The Green Bay Packers have wasted no time adding the cornerback they need in free agency.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers are signing free-agent corner Benjamin St-Juste, who spent the past season with the Los Angeles Chargers. Per Rapoport, it's a low-risk, two-year, $10 million deal.
After a disappointing four-year run with the Washington Commanders, St-Juste enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Chargers after signing a one-year prove-it deal. That's the gamble the Packers are taking, banking on the veteran maintaining that level of play in Jonathan Gannon's system.
Packers add much-needed competition at cornerback with Benjamin St-Juste signing
While St-Juste will earn more than he did in Los Angeles, it's still a great deal for the Packers, and one they should have no trouble getting out of if he doesn't perform well. The upside is clear.
Last season, St-Juste earned Pro Football Focus' eighth-best coverage grade. According to PFF, he allowed 19 completions on 40 targets for 205 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a 60.9 passer rating.
It will be interesting to see where he slots into the Packers' depth chart. St-Juste only started two games for the Chargers and played a little over a third of their defensive snaps last season.
That implies he might not be guaranteed a starting job in Green Bay, instead providing competition behind Keisean Nixon. Time will tell.
It's somewhat of a gamble, as St-Juste allowed passer ratings north of 100 in three out of his four seasons with the Commanders, but the contract is a good one for the Packers. If he can continue to build on his good work in Los Angeles, it will be a fantastic move.
But cornerback remains a need despite the signing, and the Packers should continue to search the free-agent market.
