The Green Bay Packers are parting ways with cornerback Eric Stokes, as he joins the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year contract valued at $4 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Stokes, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 194 pounds, was the 29th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
During his rookie season, he started 14 contests and led the team with 14 pass deflections. However, severe lower body injuries derailed his progress midway through his second year in 2022, and he struggled to regain his form. Over the 29 games following his rookie year, Stokes did not manage a single pass deflection.
The Packers opted not to exercise his fifth-year option after he participated in just three games in 2023. He focused on recuperating his persistently injured hamstrings at UW-Madison before the 2024 season and was able to play in all 17 games.
Stokes began seven games for Jeff Hafley’s defense in 2024 but saw limited action in the closing weeks as the Packers shifted to Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Javon Bullard as their primary starting cornerbacks. Throughout his four seasons with the Packers, Stokes appeared in 45 games, tallying one interception, 14 pass deflections, 128 tackles, and one tackle for loss over 2,110 defensive snaps.
On Monday, the Packers reached an agreement with ex-Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs, indicating a revamp at the position. Additionally, Jaire Alexander, a first-round choice from 2018, is anticipated to leave Green Bay this offseason.