So, what steps should Green Bay take to fill the expected gap?
The Packers will have Keisean Nixon returning — who enjoyed a career-best 2024 season — along with Carrington Valentine, who started the final seven games last year. However, with Eric Stokes likely leaving in free agency, the team will need additional help in the secondary.
Currently, Green Bay is $49.1 million under the salary cap, and they could free up more space by parting ways with Alexander or restructuring other contracts.
The Packers will almost certainly target a cornerback or two early in the draft, but free agency — starting March 12 at 3 p.m. (CST) — will come first.
Here are five cornerbacks Green Bay could pursue in free agency:
Carlton Davis, Detroit
The Packers are familiar with Davis, who was a constant challenge when he played for Tampa Bay. After being traded to Detroit before the 2024 season, Davis helped the Lions defeat Green Bay twice. At 28, he had an outstanding 2024 season, allowing just a 77.0 passer rating from opposing quarterbacks and recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. However, Davis has struggled with injuries, missing 20 games over the past four seasons. Still, when healthy, he’s been close to elite.
D.J. Reed, New York Jets
Reed, 28, has become one of the NFL’s top outside cornerbacks and enters free agency at a time when both the draft and free-agent cornerback classes are weak. He had an impressive 51.28% lockdown rate last season, alongside 64 tackles, one sack, and four tackles for loss. While he excelled next to All-Pro Sauce Gardner, there are questions about how he would fare as a No. 1 cornerback. Many expect him to land with San Francisco, where his former coach Robert Saleh is now the defensive coordinator, but Green Bay could surprise.
Byron Murphy, Minnesota
Murphy, 27, had a career year in 2024, earning his first Pro Bowl nod with six interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and 81 tackles — all career highs. He has great instincts, ball skills, and is a solid tackler. It would be an interesting twist if the Packers signed a player from their divisional rivals, Minnesota, who are known for poaching Green Bay’s free agents.
Paulson Adebo, New Orleans
Adebo, 25, may fly under the radar after an injury-plagued 2024 season. He played only seven games due to a broken femur but was in the midst of a breakout 2023 campaign with four interceptions and 18 pass breakups. Prior to his injury, he struggled, leading the NFL with nine penalties, but if he recovers well, he could become a cost-effective option for Green Bay.
Charvarius Ward, San Francisco
Ward, 28, made the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 with five interceptions and 72 tackles. However, his 2024 season was marked by personal tragedy, as his daughter passed away, affecting his performance. Ward took a leave of absence and finished the season with no interceptions and only 54 tackles. If the Packers offer him a lucrative contract, they’d have to be confident they’re getting the 2023 version of Ward, not the 2024 one.
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