Packers sign ex-Vanderbilt CB who overcame cancer

The Green Bay Packers made one more undrafted free agent acquisition following the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur added secondary depth in former Vanderbilt cornerback Marlon Jones, who has an inspirational story after beating cancer.

“The #Packers are signing former Vanderbilt cornerback Marlon Jones, sources tell @CBSSports,” Matt Zenit reported on Tuesday. “Was a multi-time all-conference selection at Eastern Washington before Vanderbilt. Overcame cancer that caused him to miss the 2024 season. Now, lands an NFL opportunity.”

Jones started his career at Eastern Washington before transferring to Vanderbilt in 2024. Days before he was supposed to move to Nashville, though, he was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Through treatment, doctors were able to put the cancer in full remission, and Jones played his final college season in the SEC.

Now, Jones joins a Packers secondary that needs both depth and top-end performers. The returning starters at CB include Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Javon Bullard. The Packers’ undrafted rookie from Vandy will get to compete with them, along with free agent signing Benjamin St. Juste and drafted rookies Brandon Cisse (Round 2) and Domani Jackson (Round 6).

Despite the obvious need in the secondary, any undrafted free agent faces long odds to even make the practice squad, let alone the active 53-man roster. That said, Marlon Jones has faced tough odds before, and he has beaten them. So, after overcoming cancer, grabbing a spot on the Packers’ Week 1 roster may not seem like an insurmountable obstacle to him.