The Green Bay Packers bolstered their cornerback room in free agency when they signed Benjamin St-Juste. However, they could use another starter on the boundary.
The expectation is that the Packers will add reinforcements in the draft, but they may want to prioritize other needs. The good news is that there are other ways the team's brass can get cornerback help.
Although the first wave of free agency has come and gone, several talented players remain unsigned. One in particular that Green Bay knows well could make an impact at cornerback: Rasul Douglas.
Rasul Douglas could surprisingly still make sense for the Packers in 2026
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports identified every team's biggest need and a fit to address it. For the Packers, he chose cornerback and suggested they sign Rasul Douglas, noting that they also need to take care of the offensive trenches and the pass rush.
"The Packers could look to improve upon the offensive line or the pass rush, but cornerback remains a major area of need," Pereles wrote. "They signed Benjamin St-Juste, who had a nice 2025 with the Chargers before that. It's still a need."
In 2021, the Packers signed Douglas off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad. Right off the bat, the 2017 third-round pick made his presence felt in Green Bay, registering five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and 13 passes defensed. He followed that up with another banner season in 2022 (four INTs, 13 pass deflections).
But then in 2023, Douglas was shipped to the Buffalo Bills. At the time, the trade didn't look great because he had become a staple of the defense. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst was somewhat vindicated because Green Bay got a third-round pick, and Douglas struggled in 2024.
The West Virginia Mountaineer became a free agent but had to wait months before he joined the Miami Dolphins. While his stint in South Florida went well, a new regime took over (Jon Eric-Sullivan and Jeff Hafley) in 2026, and the Dolphins have yet to bring him back.
Douglas proved he can still play at a high level in Miami. Per Pro Football Reference, quarterbacks completed only 54.5 percent of passes in his coverage for 430 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, good for a passer rating of just 73.0.
After the initial free-agency spending, Douglas is still looking for a new home, and the Packers could still use help at cornerback. It's easy to put two and two together. During his time in Green Bay, he appeared in 36 games with 28 starts, registering 10 picks, 32 batted passes, and two forced fumbles. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon would love to have that kind of production in his unit.
Why Rasul Douglas could help the Packers (but he'll need to wait after the draft)
Even if the Packers go offensive line or pass rush in Round 2, they could still add a cornerback in Rounds 3 or 4. If they don't, though, Douglas would most definitely become an option. Of course, he would need to be available, but by then, signings won't count toward the draft compensation formula.
Having said that, Green Bay could sign Douglas and add a corner in the draft. By doubling down, they'll ensure they won't run out of talent at the position in case the injury bug strikes next season. The downside of waiting until the draft concludes to sign him is that they run the risk of another team swooping in.
The truth is that Douglas could help the Packers, but it takes two to tango. And just because his first stint went well doesn't mean he'll have an impact again. That said, Brian Gutekunst should have his number on speed dial. Just in case.