The Green Bay Packers are 9-3 this season and they will have many interesting decisions to make this offseason when the time comes. One of the players they will have to decide whether or not to re-sign this offseason is cornerback Eric Stokes.

Stokes was a former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Georgia. His career has not gone as planned because of various injuries.

Dairylandexpress.com Writer Brian Sampson Believes That the Green Bay Packers Won’t Be Bringing Back Eric Stokes In 2025

The Packers will be facing the 11-1 Detroit Lions on the road in Week 14 on Thursday night. Even though the regular season is almost over, it is never too early to think about who will not be around next season for the Green Bay Packers.

Dairylandexpress.com writer Brian Sampson thinks that Eric Stokes will be one of five Packers on the current roster who will not be back for the 2025 season. Sampson said:

“While Andre Dillard’s departure from Green Bay feels like a quiet parting of ways, Eric Stokes’ looming exit could carry more drama. What once seemed like a promising career trajectory for the former first-round pick has veered off course, leaving both player and team facing tough decisions.

When the Packers selected Stokes with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the choice was met with skepticism. Critics pointed to his raw coverage skills and injury history at Georgia, questioning whether his elite athleticism alone justified the selection.

For one season, it seemed like general manager Brian Gutekunst might have struck gold. Stokes’ rookie campaign was solid, highlighted by his speed and ability to stick with receivers downfield.

But the durability issues that dogged him in college resurfaced with a vengeance. A sluggish start to his sophomore season gave way to a series of serious injuries that sidelined him for most of 2022 and 2023. By the time he returned to full health this year, it was clear he wasn’t the same player. The explosiveness that once set him apart appeared diminished, and his instincts didn’t seem sharp enough to compensate.

In 2024, Stokes has been firmly planted on the struggle bus. Quarterbacks routinely target him, and his performances have ranged from forgettable to downright disastrous.

The Packers’ decision to decline Stokes’ fifth-year option for 2025 was the final nail in the coffin. It’s a clear signal that the organization doesn’t see him as part of their long-term plans. With Green Bay likely looking to overhaul their cornerback room this offseason, Stokes seems destined to follow in the footsteps of Kevin King—a former high pick who also departed after an injury-marred and inconsistent tenure.”

In 2024, Eric Stokes has recorded 30 total tackles. He has no other stats and that is not a good sign for him. Stokes has been starting alongside Jaire Alexander for most of the 2024 season with the Green Bay Packers. It would be intriguing if the Packers didn’t re-sign Stokes, would he have any market at all? There is someone who would try to sign him like the Kansas City Chiefs for example.

Eric Stokes is 25 years old, but it might appear as if he doesn’t have much upside remaining. It would be surprising to see him back with Green Bay next season.

Need To Draft a Cornerback

There is no question that the Green Bay Packers will need to draft a cornerback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. They failed to address that position in the NFL Draft a year ago. Outside of Eric Stokes, Jaire Alexander has also become injury prone and that is one position they will need to overhaul.

This will be the one position to keep an eye on all off-season long for the Packers. It would be a major surprise if they didn’t fix this position before the start of next season.

For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content