Under former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, cornerback was a premium position that played an outsized role in the scheme’s success, but the Packers never quite got the return on investment at the position before Hafley departed to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
As Jonathan Gannon arrives as Green Bay’s next defensive play-caller, the overhaul at cornerback may need to continue this offseason.
Packers urged to keep spending at cornerback
Jan 4, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Over at CBS Sports, NFL analyst Garrett Podell suggests that cornerback needs to be one of the Packers’ top free agent priorities.
“After addressing the offensive line,” Podell writes of Green Bay. “Their cornerback position could use an upgrade as the outside duo of Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine wasn’t consistent enough for the Packers down the stretch of the season.”
Given that the Packers don’t own a first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft, which is widely viewed as a strong quarterback class, making a strong free agent investment at the position could be the kind of move that jumpstarts Gannon’s defense.
During his tenure in Philadelphia, Gannon’s defense reached elite status behind a pair of veteran All-Pro corners; if the Packers want to see that same success in Green Bay, Gutekunst must find the ‘missing link’ that allows this unit to finally play with the aggression Gannon’s system demands.