Packers Urged to Reunite With Former ‘Significant Contributor’ After Recent Release

Veteran Corey Ballentine was released by the Indianapolis Colts on August 1 in a surprising training camp cut.

Ballentine, 29, appeared in 37 games for the Green Bay Packers between 2022 and 2024, and considering the Pack’s current depth issues at cornerback, the chatter regarding a reunion has already begun.

Justis Mosqueda of SB Nation’s Acme Packing Company made a strong pitch for Ballentine’s return.

“It wouldn’t be the worst idea for the Packers to bring Ballentine back into the fold and have him compete for the fourth or fifth cornerback spot on the depth chart. Again, he’s been an NFL contributor on the defensive side of the ball, which is not something any of the Packers’ cornerbacks behind their top trio can claim, and he’s also been a significant contributor on special teams, which only Junior can claim.”

Mark Oldacres of USA Today’s Packers Wire agrees. “He could be an option closer to the season depending on how the next few weeks play out,” Oldacres wrote on August 1.

A Look Back at Ballentine’s NFL Career

Ballentine was selected in the sixth round (180th overall) by the New York Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft, coming from Division II Washburn University.

Following stints with the New York Jets and a brief stint with the Detroit Lions in 2021, Ballentine found his stride with the Packers in late 2022. During his time in Green Bay (2022–2024), he played 37 games, starting seven.

His best season came in 2023, when he finished with 39 tackles, seven pass breakups and snagged his lone career interception. He played in 14 games (six starts) that year, plus two postseason games where he added five tackles. In 2024, he appeared in 15 regular season games (one start), finishing with a forced fumble and one solo tackle, also returning a kickoff.

Ballentine signed a one-year deal with the Colts in March of 2025, but was released when the Colts opted to sign Chris Lammons.

Over his six seasons in the league, he has amassed 100 career tackles (76 solo), nine passes defensed, an interception, two forced fumbles and 23 stops on special teams.

Why the Packers Should Re‑Sign Corey Ballentine

Adding Ballentine to compete might not be a bad idea. During 2024 alone, he played 415 special teams snaps for Green bay—nearly twice as many as kicker Brandon McManus—and he was generally one of the team’s most reliable coverage contributors. His ability to consistently perform on special teams would immediately strengthen the Packers’ third phase of the game.

The Packers’ cornerback depth chart is also paper thin. With Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine currently the team’s top CBs, there is little proven veteran experience beyond them. Ballentine, having played under this same coaching staff, has familiarity with the system and could be a solid addition in certain cover packages.

He also has experience as a returner, so that’s always a plus. He isn’t a high-profile guy, but he understands the Packers’ locker room and team culture, and his salary shouldn’t be huge. Re-signing Ballentine would give the Packers a little more insurance in the secondary, and that’s never a bad thing. Your move, Brian Gutekunst.