Packers decline fifth-year option on CB Eric Stokes

The Green Bay Packers made a big decision on cornerback Eric Stokes ahead of the 2024 season. According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the team declined the fifth-year option on Stokes. Garafolo said the former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback played well in his rookie season, but he has dealt with injuries the last two years.

Stokes, 25, was selected by the Packers at No. 29 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Stokes recorded 55 tackles, one interception, and 14 passes defended. He only played in 12 games the last two seasons due to multiple injuries.

Back in October, Stokes talked about the challenges of dealing with injuries. “I was down bad,” Stokes said, per Packers.com. “The days I thought I was coming back or thought I was coming closer, then boom something else would happen and it would set me back again. Those days were real-deal tough.”

Stokes also talked about learning from the injuries he suffered over the last two years. “I just kept looking at the bigger picture,” he said. “I know for a fact this happened for a reason. It wasn’t an accident. It wasn’t nothing that I did. My injury happened for a reason. It sat me down for something.

“My worst day is somebody’s great day. You just gotta look at that and keep on pushing through and keep moving. Once I changed my mindset on everything, then everything else came easy.”

Eric Stokes could still re-sign with the Packers

If Stokes can stay healthy, he could make a big impact on the defense. Green Bay could also likely re-sign Stokes before he becomes a free agent next March.

Shortly after Stokes was drafted, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur shared his thoughts on him. “He’s a well-built kid. He looks like a grown man. He has that big, running back, thick frame,” LaFleur said per Packers Wire. “Then you watch him run routes and he doesn’t move like most traditional running backs. We’re really excited about just the versatility that he could potentially bring to our offense and also his contribution on special teams.”

Stokes was a standout player at Georgia, recording 20 tackles, four interceptions, and eight passes defended in 2020. He was named to the All-SEC First Team that season and the All-SEC Second Team in 2019 after posting 38 tackles and nine passes defended.