjuriesin 2025 and bounced between slot corner and outside corner duties when he was on the field. He seems better cast as a slot corner, but the Packers aren’t short on those, and it’s possible they could see him as a valuable trade candidate who could help them pick up an extra draft pick or two.
“He has a $6.25 million roster bonus due on the third day of the league year, so if a deal happened after that, it’d be even cheaper for the acquiring team.
“Green Bay wasn’t the only team interested in Hobbs during free agency last year, and if there’s a slot corner market out there, it might make sense for the Packers to see what they can get.”
They suggested the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, and Buffalo Bills as potential destinations.
Of these, the Dolphins make the most logical sense. Jon Eric-Sullivan, their general manager, was an executive in Green Bay last year when Hobbs signed with the Packers. Of course, Jeff Hafley, who was Hobb’s defensive coordinator last year, is now the Dolphins head coach.
The suggestion that Hobbs could be traded to Detroit seems nonsensical, as the Packers rarely, if ever, do business with their division rivals.
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