Upgrading the pass defense is a priority for the Green Bay Packers.
They need help at edge-rusher and cornerback, two premium positions where the Packers need more difference-makers. They made a solid start by signing cornerback Nate Hobbs, who can become an immediate starter in the secondary, but the work is far from done.
Eric Stokes has already gone, and now Corey Ballentine has found a new home.
According to The Athletic's James Boyd, the Indianapolis Colts have signed Ballentine in free agency.
Along with Jaire Alexander's likely departure, the Packers have become thin at cornerback. They still need reinforcements, even after signing Hobbs.
Packers' cornerback need becomes even more obvious following Corey Ballentine's departure
If we assume Alexander is gone, the Packers have three notable starters on the roster: Hobbs, Keisean Nixon, and Carrington Valentine. That could be Jeff Hafley's preferred starting combination when Week 1 arrives. Javon Bullard can also play snaps in the slot.
However, Green Bay has lost most of its depth. Again, assuming Alexander departs this offseason, the Packers have lost three cornerbacks and only added one.
They are an injury away from Kamal Hadden, Isaiah Dunn, or Kalen King stepping into the lineup.
Most of the notable veteran options are no longer available. Asante Samuel Jr. is the best remaining corner on the market, but his tackling issues could scare off Hafley. There's a reason why he remains unsigned on the fifth day of free agency.
The Packers may need to double down at the position in the draft.
Of course, Alexander surprisingly staying in Green Bay would change that. Although he has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, the Packers would have four cornerbacks with starting experience on the boundary, with three players capable of playing in the slot. That's not a bad start.
Time will tell. Ballentine's departure was inevitable, but it adds further urgency to improve the Packers' cornerback depth.