Nate Hobbs Eyes Legendary Status in Packers' Revamped Secondary

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers' newest addition, Nate Hobbs, is ready to make his mark in the secondary, regardless of where he lines up. Whether it's at cornerback, in the slot, or even at safety, Hobbs is focused on proving his worth after signing a four-year, $48 million contract during the first week of NFL free agency.

Hobbs, who has faced his share of injuries, is no stranger to adversity. He recalls a pivotal moment in the 2022 season while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a broken thumb, Hobbs returned to the field with a cast, determined to support his team. "My brothers needed me out there," Hobbs said during his introduction to the Packers. "I’ll be 40% trying to play out there."

Unfortunately, Hobbs landed on injured reserve the following week, missing six games. Over four seasons with the Raiders, he played in 51 of 68 regular-season games, a significant improvement over Jaire Alexander, who played in only 34 games during the same period. Alexander, still on the Packers' roster, is likely to be traded or released, opening a spot for Hobbs on the outside.

The Packers plan to pair Hobbs with Keisean Nixon, another former Raider, on the perimeter. "Think it'd be legendary," Hobbs said of the potential pairing. "Keisean is versatile—he can play inside, outside, and he’s a threat on returns."

With Carrington Valentine and rookie safety Javon Bullard also in the mix, the Packers' secondary is shaping up to be a formidable unit. General Manager Brian Gutekunst is expected to further bolster the position through free agency or the draft, ensuring the Packers are well-prepared for the upcoming season.

Hobbs is ready to embrace any role. "I’m a dog," he declared. "If they need me to play safety, goddamn it, I’ll play safety."