Very rare is it that an NFL team can find an elite, All-Pro kick returner and solid slot corner in one human being. That is what the Green Bay Packers have had each of the last two seasons with Keisean Nixon. Nixon is about to become a free agent early next week, and the Packers need to do everything in their power to bring him back. His versatility means everything for this team. What is it that he does specifically that makes him such a great football player?

Outstanding Return Man

Simply put, Nixon is arguably the best kick returner in the NFL. He has been named a First-Team All-Pro each of the last two seasons after leading the league in kick return yards in both 2022 and 2023. Last season, the former Raider led the NFL in kick returns that went at least 20 yards. He also wasn’t shy about taking the ball out of the end zone as he led the league in total kick returns with 30.

He has elite vision and cutback speed. He could very well be the best kick return man since Desmond Howard. Green Bay cannot lose the special teams playmaker that he is. That is for certain.

Steady Defender

Nixon has also made his mark with the Packers as a slot cornerback. He set a career-high in total tackles last season with 80 and really stepped up after the loss of former first-round pick Eric Stokes. His six pass deflections were a career-best as well. He picked off Patrick Mahomes in a crucial game that helped turn Green Bay’s season around.

With a former DBs coach in Jeff Hafley coming over to be Green Bay’s new defensive coordinator, he’ll want all the talent at his disposal possible. Bringing back a versatile piece in Nixon on a new, multi-year deal would be smart for Green Bay. He brings so much value and versatility. The Packers cannot afford to lose him.