The Green Bay Packers may not be actively moving two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander yet, but they let another one of their defensive backs walk in free agency. On Tuesday, it was reported that 2021 first round pick Eric Stokes had signed a one-year $4 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders:
The #Raiders are adding more on defense, as they are set to sign former #Packers first-round CB Eric Stokes on a 1-year, $4M, source said. Deal was done by Reza Hesam of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/RuOy9GIhQB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2025
Stokes ends his tenure with the Packers with one interception in 45 games played. Unfortunately, he spent about half of his time in Green Bay injured, causing the organization to decide that moving on was best.
Eric Stokes Had a Strong Rookie Season with the Green Bay Packers
After being drafted in the first round out of Georgia, Stokes put together a spectacular rookie campaign that had many fans envisioning that he would lock down the opposite boundary from Alexander for years to come. He had an interception and 14 pass breakups that year while allowing a completion percentage of 49.5% and a passer rating of 71.3.
Alas, it was not to be.
Stokes suffered a brutal foot injury during his second season and needed surgery. Even before he got hurt, though, his performance on the field had taken a dive. In nine games played, he allowed an 80% completion percentage and 123.5 passer rating when targeted.
When he came back in 2023, he suffered a series of hamstring injuries that limited him to three games. In those contests, though, he gave up three touchdowns while allowing a 75% completion percentage and 143.5 passer rating when targeted.
The Packers, at that point, decided not to pick up his fifth year option.
While Stokes was healthy all year in 2024 and played in all 17 games, he was still a shadow of his former self. He has not broken up a pass in the NFL since his rookie season.
And while cornerback is certainly a need for Green Bay, it is clear that Stokes and the Packers are simply not a good fit anymore.
Hopefully he finds some success in Las Vegas.
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