This could be the beginning of the end for Green Bay Packers corner Eric Stokes, not only when it comes to his time in Green Bay after this season but also his immediate future as a starter on defense.
Before the season, Stokes set out to prove he could still be counted on as a starting corner after two injury-stricken seasons. Stokes did beat out Carrington Valentine for the starting job but has struggled to show the promise he flashed early in his career. In fact, statistically speaking, his performance has been extremely underwhelming through the first five games.
According to NFL Pro, Stokes has allowed 217 receiving yards, the 18th most in the NFL. Meanwhile, out of 110 corners who played at least 50 coverage snaps in 2024, Stokes’ NFL Passer Rating Against is tied for the 19th highest, per Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he hasn’t broken up a single pass this season despite being targeted 28 times, though he has allowed two touchdowns, tied for the most on the team.
Stokes’ ball skills were one of his best traits when he burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2021, finishing with one interception and a team-high 14 pass breakups. However, since his encouraging rookie season, Stokes has not gotten his hands on a single pass in 492 coverage snaps, including playoffs.
The Packers may also be starting to realize that Stokes isn’t the player that he once was. In their Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Stokes was limited to 71 percent of the defensive snaps, so the team could work Valentine back into the fold and also experiment with Keisean Nixon on the outside.
Shuffling their secondary personnel allowed Green Bay to move rookie Javon Bullard into the slot and get an extended look at rookie Evan Williams. Finally getting a chance to play in an expanded role, Williams showed serious potential on his way to leading the team with 10 tackles and breaking up two passes, including one that would be the game-winner.
Also, with Jaire Alexander nearing his return to the lineup, the Packers will have to figure out how to nurture all of the talent they have in their secondary. One option could be sending Stokes to the bench so Alexander can start opposite Valentine, who emerged as a surprise starter a year ago.
Coming out of Georgia, Stokes was a true cover corner with blazing speed. Unfortunately, injuries have negatively impacted his development and possibly his future in the NFL.
This offseason, the Packers declined Stokes’ fifth-year option, meaning this year will be his last with the team unless they reach a new deal. Green Bay was using the 2024 season as a tryout for Stokes to see if he was worth investing in. So far, it doesn’t look good.
Perhaps all hope isn’t lost for Stokes if he can find a way to turn things around. However, it may have to happen elsewhere, as he may get fewer opportunities with the Packers.