Every year, the NFL Draft has the potential to change a lot for teams. Franchises are able to add promising players, on small contracts, and address areas of their roster that need improvement. While that's always a great opportunity for teams, it can often spell bad news for some veteran players.
That could be the case for the Green Bay Packers in 2026, who recently put together an intriguing draft class. The team's first pick of the class was cornerback Brandon Cisse, and there's a belief that his presence is already putting pressure on a veteran in Green Bay.
NFL analyst Ben Solak, in a recent ESPN piece, named a handful of veteran players who are on the hot seat following the 2026 NFL Draft. One of the veterans listed was Packers corner Carrington Valentine, who will have Cisse on his heels for his starting spot.
ESPN says Packers corner Carrington Valentine is on the hot seat after the addition of Brandon Cisse
Solak acknowledged that Valentine's starting job was uncertain even before the draft. After a rough 2025 season for Valentine, Green Bay added veteran defensive back Benjamin St-Juste. Not only will Valentine now have to compete with St-Juste for reps, but they both have to try to hold off the talented Cisse.
The thing working in Valentine's favor, according to Solak, is that the Packers don't rush rookies onto the field, and Cisse has some developing to do. That reality could buy the veteran corner some more time in the starting lineup, but Cisse's readiness could ultimately determine that.
Even still, Solak laid out a path where Cisse isn't a day-one starter but is still a day-one contributor, saying that he could be in a rotation with Valentine and St-Juste. Pointing out how Valentine struggles to defend bigger receivers, Solak explained how Green Bay could turn to the rookie as a better matchup.
If that happens, it will only be a matter of time before Cisse is a full-time starter. The Packers used a second-round pick on him, so he is clearly a part of the team's future. The same can't be said for Valentine, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract. Valentine must be prepared to have a better season in 2026, or he could be spending his important contract year on the sideline.
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