As the Packers head into another off season, we enter the realm of hypotheticals. With that in mind, today I am looking at some more free agency gems Gutey could go after. The Packers secondary is in rough shape. Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine are not the 1-2 punch answers on the outside.
In the past few years I’ve watched the Packers go out and snatch top prospects during free agency, buying into a win now mentality. Unfortunately the salary cap is going to play a bigger role in decisions this year.
The Packers may avoid nabbing an expensive veteran, to preserve the pending compensatory draft picks from players finding greener pastures elsewhere. I of course would like to see a Tariq Woolen, Jamel Dean, or even Asante Samuel. However, the squad has a number of their own free agents to re-sign, so handing out a bag may not be in the cards. With that framing, here’s a few possible free agents the Packers could puruse that wouldn’t break the bank.
Jaylen Watson (Chiefs)
Jaylen Watson has shown flashes of high level play as a starter despite being a later round pick. His allowed passer rating and coverage efficiency suggest a player who can be trusted in a variety of defensive roles. Whether it’s locking down an opponent’s best receiver, or playing nickel when teams go three-wide. For a Packers defense that has struggled with depth and consistency in the cornerback room, Watson brings scheme versatility and the potential to play on the outside or in sub packages. His age (27) also gives Green Bay a controllable contract window, which fits a front office that may want to balance free agent spending with draft capital.
Projected Contract: Watson might be on the lower end of starting-cornerback money at around $8–12M per year with incentives. He is a starter with room to grow, but not an elite track record.
Packers Likelihood:
This type of deal is more budget compatible with what analysts think the Packers might be comfortable spending. Watson’s versatility (can play outside or in sub packages) fits the scheme flexibility Green Bay needs, especially if they want to combine a cap-friendly signing with a step forward in coverage.
Realistic Chances: High, one of the more affordable, realistic targets for Green Bay.
Alontae Taylor ( Saints)
Alontae Taylor is another young cornerback with starting experience who could be available in 2026. Known for competitive ball skills and physicality, Taylor can match up against bigger receivers and disrupt timing routes. Taylor offers a blend of youth and reliability. While not necessarily a superstar, Taylor is a high quality CB2 who can elevate the unit overall. Under a new defensive coordinator, Taylor’s versatility to play press man or zone could be especially valuable.
Projected Contract: A solid CB2 starter like Taylor could be valued around $10–13M per year on the open market, again depending on production and market demand.
Packers Likelihood:
Taylor’s profile would align more with what the Packers should afford without mortgaging future cap space. While not a game wrecker, Taylor could be a strong scheme fit as a press/zone corner who won’t break the bank.
Realistic Chances: High, good balance of cost vs. production.
Cor’Dale Flott (Giants)
Cor’Dale Flott represents a younger, higher-upside free agent option. At just 24 years old, Flott has shown the ability to break up passes and make plays downfield, and his athletic profile shows he could continue improving with coaching. For Green Bay, a player like Flott could be a long-term piece opposite a veteran signing like Watson. He brings more future value and fits a team philosophy that wants to blend youth with experience. His age and potential contract cost also make him an appealing “best available” type target for a Packers secondary looking to rebuild.
Projected Contract: As a younger, higher-upside free agent, he could garner an $8–10M per year contract with some performance incentives.
Packers Likelihood:
The Packers reportedly want youth and long-term pieces, and Flott fits that mold. A controlled, affordable deal makes sense if the Packers believe they can groom him into a top-flight starter.
Realistic Chances: Very high, attractive cost and potential upside.
Packers Secondary Reunions Possible
Bringing back either Trevon Diggs or Rasul Douglas would make sense for the Packers not just on the field, but inside the locker room as well. Both players understand the expectations in Green Bay and have firsthand experience with the culture, preparation standards, and accountability that the organization values.
Rasul brings a steady, veteran presence who earned respect through consistency, effort, and leadership, while Diggs offers a confidence and competitive edge that can energize a young secondary and raise the unit’s ceiling. In different ways, each would help bridge the gap between younger defensive backs and the coaching staff, reinforcing communication and trust while allowing the Packers to reintroduce familiar voices who already know what it takes to succeed in Green Bay.
The Road To The 2026 Draft
With the Micah Parsons trade, the Packers will sit out the 1st round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Barring Gutey trading up for someone they like, I think most of the top corners will be gone by pick 52, where the Packers currently sit. I have seen and heard that this is a deep talented Cornerback draft, but in my opinion, the best option to get an immediate impact will be via free agency.
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