Packers plan to unlock versatile player in 2024

The Green Bay Packers didn't re-sign two-time All-Pro return man Keisean Nixon to have him focus on what he does back — which is return kicks.

General manager Brian Gutekunst revealed recently that the Packers have much bigger plans for Nixon, who also plays nickel cornerback.

That's the reason Green Bay gave Nixon a three-year, $18 million contract earlier this offseason. They want him to be more than just a returner and an experienced warm body for the defense. 

They want him to be one of the main cogs for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley — who Gutekunst believes can unlock Nixon's true potential.

“(Nixon) did such a good job for us in his first year as a starting nickel and playing that many snaps on defense,” Gutekunst said at the NFL owners meetings on Monday, per Packers News. “We certainly think his best football [is] ahead of him. We’re excited about what he can do for our defense. I think bringing in Jeff Hafley and giving him some time to really study Keisean and make sure that that was a fit was important. He's very excited to have him back as well.”

Nixon wasn't the best while getting his feet wet at nickel corner last season, but it's worth noting that he's a tremendous athlete and has the speed and agility to stick with slot corners, in particular.  

“I think the nickel position, in general, has become more and more important in our league,” Gutekunst explained. "Having a guy who can who can do multiple things and not only cover but be an instinctual guy that can take the ball away, and also play against the run just because of how much those guys are involved. So I think that position, in particular, has become more and more valuable, and we spend a lot more time looking at exactly how we want to do that.”

The Packers believe Nixon can step it up in 2024, especially with a new coach pulling his strings.