Nate Hobbs’ Rocky Start in Green Bay Leaves Packers With Tough Decisions Ahead
The Green Bay Packers’ 2025 season didn’t just end in disappointment-it left a sting that’s going to linger well into the offseason. After a promising 9-3-1 start that had them looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, the wheels came off down the stretch.
Injuries to key players like Tucker Kraft and Micah Parsons played a role, but underperformance from some high-profile names also dragged this team down. And at the top of that list?
Cornerback Nate Hobbs.
Hobbs arrived in Green Bay with expectations as high as his price tag. The Packers handed him a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency, banking on the former Raiders standout to bring stability and playmaking to their secondary. But instead of becoming a cornerstone, Hobbs’ first year in green and gold was marred by injuries, questionable fit, and inconsistent play-leaving the franchise in a tough spot with three years still left on his deal.
A Misfit from the Start?
From the moment Hobbs signed, there were questions about how he’d fit into the Packers’ defensive scheme. In Las Vegas, Hobbs thrived as a slot corner-quick, physical, and disruptive in tight spaces.
But Green Bay had other plans. With rookie Javon Bullard already holding down the slot, the Packers shifted Hobbs to the outside, a move that never quite clicked.
The transition wasn’t just about scheme-it extended into the locker room too. Hobbs brought an edge with him, but it may have cut a little too deep.
Reports surfaced of overly physical practice habits, including a hit that injured running back MarShawn Lloyd. While Lloyd’s own injury history complicates that narrative, it didn’t help Hobbs’ standing in the building.
Injuries Pile Up, Opportunities Vanish
Even if Hobbs had been a seamless fit on the field, he simply wasn’t on it enough. A preseason meniscus injury cost him valuable reps with his new team.
Then came an MCL sprain that sidelined him for four games in the middle of the season. And just when it looked like he might finish strong, a torn MCL in Week 17 against Baltimore ended his year.
That’s a brutal run of injuries, especially for a player trying to establish himself in a new system. But when Hobbs was on the field, the results didn’t offer much relief.
Numbers That Raise Eyebrows
According to Pro Football Focus, Hobbs allowed 17 catches on 25 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns. He broke up just two passes, committed three penalties (one declined), and gave up a passer rating of 125.3 when targeted-a career high and a steep jump from the 96.3 mark he posted in his final year with the Raiders.
That kind of production-or lack thereof-raises serious questions about his future in Green Bay. And with a hefty contract hanging over the team’s cap sheet, those questions aren’t going away anytime soon.
What’s Next?
There’s a case to be made for moving Hobbs back to the slot in 2026. In limited snaps there last season, he allowed under one yard per coverage snap-0.92, to be exact. But even then, he gave up four receptions on five targets, and with Bullard still under contract at a lower price, the Packers may stick with the rookie.
Then there’s the financial side. Hobbs carries a $12.8 million cap hit next season, the 23rd-highest among cornerbacks.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a player coming off a season like his. Green Bay could justify the number if depth becomes an issue-Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine both had their struggles-but the team also has an out.
If Hobbs doesn’t show significant improvement early in 2026, the Packers could release him before his $6.25 million roster bonus becomes fully guaranteed on March 14.
The Clock is Ticking
Hobbs has publicly promised to bounce back, and there’s no doubt he still has the talent. But in the NFL, availability and fit often matter just as much as ability.
Right now, Hobbs is 0-for-3 in Green Bay. If that doesn’t change quickly, the Packers may decide to cut their losses and move on.
For a team that looked like a contender just a few months ago, the margin for error is shrinking. And for Nate Hobbs, the clock is already ticking on what could be his final shot in Titletown.