Undervalued piece is playing for an extension, and the Packers will soon have to think about it as decision time nears

Keisean Nixon joined the Green Bay Packers in 2022 as a return specialist on two consecutive one-year deals before securing a three-year extension last year. His role has expanded significantly, progressing from special teams to nickel corner, then boundary corner, and now he serves as the team's top cornerback. Despite the defense's struggles in a recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, Nixon has performed well, recording five pass breakups in four games and allowing the lowest passer rating on the team at 68.9 when targeted.

Nixon is currently in the second year of his three-year contract, set to earn $4.675 million this year and $5 million next year, with 2026 marking a potential contract year. Given his elevated role, positional value, and market trends, he is expected to seek a new contract negotiation next offseason. The Packers have a history of considering extensions when players have one year remaining, but several factors could influence this decision.

Factors in favor of an extension include Nixon's solid performance and his critical role as the primary cornerback, especially since the Packers lack a clear succession plan, having not drafted a cornerback before the seventh round since 2021. However, counterarguments include Nixon not being an elite player, his age of 28, the team's financial constraints following Micah Parsons' $46.5 million annual extension, and competing priorities for extensions with younger players like Tucker Kraft, Devonte Wyatt, Quay Walker, and several wide receivers.

Market comparisons indicate that Nixon's current $6 million annual average could see a significant increase, as similar cornerbacks such as Paulson Adebo, Carlton Davis, and Charvarius Ward recently secured deals around $18 million per year. The Packers may opt to let Nixon play out his contract and enter free agency, but if he maintains his current performance level, a mid-term extension remains a viable option to secure a key defensive asset.