When the Green Bay Packers handed Keisean Nixon a three-year, $18 million contract extension during the offseason, it wasn’t just to return kicks. The expectation was that Nixon would also be a key contributor on defense, which is precisely what he’s been throughout the season.
Nixon has started 11 out of 13 games for the Packers and played 93 percent of the defensive snaps. Originally the starting slot corner, Nixon was moved primarily to outside corner early in the season, bringing his gritty playstyle with him.
His 65 total tackles rank fifth on the team, while his two forced fumbles are tied for the team lead. Naturally, corners are primarily judged on their performance in coverage, and Nixon had plenty of good moments in that area as well.
With four games to go, he has already tied his career-high for pass breakups with six. Last week, Nixon made one of the biggest defensive plays of the game when he picked off Jared Goff at a crucial time during the second half.
Down 17-7 at halftime, the Packers opened with a 70-yard touchdown drive to make it a three-point game. Nixon kept the momentum going by intercepting Goff and returning the ball 16 yards to the Detroit Lions’ 16-yard line to set up a quick touchdown for the offense. Green Bay ultimately lost to Detroit via a walk-off field goal, but Nixon’s takeaway put them in great position to score and take the lead during the third quarter.
Additionally, after breaking up a pass intended for Lions star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown earlier in the game, Nixon ended up finishing with the second-highest coverage grade among corners in Week 14, according to Pro Football Focus.
“I think he’s taken his game up another level,” Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He’s a guy that’s shown the ability and gotten better and more consistent in his football in terms of going out there and performing.”
Primarily a special teamer during his first three NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Nixon has earned the trust of the Packers’ coaching staff and has taken advantage of his opportunities to show off his unique skill set on defense.
“Kei’s a guy that we’ve got a lot of confidence in, and he’s shown the versatility to play not only inside but to go out on the outside. Not everybody can do that,” LaFleur added.
While Nixon has the support of his head coach, his play this season has been a heated debate amongst the fanbase. Per PFF, Nixon has surrendered the most touchdowns on the team and is tied for the most penalties. He has also allowed 40 receptions on 60 targets for 358 receiving yards.
Despite a mixed bag of statistics, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has stepped up to defend Nixon, emphasizing the demands placed on him and his ability to handle a fluid role on defense.
“I think Keisean probably should be getting more credit than he’s getting for everything we’re asking him to do,” Hafley said of Nixon after his first start at outside corner against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5.
Regardless of how fans might feel about Nixon, he is entrenched as a defensive starter and will likely remain as the starting outside corner opposite of Jaire Alexander, who appears to be getting closer to making his return to the field.
This past offseason, Green Bay wasn’t about to let Nixon walk after he earned his second-consecutive All-Pro nod as a kick returner. In 2024, Nixon’s impact on defense has been undeniable, a development fully embraced by the Packers.
