Packers face important questions at a key position, yet intriguing alternatives are beginning to take shape
Kamal Hadden played his first defensive snaps in the NFL against the Vikings.
Cornerback was always going to be the biggest question mark on the Green Bay Packers roster in 2025. Moving on from Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes, the unit was under a significant transition — and one without major investments in the offseason outside of signing Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million mid-level free agent contract.
On Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, things got worse. Already without Hobbs, who missed the last few games with a knee injury, the defense also lost Keisean Nixon to a stinger. After all, though, Carrington Valentine and Kamal Hadden made their part.
Alternatives to keep the project alive
The premise around how the Packers built their cornerback room was that it’s a weak-link system. Prompted by a strong defensive front, the cornerback duo was good enough against a struggling Vikings’ offense with quarterback J.J. McCarthy. All Vikings wide receivers combined for four catches and 48 yards — all came from Justin Jefferson.
Valentine had already been solid this season, and Hadden did well on his first defensive snaps of the season — and career in the NFL.
“I’m really, really proud of their efforts,” head coach Matt LaFleur said after the game. “I would say this about Kamal, Kamal has made as much progress as any player that we’ve had here. Just to see where he’s come from to where he is now. And I think it’s totally reflective in terms of how he’s approached coming in the building on a daily basis. He practices the right way. He approaches it the right way. I’m really proud of him.”
In regards to Valentine, the former seventh-round pick started the season behind Nixon and Hobbs, but he has established himself as a viable primary outside option.
“I think CV has done a hell of a job ever since his role’s been expanded,” LaFleur added. “He’s answered the bell. So, two guys that are young players and got a lot of confidence in.”
Now, Keisean Nixon’s status is in question. He still has a shot at playing on Thursday against the Detroit Lions, but the short week creates another element of doubt.
“I would not (rule Nixon out for the next game),” LaFleur mentioned. “I think it’s more day-to-day, so I think Thursday is certainly in question right now, but I wouldn’t rule them out by any stretch.”
The Packers’ CB room is thin, especially with the potential absences of Nixon and Hobbs. If that’s the case, the group would have Valentine, Hadden, and converted wide receiver Bo Melton. Javon Bullard has also been the starting nickel, and undrafted rookie Tyron Herring is on the practice squad.
While it’s not the ideal scenario, at least the top options for the moment are proving they are worth their roster spots.
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