When the Green Bay Packers extended Keisean Nixon’s contract this offseason for three years for $18 million, it wasn’t just about returning kicks. Nixon was also expected to play a key role on defense, and that’s exactly what he did throughout the season.
Nixon started 11 of 13 games for the Packers and played 93 percent of the defensive snaps. Originally starting at cornerback, Nixon was moved primarily to outside cornerback early in the season, taking his coarse playing style with him.
His 65 tackles rank fifth on the team, and his two forced fumbles tie for the team lead. Naturally, corner kicks are judged primarily by their range, and Nixon had many good moments in that area as well.
With four games left, he had already tied his career high for pass breakups with six. Last week, Nixon made one of the greatest defensive plays of the game, taking down Jared Goff at a key moment in the second half.
Trailing 17-7 at halftime, the Packers started with a 70-yard touchdown drive to give them three points. Nixon kept the momentum going by intercepting Goff and returning the ball 16 yards to the Detroit Lions’ 16-yard line for a rushing touchdown. Green Bay ultimately lost to Detroit on a field goal, but Nixon’s field goal put them in great position to score and take the lead in the third quarter.
Additionally, according to Pro Football Focus, after breaking up a pass intended for Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown early in the game, Nixon finished with the second-highest corner coverage rate in Week 14.
“I think he’s taken his game to the next level,” Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He’s a guy who has shown what he can do and has improved and become more consistent in his football game in terms of going out there and performing.”
Nixon, who was primarily an exceptional player during his first three NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, earned the trust of the Packers coaching staff and took advantage of opportunities to show off his exceptional defensive skills.
“Kei is a guy we have a lot of confidence in and he has shown that he has the versatility to play not only inside but also outside. Not everyone can do it,” LaFleur added.
While Nixon has the support of his head coach, his play this season has sparked heated debate among fans. According to PFF, Nixon has thrown the most touchdowns on the team and has the most penalties. He also allowed 40 receptions on 60 targets for 358 receiving yards.
Despite the mixed statistics, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley came to Nixon’s defense, emphasizing the demands placed on him and his ability to handle a fluid role on defense.
“I think Keisean should probably get more credit than he gets for everything we ask him to do,” Hafley said of Nixon after his first start at outside corner against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.
Regardless of what fans may think of Nixon, he has become entrenched as a defensive starter and will likely remain the starting outside corner opposite Jaire Alexander, who appears to be getting closer to returning to the field.
Last season, Green Bay had no intention of letting Nixon go after he earned his second straight All-Pro nod as a kick returner. In 2024, Nixon’s influence on defense will be undeniable, something the Packers have fully embraced.
