The Green Bay Packers have released cornerback Nate Hobbs after only one season with the team. General manager Brian Gutekunst made the decision to release Hobbs after signing him to a four-year, $48 million contract just one year ago.
Hobbs’ Performance and Injury Issues
Hobbs came to Green Bay from the Las Vegas Raiders, where he had largely played in the slot for his first four seasons. The Packers seemed intent on making him into a boundary corner, a position where he appeared to be miscast. Hobbs ended up missing some time due to injuries, playing in just 11 games last year with five starts.
He played just 358 total snaps on defense, allowing a passer rating of 111.1 with no interceptions and just two pass breakups.
Financial Implications of the Release
Hobbs’ deal included a $16 million signing bonus. The Packers will have to absorb the remaining $12 million of that bonus. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports the release will be classified as a post-June 1st cut.
- Green Bay will carry Hobbs’ full $12.8 million salary cap charge until June 1st.
- $4 million will remain on the 2026 cap.
- The remaining $8 million hitting the team’s cap in 2027.
Roster Bonus Deadline and Roster Changes
The time frame for this decision was forced in large part by a $6.25 million roster bonus that Hobbs was due. The team was clearly unwilling to pay that amount for a player who massively underperformed in his only season with the team. Hobbs’ role in the slot was questionable thanks to Javon Bullard’s improvement at that spot last season. Tuesday’s signing of Benjamin St-Juste gives the team more depth at boundary corner.