Packers Re-Sign Unsung Hero to 2023 Season

Once again, the Green Bay Packers have “C.V.” and “C.B.” at cornerback.

The Packers added a familiar face and some experience at cornerback on Monday when they re-signed Corey Ballentine. In a corresponding roster move, they released cornerback Gregory Junior.

Ballentine signed with the Colts in free agency, a one-year contract that included $482,500 guaranteed, but released him on Friday.

Ballentine went from zero to hero for the Packers. For two full calendar years, from Nov. 2, 2020, to Nov. 6, 2022, Ballentine played exactly zero snaps on defense. During that same span, he changed teams four times. Ballentine played a little for the Packers in 2022. In 2023, he played a lot. Even though he failed to crack the 53-man roster, his 488 defensive snaps represented 43.9 percent of the team total.

The Packers went 4-2 when he started, including 4-1 when he played every snap.

“Yeah, it’s been a while,” Ballentine said in 2023. “This season has obviously been up and down for me. I started on practice squad and I’ve kind of worked my way up. That’s kind of how every year my whole journey to the league has been. It hasn’t always been easy or how I thought it would be, but I just kept my head down, kept working and let it all play out how it plays out. When I get my opportunity, take that opportunity and make the best of it.”

After playing in 14 games in 2023, when he broke up seven passes and recorded the first interception of his career, Ballentine played in 15 games with one start in 2024. He played 76 snaps on defense but was a key player on special teams.

“I think I bring physicality. I think I bring experience. I'm going on Year 7 and I like to compete,” Ballentine said after signing with the Colts. “I'm looking forward to helping in whichever way I can. I've also returned (kickoffs) for a long time, so I feel like I could do a lot of things. I'm looking forward to helping you where I can.”