Many felt this one was a move that needed to be made. The Green Bay Packers have brought back All-Pro return man and veteran slot corner Keisean Nixon on a three-year deal worth as much as $19.2 million. Green Bay increases their depth and talent in the cornerback room, and they keep the best kick returner in the league on their team. His importance in multiple phases for this team could mean the difference between a Super Bowl run and the opposite.

Nixon’s Elite Versatility

Again, what Keisean Nixon does on both defense and special teams is so valuable. Defensively, he set a career-best with 80 total tackles last season and six pass deflections. His near-60 solo tackles were also a career-high. He also intercepted Patrick Mahomes in a key victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lambeau Field in early December. The former Raider is an ascending player on the backend that new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will be eager to utilize this season and beyond.

Additionally, the cornerback position isn’t as big of a need as Green Bay looks toward the draft. Fellow Packers cornerbacks Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Corey Ballantine, Carrington Valentine, and Nixon are all under contract. GM Brian Gutekunst can now focus on adding linebacker help and another safety opposite of free agent acquisition Xavier McKinney.

Electrifying Returner

It is not at all a stretch to say that Nixon is the best kick returner in the sport. His cutback ability and vision are top-notch. His game-breaking speed is nothing to doubt either. The numbers back it up too. The back-to-back First-Team All-Pro has the led the league in return yards each of the last two years. His 26.1 return average was a career-best last season too. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who has coached Nixon in both Las Vegas and now Green Bay, has to be thrilled with his return for sure. Look for Nixon to create havoc for opposing kickoff teams for years to come in Green Bay.