The Green Bay Packers had a clear direction to go with corner Keisean Nixon heading into the 2026 offseason, needing the corner to take a pay cut. Nixon, proving to be valuable in the return game, was a wrinkle that made it easier to overlook the underwhelming defensive production and justify a return next season. However, the road to this happening just grew a bit more complicated with Nixon getting a surprise Pro Bowl nod. It is an accolade that, in truth, is undeserved and speaks to how easy it has become to earn a spot on the roster.
Still, Nixon's team is unquestionably going to use the accolade in any offseason negotiations, frustratingly lessening hopes of Nixon taking a pay cut. If you doubt just how easy it has become to make a Pro Bowl roster, consider that Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was named as a replacement despite completing less than 60% of his passes, tossing more interceptions than touchdowns, and managing only 1,400 yards in the 2025 season.
While this validates that Nixon struggles despite earning the honor, it doesn't help the chances that it will be used against the Packers. Nixon is scheduled to be a $7.1 million cap hit, while cutting the defender would save $5 million, opening up additional space. This makes the difficulty of Green Bay's decision obvious, with Nixon likely needing to accept a pay cut or becoming a cap casualty as the Packers work to retool the defense under new coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Packers Road to Keeping Keisean Nixon Just Grew More Difficult with Undeserved Honor
When targeted in coverage, Nixon allowed opposing QBs a passer rating of 104.6, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.1, which reinforces his middling production. The defender's path to keeping his role is lessening his salary while also being willing to contribute in the return game. Nixon is electric with the ball in his hands but rarely gets the opportunity to show that ability on defense, recording one interception in the 2025 season. All of this paints a clear picture of what needs to be done to secure the corner's future on the roster.
One that looks a bit more tenuous after a Pro Bowl nod, pointing to how easy it has become to make the roster. It was once a respected piece of a resume and has now been reduced to who is popular or wants to take part in the event. Players opting out shouldn't excuse the level of talent degradation that is quickly defining the event.
Something that is now biting the Packers is likely making their path to keeping Nixon far more difficult. Still, nothing has changed with Green Bay's perspective on what needs to happen. Nixon must take a pay cut, or the Packers will need to make a difficult decision that gives the team a chance to improve at the position.