An inability to rely on Eric Stokes prompted the Packers to reject the cornerback’s fifth-year option recently. Stokes has faced injuries that have derailed his career since being drafted in 2021, leading to a contract year.
Despite starting most of his first two seasons when healthy, Stokes was not considered a starter heading into training camp last year. Instead, the Packers had Rasul Douglas and Keisean Nixon as their companions to Jaire Alexander at that time. With Douglas now in Buffalo and no significant offseason additions made at the other boundary CB spot, Stokes has a chance to step up if he can stay healthy.
Injuries have played a significant role in Stokes’ NFL journey, but he appears to be a leading candidate to start opposite Alexander in Week 1. According to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman, Stokes is currently the Packers’ No. 2 cornerback starter, and ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky notes that he is in contention to reclaim a starting position.
Demovsky also reports that Stokes remained healthy throughout the offseason program, although his injury history makes having cornerback depth crucial for Green Bay. An injury in November 2022 ended Stokes’ second season prematurely, and he attributed his ongoing hamstring issues to compensation for the earlier foot injury.
When the Packers drafted Stokes 29th overall in 2021, they envisioned him as a long-term starter. He started 23 games from 2021-2022, displaying exceptional speed and performance. However, his form dipped in 2022, and a three-game 2023 season limited his playing time, providing opportunities for other players to compete for the CB2 role.
One such player is seventh-round pick Carrington Valentine, who started 12 games last season but will have to compete with Stokes for a starting spot. The Packers also have Corey Ballentine on the roster to provide depth. Ultimately, a competition between Stokes and Valentine will likely determine the starting cornerback opposite Alexander.
Despite trade rumors surrounding Alexander, the Packers have retained him, creating uncertainty at the cornerback position. Stokes has a chance to prove himself in the 2024 season and increase his value. The team has exclusive negotiating rights with Stokes until March 2025.