The Green Bay Packers let Robert Rochell walk in free agency. Now, they have a chance to bring him back.
Rochell was one of three Packers cornerbacks to depart in free agency. He reportedly signed a one-year, $1.17 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in March, but a little over a month later, the AFC champions have moved on.
Green Bay needs additional cornerback depth, especially with Jaire Alexander’s future still uncertain. Reuniting with Rochell makes sense.
It’s important to clarify that Rochell is never likely to play a significant share of defensive snaps, but he does provide some NFL experience, having previously been part of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense. His biggest role comes on special teams, where he played 133 snaps in two years for the Packers.
He won’t solve the Packers’ cornerback woes, but the former fourth-round pick played 11 games last season and has already learned Jeff Hafley’s system. Rochell could compete for a spot on the 53-man roster while providing some NFL experience in a relatively young cornerback room.
Packers left with an easy choice after Chiefs move on from Robert Rochell
While it’s surprising to see Kansas City give up on Rochell so soon, drafting Nohl Williams in the third round ensures it has plenty of talent in the cornerback room.
The Packers, meanwhile, recently opened up a roster spot. While some fans have raised unmatchable expectations about a possible trade for Trey Hendrickson or a blockbuster addition, it likely means one of two things.
Either the Packers plan to sign rookie tryout quarterback Taylor Elgersma amid interest from the Buffalo Bills, or they’ll quietly make a move like bringing back Rochell.
Rochell would likely play almost exclusively on special teams for the Packers, but they also need cornerback depth. If Alexander departs, Green Bay is an injury to one of its three starters away from being forced to play an inexperienced cornerback, perhaps rookie seventh-rounder Micah Robinson.
Rochell could compete for that job while regularly featuring on special teams. The Chiefs’ loss may solve an issue on the Packers’ depth chart.
