A second fifth-year option decision has been made today. Just like the Titans with fellow corner Caleb Farley, the Packers will set Eric Stokes up for free agency next offseason. The latter will have his option declined, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. 
[RELATED: Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
Stokes was an impactful starter right away upon entering the NFL, logging 14 starts. He recorded 55 stops, 14 pass deflections and one interception that year, showcasing his potential as a long-term mainstay in the Packers’ secondary. Things have not gone according to plan on the injury front since then, however.
The 25-year-old was shut down after nine games in 2022, and in the subsequent offseason he underwent knee and foot surgeries. When healthy near the start of this past season, the Packers’ depth at corner left him outside of the starting lineup. The trade sending Rasul Douglas away at the deadline appeared to open up a first-team role once again for Stokes, but the latter wound up back on injured reserve shortly after returning to action. He finished the campaign on IR for a second time.
In all, Stokes has been limited to just 12 games across the past two years. As such, it comes as little surprise the Packers will pass on his option. Picking it up would have cost a fully-guaranteed $12.47MM in 2025, a pricey figure considering the risk of further missed time. Green Bay also has a lucrative CB commitment on the books in the form of Jaire Alexander, who is under contract through 2026.
Slot man/returner Keisean Nixon is also attached to a $6MM-per-year deal, and the Packers will wait to see how the 2024 season turns out before investing further in Stokes. The Georgia alum will compete with the likes of Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochell and seventh-round rookie Kalen King for defensive snaps in 2024. If he manages to remain healthy, a season similar to that of his rookie campaign could set Stokes up for a strong free agent market and a notable deal from Green Bay or another team. His ability to deliver on that front will be a key storyline for the team this season.
This is surprising.
I have followed him from afar – I thought Pack fans were happy with him.
I guess I was way off.
Dude has suited up for a total of 29 games in his three seasons–including playoffs–and 16 of those were in his rookie year. Hard to be happy with a guy when he’s not on the field. And he hasn’t exactly thrilled the Packer fans I know when he has been on the field.
Gutey doesn’t give many fifth year options. Not unless you are someone real special. It is not how the Packers do things.
So just after Gutey gushes over how much he loves his cornerback room and how good and healthy Eric Stokes looks and uses this as reason he all but ignored the CB position in the draft, passing on the likes of Cooper DeJean and Kool Aid McKinstry in round one and TJ Tampa among others in the middle rounds, he declines Stokes option . I wonder if the Packers are thinking about offering a deal similar to the one they gave Jordan Love after declining his option… more less a prove it deal to the team a couple years to make a decision on him. Otherwise it’s tough to understand this move and Gutekunst’s comments not contradicting each other
To GIVE the team a couple years to make a decision on him is what I meant to say
How is hard to understand? He doesn’t give out fifth year options unless you are special. He just doesn’t do it. It is how he operates. If Stokes plays good they can offer him something but right now he is not worth over $12 million for next year. You know this was for the 2025 season right?
Do you really want to guarantee $12 million two years from now for a guy who’s played 12 games total over the last two seasons?
He’s been unable to get/stay available for 2 seasons. Even if you aren’t aware that Gute doesn’t generally pick up the 5th year option, it’s hard to imagine locking in for $12+ million for the ’25 season when it’s more than a year away.
Dude needs to prove THIS year he can stay on the field. Then worry about an extension or new contract.
As far as gushing about the CB room in April..ohmygosh! You are surprised a GM talks out of both sides of his mouth?
Remember he used to talk nice about Rodgers too, when everyone knew he couldn’t wait to send him packing.