Keisean Nixon showed he's the least of Packers' problems amid Week 1 collapse

Cornerback Keisean Nixon made waves in the offseason because he's entering a contract year and was potentially looking for an extension. However, he was so inconsistent that there was chatter that he could lose his starting job and be a backup in 2026.

In the end, though, Nixon started for the Green Bay Packers when they faced the Minnesota Vikings. Although there were many reasons behind their 39-22 loss to their dreaded division foe, he wasn't one of them.

If anything, Nixon was one of the few bright spots in what was an otherwise dreadful showing from Green Bay. And while it's a long season, he's quickly proving why the team's brass kept him in the starting lineup.

Keisean Nixon came through for the Packers in the Week 1 loss to the Vikings

Nixon posted a Pro Football Focus overall score of 77.9, making him the highest-graded Packers defensive player in Week 1. He was targeted five times but only gave up three passes for 35 yards. If that wasn't enough, the eight-year corner registered an interception and two total pressures. Simply put, both traditional and advanced statistics show he played at a high level in the loss to the Vikes.

It's easy to forget now, but Nixon often practiced with the second team in training camp and was seemingly at risk of losing his job.

Before the game, though, Nixon stated that he didn't really care what critics said of him or whether they liked him. True to his word, he let his play do the talking about the Vikings.

The Packers may want to see more of Keisean Nixon before making a long-term commitment

Just because Nixon delivered in Week 1 doesn't mean he shouldn't watch his back. You have to consistently prove yourself, and if he falters, Benjamin St-Juste could take his job. That said, the former Las Vegas Raider is quickly proving why he shouldn't lose his starting job.

But as good as Nixon was in Week 1, and even if he keeps playing well, the Packers may play it safe with him. After all, the team's brass hasn't hesitated to lock up its homegrown talent, giving extensions to tight end Tucker Kraft, wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.

However, general manager Brian Gutekunst also signed cornerback Nate Hobbs in 2025 and tore the contract apart just one year later.

Nixon signed a three-year deal worth $18 million with the Packers in 2024. Salaries at cornerback have gone up since then, so even though he's not a top-tier cornerback, he will probably get a pretty good deal if he hits the open market. Green Bay may want to see more of him before making a further commitment.

Either way, the Packers have more pressing issues to solve right now. For the time being, though, all Nixon can do is keep playing at a high level. He made a good start in the new scheme.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow