Packers Sign History-Maker Defensive Back To Strengthen Secondary

The Green Bay Packers have one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL. A healthy Jaire Alexander is one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, and Xavier McKinney is a top-two safety in the league. Pairing him with Evan Williams gives Green Bay the potential to field one of the best safety duos in football. Versatility is another strength—Nate Hobbs can play both outside and in the slot, while Javon Bullard offers flexibility to line up in the slot and as a post-safety.

Still, Green Bay’s cornerback room was exposed whenever Jaire Alexander was out. Neither Keisean Nixon nor Eric Stokes had answers against top-tier receivers like Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, or Amon-Ra St. Brown. With Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell all gone in free agency, the Packers entered the offseason needing to upgrade their depth at the position.

The Packers addressed their cornerback room by signing Nate Hobbs and drafting Micah Robinson. Recently, they added another player to solidify the position.

On Wednesday, Green Bay signed former Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Gregory Junior to their roster. 

Junior was a 2022 sixth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars and the first-ever draft pick from Ouachita Baptist University. He appeared in 10 games for Jacksonville during the 2022-23 season, recording 17 tackles (11 solo), two tackles for loss, and a pass defensed. After being released during the 2024 training camp, Junior spent time on the practice squads of the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans.

Junior can add valuable depth to the Packers’ defense. Additionally, he has played over 120 career snaps on special teams. Projected as a Day 3 prospect in the 2022 draft, here is what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com said about him in his scout report:

"Developmental defensive back with size, speed and fluidity that stands out on tape against his level of competition. Junior's technique and field awareness could be early stumbling blocks but are certainly correctable. He's smooth and athletic working around the field and teams will go to work discovering his level of talent and versatility during the draft process. He had limited ball production against a lower level of competition, but the traits are present for that to change. He will be an early special teams worker as a draft-and-stash talent on Day 3."

Gregory Junior arrives to provide depth behind the starting lineup and contribute on special teams, though he could also be a candidate for the practice squad as a developmental player. With Green Bay’s defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley known for developing defensive backs, it will be interesting to see how he helps Junior grow.