When the Green Bay Packers signed Nate Hobbs to a 4 year, $48 million deal this offseason, it didn’t take long for the ripple effects to be felt across the NFL. Just weeks later, two teams—the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears—signed their own slot defenders to big extensions that seemed to be directly referencing Hobbs’ deal.
Jalen Pitre of the Texans signed a 3 year, $39 million extension ($13 million per year), while Kyler Gordon of the Bears signed a 3 year, $40 million deal ($13.33 million per year). These numbers are a big jump from Jourdan Lewis’ previous record setting $10 million per year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But here’s the question: was this sudden surge in slot cornerback salaries justified by market trends, or did teams just use Hobbs’ deal as the new benchmark?
The Quarterback Comparison: A 30% Spike Overnight?
For perspective, imagine if the quarterback market saw a similar spike. Dak Prescott is currently the highest paid quarterback at 60 million per year. If other QBs suddenly started signing deals at 78 million annually—a 30% increase—it would be crazy. That’s what happened in the slot cornerback market after Hobbs’ signing.
Some will say that players like Pitre and Gordon are worth the extra money, but it’s hard to ignore the timing. Teams have apparently decided that Hobbs’ $12 million-per-year deal is the new standard for elite slot defenders. That means the Packers’ signing wasn’t just about getting a slot corner—it may have reset the entire market.
What Does This Mean for the Packers?
The Packers are in an interesting spot. Hobbs was signed as a slot cornerback, but recent reports say he can also play outside cornerback if needed. With Keisean Nixon, a disgruntled Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine as the current options, Hobbs is a “break-in-case-of-emergency” option at the boundary corners.
But we know teams’ intentions don’t always align with reality. Last offseason, the Packers planned to give first-round pick Jordan Morgan a legit shot at left tackle before moving him to right guard full-time. Could that happen with Hobbs?
Impact on Young Players Like Javon Bullard
If Hobbs ends up playing mostly in the slot, that could hurt younger players like Javon Bullard. Bullard—the 2024 second-round pick out of Georgia—already lost the starting safety job to Evan Williams, a fourth-round pick from the same draft class.
If Bullard isn’t given a chance to play nickel or contribute elsewhere, he risks being relegated to backup duties in his second year. That’s a problem for a team trying to build depth and develop young talent.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Defensive Priorities
That shift in priorities highlights just how important slot cornerbacks are in today’s NFL. As offenses use more three-wide receiver sets, having a reliable defender in the slot has become a must-have. Teams are willing to pay top dollar for players who can thrive there—even if that means stretching their budgets thin elsewhere.
That versatility Hobbs brings to the table gives Green Bay flexibility—but also raises questions about where they really want to use him. If Alexander leaves via trade or free agency, will they lean on Hobbs as an outside cornerback? Or will they prioritize keeping him in the slot, where he did so well under Rich Bisaccia with the Raiders?
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