With the latest decision, the Packers are preparing for an Eric Stokes split.
The Packers refused former first-round choice cornerback Eric Stokes’ fifth-year option.
The Eric Stokes era in Green Bay has not gone quite as planned, as the former first-round choice has struggled to live up to his draft status. Stokes had a terrific debut season in 2021, but he has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons.
With that in mind, Green Bay made a predictable decision on Stokes’ future, which did not surprise Packers supporters.
On Thursday, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Packers have declined Stokes’ fifth-year option. Garafolo adds that the former first-round choice is set to enter free agency next spring and might command a sizable salary if he stays healthy.
The most serious concern with Stokes’ career has been his health, since he has only played 12 games in the past two seasons. The 25-year-old cornerback was placed on injured reserve after playing three games last season due to a hamstring issue.
Stokes played 59% of defensive snaps and 4% of special teams snaps over the course of three games. Last season, the Packers stated Stokes and Jaire Alexander were hampered by injuries, forcing them to rely on Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine, and Keisean Nixon.
Many Packers fans expected the team to address the cornerback position in the first round, but they didn’t until the seventh round (Kalen King).
Green Bay hopes Stokes will have a healthy 2024 season and look like the cornerback they drafted in 2021. During that season, he allowed a 49.5 completion %, a 71.3 pass rating, and three touchdowns.
