Keisean Nixon might have had an opportunity to make more money elsewhere on the free-agent market, but the Green Bay Packers’ All-Pro kickoff returner (and likely starting slot corner) loved his first season in Wisconsin and was dead set on returning in 2023.
Nixon explained the process of re-signing with the Packers during a recent conversation with Larry McCarren of the team’s official site.
“I didn’t really want to go anywhere. I had conversations with my agent, and I feel like it was the best situation was for me to come back here regardless of what other teams offered,” Nixon said. “I got here, I got comfortable, and I met so many gerat people. I want to make this home.”
In his first season with the Packers, Nixon returned 35 kickoffs for an NFL-high 1,009 yards and one touchdown (NFL long 105-yarder vs. Vikings). He also forced a fumble and tallied his first career interception over 289 defensive snaps at cornerback.
His explosiveness and playmaking at returner combined with the versatility to play in the secondary likely made him an attractive option for many teams in free agency, but Nixon decided to return to the Packers on a one-year, $4.25 million deal that featured a $1.85 million signing bonus. The team added four void years to spread out the cap hits and drop his 2023 cap number to just under $2.8 million.
Nixon said he couldn’t wait to get back in the building and re-connect with friends such as Preston Smith, Kenny Clark, De’Vondre Campell and Rasul Douglas.
And what’s in store for 2023? Nixon is ready to build on his breakout season.
“I don’t feel like I accomplished much last year. All I did was get my name out there. This will be the year I show them who I really am. What I bring to the table wasn’t a fluke.”
The Packers are expecting Nixon to be the primary kickoff returner and a key contributor in the secondary. In fact, coach Matt LaFleur said Nixon will be his Day 1 nickel corner between Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas.
Nixon likes the fit and believes his biggest impact will come on defense. LaFleur didn’t rule out the idea of playing Nixon on offense as well.
Nixon and the Packers will have another decision to make on his future next offseason. His contract will void following the 2023 season.
