Packers’ Reunion With Projected $22 Million Starting CB Possibility as Free Agency Nears

As the 2026 NFL offseason progresses, the Green Bay Packers find themselves facing critical decisions in building a more competitive defense. With their secondary in need of upgrades, the team could look to a familiar face—Eric Stokes, a cornerback they once drafted in the first round. The idea of reuniting with Stokes, now a proven starter, could provide the Packers with the help they need in the defensive backfield as they prepare for next season.

The Rise and Fall of Eric Stokes in Green Bay

In 2021, the Packers selected Eric Stokes with the 29th overall pick out of Georgia, hoping to solidify their cornerback depth. However, Stokes’ promising career faced significant hurdles, primarily due to injury. After a promising rookie season, in which he registered 14 passes defensed and an interception, Stokes was derailed by injuries in 2022, missing eight games and significantly hampering his development.

By 2023, Stokes’ injury struggles led the Packers to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, leaving him set to enter free agency. In March 2023, Stokes signed a $3.5 million one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders on a “prove-it” contract. This move gave Stokes the chance to redeem his value on the open market, and he did so with authority.

A Successful Rebound Season

During the 2025 season, Eric Stokes played all 16 regular-season games for the Raiders, starting in each of them. He accumulated 53 tackles, including three tackles for loss, and five pass breakups. Stokes’ performance in 2025 was a stark contrast to his previous seasons, showcasing his return to form. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him 18th out of 114 cornerbacks who saw enough snaps to qualify, solidifying his status as one of the most reliable and consistent defensive backs in the league.

Stokes’ ability to bounce back after his injury-plagued seasons made him a valuable asset to any team, and it quickly became apparent that his value had risen significantly. With a strong year under his belt, Stokes entered free agency with an enhanced reputation, making him one of the most sought-after cornerbacks on the market.

Free Agency Projections for Stokes

According to Spotrac, Eric Stokes’s market value is projected to be around $22.1 million over three years, which breaks down to approximately $7.4 million annually. This projection places Stokes in the mid-tier range for starting cornerbacks, which is a significant improvement from his previous contract. Given the $22 million projected value, Stokes has positioned himself as a prime candidate for a starting role on any contender, and his experience and talent make him a valuable addition to a team looking to shore up its secondary.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN has also highlighted Stokes as one of the top sleeper free agents of the 2026 class. He notes that several teams are intrigued by his potential and that, after his strong 2025 season, he could be in line for a long-term contract that rewards him for his impressive rebound.

The Packers’ Need for Help in the Secondary

The Packers have a clear need to improve their secondary, and Stokes would be a logical fit. The team has struggled in the defensive backfield, especially after moving on from Jaire Alexander and Darnell Savage, both of whom had been crucial parts of the defense but showed inconsistencies in 2025. The lack of depth and playmaking in the secondary became apparent in the Packers’ playoff loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card game, and it’s clear that their defense needs an upgrade in order to compete with the top teams in the NFC.

Trevon Diggs, a former Pro Bowler the Packers brought in late last season, was released after the team’s playoff loss. This left the Packers with a thinner cornerback room. While they do not have many high-profile players set to hit free agency this offseason, the Packers’ front office will likely focus on adding a starting-caliber cornerback.

With Stokes’ proven ability as a starting corner, the Packers would be wise to pursue him in free agency. Bringing him back to Green Bay would not only provide stability in the secondary but also help solidify the defense as a whole.

Other Cornerback Options for the Packers

The Packers aren’t solely focused on Stokes, as there are other notable options available to address their cornerback needs. One of the names floated as a possibility for Green Bay is Marshon Lattimore, a 29-year-old cornerback formerly of the Washington Commanders. Lattimore is set to be released officially on March 11, and many teams, including the Packers, are likely to be interested in adding his talents to their secondary.

Additionally, there have been rumors surrounding Jaylon Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears. However, Johnson’s situation is somewhat more complicated, as the Bears are reportedly hesitant to part with him despite the possibility of restructuring their roster.

The combination of Stokes and other available options like Lattimore and Johnson gives the Packers flexibility in how they approach bolstering their secondary. While Stokes may be the most logical and affordable option, the Packers will need to weigh all available moves carefully to ensure they build a defense capable of competing for the NFC Championship.

Conclusion: The Packers’ Free Agency Dilemma

As the Packers head into the 2026 offseason, their secondary remains a critical area of focus. Eric Stokes, now a free agent, offers a potential reunion that could immediately strengthen the team’s defense. His market value, projected at $22.1 million over three years, would make him a solid investment for the Packers as they look to shore up their defensive backfield.

Given Stokes’ proven ability and success in 2025, the Packers should make a serious push to bring him back to Green Bay. However, they must also consider other potential cornerback options, including Marshon Lattimore and Jaylon Johnson, as they look to form a complete defense capable of taking on the league’s best.

The Packers’ defensive future could hinge on the choices they make this offseason, and bringing back Stokes would go a long way in improving their chances of competing at the highest level in 2026.