Evaluating Which Green Bay Packers Star Has the Best Chance for Comeback Player of the Year

Source: Green and Gold Productions

The Packers suffered a plethora of injuries last season. The most notable were to Jaire Alexander (shoulder), Robert Tonyan (ACL), David Bakhtiari (ACL), and Elgton Jenkins (ACL). While Bakhtiari’s injury occurred at the end of 2020, it kept him out for last season. Even having been out for more than a year, Bakhtiari’s health is still in question and he did not participate in any team activities during OTAs. Additionally, Jenkins is not expected to return until midseason. This makes his candidacy for the Comeback Player of the Year Award all but impossible. Therefore, the only two real candidates from the Packers will be Alexander and Tonyan.

Robert Tonyan Needs to Prove 2020 Was No Fluke

In 2020, Robert Tonyan appeared out of nowhere to tie the Packers’ franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end. Heading into that year, Tonyan had just 14 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns in his first two seasons combined. In 2020, he had 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. His breakout season had many, including Aaron Rodgers, claiming that he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl.

After his stellar 2020 campaign, expectations were high for Tonyan in 2021. Unfortunately, he was not living up to those expectations. Prior to getting injured, Tonyan had just 18 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. If Tonyan can return to his 2020 form this year, his struggles in 2021 could play a considerable part in raising his chances to win Comeback Player of the Year.

Jaire Alexander Has the Name Recognition to Win the Award

As good as Robert Tonyan was in 2020 as a tight end, Jaire Alexander was even better as a cornerback. While it is near impossible to compare two players at different positions, it is undeniable that Alexander is among the best as his position while Tonyan simply is not. Additionally, Alexander was named to the Pro Bowl in 2020 whereas Tonyan, as mentioned, was not.

Earlier this season, Jaire Alexander set a new standard for defensive back contracts when he signed his extension with the Packers. His new four-year deal will pay him $21 million a year on average.

Last year, Alexander was hurt in Week Four and missed the rest of the season. If he comes back to his All-Pro form in 2022, he will almost certainly be atop the list of NFL Comeback Player of the Year candidates. In an article by Seth Trachtman on YardBarker, Alexander was picked as the Packers best candidate for the award.

We have to say we agree.