One of the big question marks of the Green Bay Packers this year is cornerback Eric Stokes. After a solid rookie season in 2021, he has suffered with serious injuries and poor performance over the last two years. That led to the team declining his fifth-year option, which means the 2024 season will be a contract year for the player.

On a list of 10 players with the most to prove in 2024 made by PFF, Eric Stokes was fairly mentioned.

^{"Stokes was solid as a rookie but has faded from memory since, largely because he's played just 587 defensive snaps in two seasons. Plus, Stokes hasn't been good when he has played: he allowed a catch on over 80% of targets in coverage across 2022-23.}

^{The Packers upgraded their defense in several departments, but cornerback wasn't really one of them. As such, Stokes should get one last shot to prove he’s worthy of top-tier playing time before his rookie deal ends."}

Injuries

Eric Stokes wasn't playing well to start his sophomore season, but serious knee and ankle injuries in week 9 ended his year. Last season, he struggled with hamstring injuries trying to return.

Earlier this offseason, Stokes and wide receiver Christian Watson visited University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health to understand the root of the issues and operate accordingly. Head coach Matt LaFleur seems excited about where Stokes is.

"He's been full go. He looks great," LaFleur mentioned during OTAs. "I think yeah, once you get into more competitive environment, less controlled, I think you wanna see how people respond, but I've been really happy with how these guys have been training in regards to the routines and just watching the effort that they’ve been putting on tape."

Role

The Packers didn't add significant competition to Stokes, as the biggest investment at the position was drafting Kalen King in the seventh round. For the most part, the former first-rounder will compete for a starting job with Carrington Valentine, last year's seventh-round pick who was a starter for most of last season.

When talking about the cornerback room, general manager Brian Gutekunst seemed optimistic earlier this year.

"If we can stay healthy there, I like the way the competition in that room is shaping up," Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst, though, praised Valentine and declined Stokes' option. That created a perception that the second-year player was ahead in the competition. However, Stokes practiced with the ones opposite Jaire Alexander for the majority of OTAs, an important signal that the job is his to lose.

This is a pivotal year for Eric Stokes. With a big range of outcomes, his season can make him a high-priced second-contract cornerback, or he might struggle to even get another NFL deal. He needs a strong comeback, and the Packers need it too.

Packers make telling move with former first-round pick

Cornerback is still under contract through 2024