"I don't really want to do it no more."
Those are the words Keisean Nixon had to say after the Green Bay Packers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs five months ago. He was referring to the same area of the game that made him an integral part of the Packers roster, kickoff return.
Nixon had been a First-Team All-Pro kick returner in 2022 and 2023, but had a down year last season with the new rules. But that's not the reason why he said that. In 2024, Nixon moved outside to be a boundary corner, and established himself as Green Bay's primary piece there — at least when Jaire Alexander was not on the field.
However, words have repercussions. Nixon had the right to think that, but speaking publicly about it before talking to the coaches or the front office was a questionable approach. He understands the mistake, though, and now is ready to do whatever the team needs him.
"I was kind of frustrated when the season was over," Nixon said during Packers OTAs this week. "But there's value always, especially when it comes to me being who I am, when doing it. So of course I'm open to it, I'm always going to do what the team needs."
It doesn't necessarily mean that Nixon will be a primary returner as he had been. But any discussions have to occur internally.
"Just knowing who I am as a person, I'm going to want the ball anyway," Nixon added. "So that's just probably a comment that I could have kept to myself. But it is what it is, I said it, I meant what I said, but I'm also a team player, and if coaches and the team need me to do something, I'm going to do it for sure."
New role
Nixon played 557 snaps as an outside cornerback last year, and 339 in the slot. This is the first time since 2020 that he plays more as a boundary defensive back, and the first time he had more than 200 snaps in the boundary.
It's a more valuable position, and Nixon proved he can be a viable option there. Last year, he allowed a 99.7 passer rating when targeted — which is not exactly excellent, but it's decent, and better than the number he had in 2023, 103.3.
The Packers are still waiting to see what happens to Jaire Alexander, and the only big addition for the position was Nate Hobbs, who's also been a slot-first player. Green Bay needs a reliable boundary corner, and Nixon can be that.
If they need a returner, it might be a more delicate issue. But it seems like Nixon will be ready to do it as well.
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