Undervalued piece is playing for an extension, and the Packers will soon have to think about it as decision time nears

The Green Bay Packers have always taken a short-term approach with Keisean Nixon. Initially signed in free agency in 2022 as a return specialist, he signed two one-year deals before agreeing to his three-year extension last year. In that time, his role within the roster also grew, going from special teamer to nickel corner to boundary corner. This year, he became the top CB of the group.

And he hasn't disappointed. While the defense—and the secondary in particular—had a rough game on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, Nixon has played fairly well. In four games, he's had five pass breakups, allowing a team-low 68.9 passer rating when targeted.

Packers CBs in passer rating when targeted

• Keisean Nixon 68.9
• Javon Bullard (S/NB) 89.2
• Nate Hobbs 109.2
• Carrington Valentine 116.0

Extension time

Keisean Nixon is already playing the second season of his three-year deal, which means that 2026 will be a contract year again for the cornerback. It's okay when that happens to a kickoff returner or to a depth corner, but it's when your primary cornerback, the team has to be more aware of the situation.

Nixon is making $4.675 million this year and is slated to make $5 million next year. Based on his role, positional value, and market outlook, it's reasonable to expect that Nixon will want to negotiate a new contract next offseason. And the Packers are usually open to new deals when there's only one year left to play.

It's not a natural decision

However, there are several factors going in favor and against an extension. First, Nixon is not exactly an elite corner, despite his recent good level of performance. More importantly, he's already 28. The Packers are always open to reward their own players, but younger pieces entering their second NFL deals will be a priority over veteran guys.

Moreover, Green Bay has some financial constraints, especially after giving Micah Parsons a $46.5 million yearly average on his post-trade extension. The team also has other potential extension candidates, like tight end Tucker Kraft, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, linebacker Quay Walker, and a few wide receivers.

But Nixon is the top cornerback, and the Packers don't exactly have a succession plan in place—the franchise hasn't drafted a CB before the seventh round since 2021.

The market says it will be a significant upgrade over Nixon's current $6 million yearly average. This past offseason, several cornerbacks signed similar deals: Paulson Adebo, Carlton Davis, and Charvarius Ward got $18 million per season; Christian Benford ($17.25 million) and DJ Reed ($16 million) were a little behind.

The Packers themselves paid $12 million a year to Nate Hobbs, and Nixon will have an obvious argument to make more.

Green Bay can simply try to force Nixon to play out his contract, getting him the chance to hit free agency after that. But a new mid-term extension with such an important piece shouldn't be off the table if he keeps playing like he has.