The Green Bay Packers are making moves!
After signing guard Aaron Banks to a $77 million contract, the Packers have finally addressed their need at cornerback.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Packers are signing former Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs to a four-year, $48 million contract, with $16 million guaranteed.
The Packers desperately needed reinforcements in the secondary, and they have wasted no time adding cornerback talent. Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine are free agents, while Jaire Alexander is as good as gone.
Hobbs can make an immediate impact.
Packers make big-time move to upgrade the secondary with Nate Hobbs signing
Grade: A
The Packers have finally prioritized the nickel position. Hobbs played primarily in the slot for the Raiders, although the 6-foot-1, 195-pound corner also has experience on the outside. Green Bay may view him as Keisean Nixon's replacement in the slot, as Nixon thrived on the outside this past season.
His experience in both roles will provide tremendous value to the Packers' secondary.
It's a classic Brian Gutekunst move. Hobbs is only 26 years old and entering the best years of his career. He offers four years of NFL experience, having featured in 51 games with 38 starts for the Raiders, making 19 pass defenses and three interceptions.
According to The 33rd Team, Hobbs had the 11th-best Coverage EPA (-15.6) among all defensive backs who were targeted at least 40 times last season.
He rarely gives up big plays, has inside/outside versatility, and can make an immediate impact in the Packers' struggling secondary.
While we don't yet know the full contract details, the initial terms of $12 million per year with only $16 million guaranteed seem reasonable. Many teams have overpaid on the opening day of free agency, but the Packers have made a smart piece of business here.
There's a lot to love about this move.