Why the Packers’ Cornerback Depth Is Suddenly a Major Concern

A Position Once Considered a Strength

Not long ago, the Green Bay Packers’ cornerback group was seen as one of the best in the NFL. With Jaire Alexander leading the charge, the secondary had the talent, depth, and versatility to compete against any receiving corps. But as the offseason progresses, a growing concern has emerged—what was once a position of strength now looks alarmingly thin.

Injuries and Uncertainty at the Top

Jaire Alexander remains the undisputed leader of the secondary, but injuries have been a persistent issue. Over the past two seasons, he has missed significant time, and while his talent is undeniable, availability is just as important. Behind him, the Packers were hoping for Eric Stokes to step into a reliable starting role, but injuries have slowed his development, leaving his status uncertain heading into the season.

A Lack of Proven Depth

With Rasul Douglas traded last season, Green Bay no longer has a veteran safety net in the cornerback room. Instead, the team is relying on unproven players and late-round draft picks to step up. Carrington Valentine showed flashes of promise last year, but expecting him to be a full-time starter is a risky bet. Beyond him, the options are limited, and the Packers have yet to make a significant addition in free agency.

A High-Stakes Gamble on Development

Rather than bringing in a veteran to bolster the group, the Packers appear to be trusting their coaching staff to develop young talent. While this approach has worked in the past with players like Stokes, it leaves little room for error. If injuries strike again or young players fail to meet expectations, the secondary could quickly become a major weakness.

The Impact on the Defense as a Whole

A thin cornerback group doesn’t just affect the secondary—it puts added pressure on the pass rush and safeties. If opposing quarterbacks find easy matchups against inexperienced corners, the Packers’ defensive front will need to generate even more pressure to compensate. Without a reliable group of corners to hold their own in coverage, the entire defensive scheme could struggle.

What Green Bay Can Do to Fix the Problem

The Packers still have time to address this issue before the season begins. They could explore late free-agent signings, seek out trade opportunities, or use an early draft pick on a cornerback. If they choose to stand pat, they are betting heavily on Alexander staying healthy and young players making a big leap—an approach that carries significant risk.

A Potential Weak Spot for a Contender

If the Packers expect to compete in a tough NFC landscape, they cannot afford to have a glaring weakness in the secondary. While the team’s faith in its young corners is admirable, it remains to be seen whether this approach will hold up when the season kicks off. For now, what was once a strength has quickly turned into a major concern.