Nate Hobbs, a former standout cornerback for the Las Vegas Raiders, has inked a lucrative four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. At 25, Hobbs brings versatility and a promising track record to Green Bay’s secondary. His agent, Gregg Linton, confirmed the signing to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The Packers’ decision signals potential changes in their defensive lineup, particularly concerning cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes.
Hobbs' most impressive season came in 2023 when he recorded 86 tackles, including six for loss, one interception, and seven passes defended. Despite injuries that sidelined him for significant portions of his career with the Raiders, Hobbs showcased his talent in 51 games, starting 38. Throughout his tenure in Las Vegas, he amassed 281 tackles, 19 passes defended, and three interceptions.
Drafted by the Raiders in the fifth round in 2021 after four years at Illinois, Hobbs proved invaluable due to his flexibility on the field. According to TruMedia analytics, he played 275 snaps in the slot and 128 at outside cornerback. Last season, however, injuries limited him to just 11 games, where he tallied 49 tackles, five passes defended, and one interception.
His recent move to the Packers follows closely on the heels of Green Bay's acquisition of former San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks for $77 million over four years. This strategic signing suggests the Packers may be planning a significant revamp of their secondary defense. Reports indicate that Jaire Alexander might be traded or released, and Eric Stokes is unlikely to return, paving the way for Hobbs to play primarily in the slot. This shift would free up Keisean Nixon to remain on the outside – a position he has expressed a preference for.
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