The Green Bay Packers have decided not to pick up cornerback Eric Stokes' fifth-year option, as reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. This move doesn't shock many, considering Stokes has been plagued by injuries in the last couple of seasons.
If they had gone ahead with the option, Stokes would have been looking at a guaranteed $12.472 million salary in 2025. Despite being the 29th overall pick in 2021, Stokes' time on the field has been limited. His rookie season showed promise, with 935 defensive snaps (92 percent) played over 16 games and 14 starts. He ended the season with one interception, a team-leading 14 pass breakups, and 55 tackles.
However, Stokes' appearances have dwindled since then. His 2022 season got off to a rocky start, and it all went south in Week 9 against the Detroit Lions when he injured both his knee and foot, landing him on injured reserve and ending his second year prematurely.
In 2023, Stokes began the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list while still recovering from his injuries. He made a brief return in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos but suffered a hamstring injury after just four special teams snaps. This setback limited him to just two more games before ending up back on injured reserve.
But there's good news! According to Matt LaFleur, Stokes' hamstring seems to have healed, and he's been fully participating in the offseason program, looking sharp and ready to go.
The Packers opted to address the cornerback position in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, selecting Penn State's Kalen King. This move signals confidence in Stokes and Carrington Valentine, who are expected to compete for the starting spot opposite Jaire Alexander next season.
Heading into the final year of his rookie contract, Stokes still has a chance to earn a second contract with Green Bay, but without the safety net of a fifth-year option, the pressure is on for him to perform at his best.
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