Packers add free agent at position of need two weeks ahead of the draft

The Green Bay Packers are making a depth move before the draft. On Wednesday, the team signed former New York Giants cornerback Gemon Green to the 90-man roster. Green started three seasons at defensive back for Michigan, where he had 68 tackles and an interception, before declaring for the draft in 2023. He spent his […]

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Detroit Lions quarterback Adrian Martinez (18) scrambles away from New York Giants cornerback Gemon Green (34) and get a first down in the fourth quarter at Ford Field.
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Green Bay Packers are making a depth move before the draft. On Wednesday, the team signed former New York Giants cornerback Gemon Green to the 90-man roster.

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Green started three seasons at defensive back for Michigan, where he had 68 tackles and an interception, before declaring for the draft in 2023. He spent his first preseason with the Giants after being undrafted and played in the preseason.

Gemon Green suffered an injury during the season, which led to his release. According to his agency, he had surgery and is healthy now.

Green had a negatively notable play in preseason. He was infamously covering Garrett Wilson during the only touchdown quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown as a member of the New York Jets. Obviously, that’s not an ideal matchup, as the Giants were playing their backups.

The cornerback appeared in 42 games for Michigan, including 24 starts. He is seen as a viable man corner, which bodes well with the new system the Packers will run under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Pro Day results in 2023

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.53
  • Vertical Jump: 37.5”
  • Broad Jump: 10’, 6”
  • Bench: 12 reps
  • 3-Cone Drill: 7.08
  • 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.44
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CB room

Currently, the Packers have eight cornerbacks on their 90-man roster: Jaire Alexander, Carrington Valentine, Keisean Nixon, Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, Zyon Gilbert, Anthony Johnson, Robert Rochell. Nixon and Ballentine were unrestricted free agents, but the Packers were able to re-sign them both.

Rochell was slated to be a restricted free agent. Green Bay initially didn’t tender him, but later re-signed him as an unrestricted player.

Green was a street free agent, so he doesn't count against the Packers compensatory pick formula. At this point, the team is projected to receive a seventh-round pick in 2025 after Yosh Nijman signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Plans

The signing of Gemon Green certainly doesn’t change the Packers’ draft plans. Jaire Alexander is entering his seventh NFL season, which is relatively concerning for his position. Eric Stokes hasn’t played consistently because of injuries since his rookie season in 2021.

Therefore, getting a high-end cornerback is a realistic scenario for Green Bay.

Moreover, Nixon is a valuable kickoff returner, with two First-Team All-Pro selections, but his play at nickel corner is average, and the Packers could certainly upgrade that.

Green is expected to be an outside competitor for a roster spot, so his addition doesn’t alter what might happen in two weeks.

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