GREEN BAY, Wis. — Keisean Nixon desires to be executed returning kicks, and never simply because the two-time All-Professional return man fumbled the opening kickoff within the Inexperienced Bay Packers’ playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
As a substitute, he desires to focus full time on his defensive duties as cornerback. And never simply any cornerback.
“I wish to be CB1,” Nixon mentioned Monday as gamers cleaned out their lockers for the offseason. “CB1 is just not doing kick returns. That is simply what it’s.”
Nixon moved right into a extra prolific function on protection this previous season after enjoying principally in a part-time function because the slot or third cornerback within the Packers’ nickel packages in earlier seasons. The addition of second-round choose Javon Bullard within the draft final April allowed new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to maneuver Nixon exterior to a full-time cornerback spot whereas enjoying Bullard within the slot.
Nixon performed on 93.7% of the Packers’ defensive snaps throughout the common season after enjoying 72.8% of the snaps throughout the 2023 season and simply 28% % in 2022. Nixon was named All-Professional kick returner in 2022 and 2023.
As a cornerback, Nixon posted a career-high seven cross breakups, a career-high and team-leading three compelled fumbles, and an interception this season.
Nixon was by no means a fan of the brand new kickoff return guidelines applied earlier than this season. He had solely 18 return makes an attempt this season after getting 65 the earlier two seasons mixed. His common of 29.3 yards per return was truly greater than in his two All-Professional seasons.
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“I am sort of over it; I do not actually wish to do it no extra,” Nixon mentioned. “There’s going to be talks with the teaching workers and stuff like that, however I believe it is over with for me.”
Jaire Alexander has been the Packers’ No. 1 cornerback, however accidents have restricted his availability. He performed in solely 14 of a potential 34 regular-season video games the previous two seasons. He didn’t play after Week 11 this season and completed on injured reserve due to a knee damage.
Nixon and Carrington Valentine have been the highest two corners in Alexander’s absence.
Alexander’s future with the group is doubtful heading into the offseason. He has two years left on his contract however is owed no extra assured cash. He’s scheduled to make $17.5 million this season.
Alexander declined to talk with reporters Monday, saying, in keeping with WGBA-TV, that he did not have something good to say so he wasn’t going to speak.
Nixon has two extra years left on a three-year, $18 million contract he signed final March.
As for Nixon’s fumbled kickoff on the primary play of Sunday’s 22-10 loss to the Eagles, he mentioned he recovered it. At the very least one replay appeared to assist his declare, however the turnover stood after an official replay evaluation.
“I believed we recovered the ball, simply, what they confirmed on the large board,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned after the sport. “What I used to be listening to from our guys upstairs … all of them thought it was our ball, however clearly the league felt in another way.”
Stated Nixon: “I acquired the ball again for certain.”
Nixon additionally mentioned Eagles linebacker Oren Burks ought to have been penalized for the hit that induced the fumble.
“It ought to have been concentrating on, helmet to helmet,” mentioned Nixon, who missed the primary defensive play of the sport after his fumble as a result of he was getting checked by the medical workers. “However cannot dwell on that. By no means been hit that tough both.”
