The Green Bay Packers are making strategic moves to strengthen their cornerback lineup, recently signing Benjamin St-Juste in free agency. However, the need for another starter on the boundary remains a priority.
While the draft offers opportunities for reinforcements, the Packers might have other pressing needs to address first. Fortunately, there are still viable options available in free agency.
One intriguing possibility is Rasul Douglas, a familiar face for Green Bay. Despite the initial wave of free agency being over, Douglas remains unsigned and could bring valuable experience and skill to the Packers' defense.
Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports highlighted cornerback as a significant need for the Packers, suggesting that Douglas could be a fitting solution. While the team also needs to focus on the offensive line and pass rush, the cornerback position is undeniably crucial.
Douglas first made an impact in Green Bay after being signed off the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad in 2021. His immediate contributions included five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and 13 passes defensed.
He continued his strong performance in 2022, but was traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2023. Although the trade initially raised eyebrows, the Packers gained a valuable third-round pick, and Douglas faced challenges in 2024.
After a stint with the Miami Dolphins, where he demonstrated he could still perform at a high level, Douglas is now searching for a new team. His 2025 season stats with Miami were impressive, allowing a completion rate of just 54.5 percent in his coverage, with a passer rating against him of 73.0.
The Packers could benefit from Douglas' return, especially given his history with the team. During his previous tenure, he played in 36 games with 28 starts, notching 10 interceptions and 32 batted passes. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon would likely welcome that level of production back into the fold.
If the Packers decide to focus on the offensive line or pass rush in the earlier rounds of the draft, they could still consider Douglas as a post-draft addition. This approach ensures they have depth at cornerback, safeguarding against potential injuries. However, waiting until after the draft carries the risk of another team signing him first.
Ultimately, Douglas could be a valuable asset for the Packers, but both parties need to be on the same page. While his first stint was successful, there are no guarantees of a repeat performance. Nevertheless, keeping Douglas on their radar could pay dividends for Green Bay's defense moving forward.