Latest development points to another challenging contract situation emerging for the Packers in the near future
Cornerback Keisean Nixon is entering the final season of the three-year extension he signed back in 2024, and he may want a new deal.
Believe it or not, Keisean Nixon has already signed three contracts with the Green Bay Packers. After a series of two one-year deals early on, Nixon got a three-year contract back in 2024. At that time, Nixon was essentially an All-Pro kick returner and a depth cornerback, and that role has changed significantly since.
Now, Nixon is a true boundary corner. He might not be exactly what you would want from a CB1, but the fact is that he’s been that for the past two seasons. Now, he’s entering the final year of his deal, and he may want a new extension.
Contract dispute
After giving contract extensions for Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, the focus is on tight end Tucker Kraft. But Nixon wants more security as well. On ESPN Milwaukee, Jason Wilde said he “cannot say that with any degree of high confidence” that Nixon will play the 2026 season without a new deal. Nixon himself told The Athletic earlier this offseason he would seek a raise.
Right now, Keisean Nixon is slated to make $5 million in 2026, counting $7.166 million against the salary cap. That’s actually a relatively small amount for a starting cornerback. For example, the Packers signed Benjamin St-Juste for depth and he’s making $4.8 million.
The question is how much the Packers want to commit to a player like Nixon.
Performance and value
Keisean Nixon is 28, so any type of long-term deal is complicated to put together. Also, there were signs of performance regression in 2025. He allowed a 105.2 passer rating when targeted, his individual worst since arriving in Green Bay. He had one interception and 13 pass breakups, but also allowed seven touchdowns in the regular season.
Usually, the Packers seek early contract extension for young, rising players. It’s not against their modus operandi to give an extension with a year left on the player’s contract, but Nixon is not the type of player who would generally get that treatment.
This offseason, Green Bay invested significant resources in the position. Beyond signing St-Juste, the Packers drafted Brandon Cisse (second round) and Domani Jackson (sixth). Presumably, it would make sense to wait a little longer and see how these players will develop to make a decision on Nixon with more information.
The ultimate resolution will come down to how much Nixon will want, how much leverage he has, and how willing the Packers are to concede some benefit for the veteran.