It always made sense for the Green Bay Packers to prioritize a cornerback in free agency. It wasn’t shocking to see Green Bay target the position early in free agency given defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s emphasis on strong secondary play as the foundation of a defense and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander.
Former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs was the benefactor of the Packers’ need, and cap space to fill it, after signing a four-year contract worth $48 million shortly after free agency began.
During the NFL Annual Meeting, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed that Green Bay has had sights set on Hobbs for some time.
“Richmond Williams on our pro staff does a great job and has been pushing (for him),” Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting in West Palm Beach. “We just really thought he’s a really versatile all-around corner, can do everything. We really like his ability to play on the outside, which he hasn’t done a ton of, but the ability to move him inside and match different receivers, and his play style I think is one of the things that really stood out to all of us.”
Hobbs, 25, cashes in a $16 million signing bonus and likely walks into a starting role in Hafley’s secondary this fall, regardless of what the Packers wind up doing in this year’s draft or where Alexander winds up.
Through his first four seasons, since being chosen by the Raiders in the fifth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Hobbs has produced 281 total tackles, intercepted three passes and logged three career sacks.
Gutekunst and the Packers are banking on him playing a vital role in the defense’s continued ascension.
The Green Bay Packers have made a significant move in the 2025 NFL free agency by signing former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract, which includes $16 million guaranteed. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster the Packers’ secondary, addressing a critical need that was evident during the previous season.
Nate Hobbs, 25, was selected by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Over four seasons with Las Vegas, he participated in 51 games, starting 38, and amassed 281 tackles, 19 passes defended, and three interceptions.Despite facing injuries that caused him to miss 17 games during his tenure, including six in the 2024 season, Hobbs demonstrated resilience and versatility on the field.
In the 2024 season, Hobbs played 275 snaps in the slot and 128 at outside cornerback, showcasing his adaptability in various defensive schemes. His performance included 49 tackles, five passes defended, and one interception over 11 games, with seven starts. Pro Football Focus assigned him an overall grade of 61.4 for the season, placing him 110th out of 223 cornerbacks.
The Packers’ interest in Hobbs was longstanding, with General Manager Brian Gutekunst revealing during the NFL Annual Meeting that the team had been monitoring Hobbs for some time. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance the team’s defensive backfield, especially given the uncertainties surrounding other cornerbacks on the roster. Reports suggest that with Hobbs’ arrival, the Packers may consider moving on from cornerback Jaire Alexander via trade or release and are unlikely to retain Eric Stokes.
Hobbs expressed enthusiasm about joining the Packers, stating, “I’m ecstatic. It has not sunk in yet. I’m still dumbfounded by the opportunity, and I am ready to get to work.” He believes that competing against top-tier quarterbacks in the AFC West has prepared him for challenges in the NFC North, adding, “Being with the Raiders in that division and facing those quarterbacks, I feel like I’m ready for anything, and I am going in with a lot of confidence.”
Financially, the contract is structured with a $16 million signing bonus, which constitutes the entire guaranteed amount. The 2025 cap hit is projected at $5.588 million, effectively making it a two-year, $26 million commitment, with two additional team-option years totaling around $20 million.This arrangement provides the Packers with flexibility while securing a player of Hobbs’ caliber.
Hobbs’ versatility is a valuable asset for the Packers. Throughout his career, he has played 1,616 snaps in the slot, 740 as a boundary corner, 400 in the box, 66 at the line of scrimmage, and 11 as a deep safety. This flexibility allows defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to deploy Hobbs in various roles, potentially freeing up other players like Keisean Nixon to focus on preferred positions.
While Hobbs has faced injury challenges in the past, the Packers are optimistic about his future contributions. The team believes that his previous injuries were minor and do not pose long-term concerns. By investing in Hobbs, the Packers aim to strengthen their defense and make a deeper impact in the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply