In anticipation of the 2025 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers have made a significant change to their defensive strategy with the dismissal of former first-round choice Eric Stokes. Only four years have passed since the Packers selected the cornerback with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Many in the league were taken aback by the move, especially after Stokes’ impressive professional debut. The University of Georgia product immediately won a starting position as a rookie after displaying glimpses of exceptional coverage abilities. Stokes played in just 12 games in 2023 and 2024 combined, but his play has been erratic and marred by injuries in the past two seasons.
In a succinct statement released Wednesday morning, general manager Brian Gutekunst said, “This was a difficult decision.”
Eric is a well-liked teammate and a gifted athlete. Regretfully, injuries prevented him from playing, and we believe that this is the wisest course of action for our roster moving ahead.
Although the Packers did not say if Stokes’ departure was due to an ailment, sources speculate that persistent foot and hamstring problems may have been a factor. Stokes’ release will save the team about $2.5 million against the salary cap. During the summer, Green Bay also made large expenditures in its secondary, signing veteran free agent Steven Nelson and selecting a cornerback in the second round.
A young, high-pedigree defender’s release has already raised questions about Stokes’ potential next destination. Teams that require depth in the secondary —
If Stokes is healthy, teams like the Steelers, Cardinals, and Chargers might view him as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition.
This move makes it very evident to the Packers that poor play and availability problems—even from prior top picks—will not ensure a position on the roster. As the defense goes through yet another reorganization under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, it also increases the pressure on younger players like Carrington Valentine and the recently selected Javon Bullard to step up.
The departure of Eric Stokes might be the start of a more brutal approach to roster management in Titletown, and Green Bay’s defensive identity is still in flux as they aim to make a postseason comeback behind Jordan Love and a redesigned offense.Would another franchise be able to give Stokes a fresh start? Or will unmet potential define his NFL story? We’ll find out in time.
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