The press conference after the Green Bay Packers’ 28-9 loss was much less negative than one would typically expect. A preseason loss doesn’t hurt as much, especially when your rookie kicker goes 3/3 on field goals, and Matt Lafleur gave Trey Smack his well-deserved praise. For a couple of underperforming veterans, Lafleur’s statements to the press highlighted their lack of contribution.
Keisan Nixon
Keisean Nixon probably gets more criticism from fans of the Green Bay Packers than he deserves. After all, without his late-game interception, the Chicago Bears might have swept the Packers last season. Yet, he was the cornerback responsible for covering DJ Moore on the touchdown pass, giving the Bears their first playoff victory since 2011 and Caleb Williams a spot on the cover of Madden.
Although not calling him out by name, Matt Lafleur emphasized the need for cornerbacks to be “willing and capable tacklers,” which Nixon has not showcased lately. In Thursday’s preseason loss, Nixon’s half-hearted attempt to tackle Pittsburgh’s Germie Bernard allowed Bernard to escape for an explosive run.
Cornerback was a highlighted need for the Packers entering this season, and Brian Gutekunst approached it in his signature way: with a shotgun. In addition to signing free-agent Benjamin St. Juste, Gutekunst spent his top pick on Brandon Cisse and another 6th round pick on Domani Jackson.
These new additions, other than Jackson who has been dealing with an abdominal injury, have fought their way to earning starting snaps in training camp. Their effort showed up in the preseason game against Pittsburgh, with Cisse making a touchdown-stuffing tackle of a running back running to the pylon and St. Juste chasing down Kaden Wetjen after a 74 yard pass.
Given his recent struggles, how valuable is Nixon to the Packers? In 2025, he was the 138th of 206 defensive backs in receptions allowed per coverage snap and 74th out of 82 cornerbacks in passer rating allowed in coverage.
The arrival of a new defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon and the loss of Nixon’s former head coach in Rich Bisaccia will likely change his standing in the cornerback room. Underperforming veterans will likely be held accountable by this new staff.
Aaron Banks
Matt Lafleur usually plays his cards pretty close to his chest when it comes to his thoughts on players, especially regarding their injuries. This was not the case when he was asked about guard Aaron Banks’ status and possible knee operation.
“I’ll let him answer that,” was his curt response.
Reading between the lines, it seems Lafleur may be unhappy with Banks’ availability this training camp. This comes only days after Lafleur stated that Banks’ position at left guard is in legitimate jeopardy from Jacob Monk and Jager Burton.
Banks’ status as an underperforming veteran looks much worse when considering his contract. While Nixon is significantly underpaid for a starting corner, Banks is the 9th highest paid guard in the NFL. In 2025, he was graded as the 64th out of 81 guards by PFF.
These elements combine to make the perfect storm for an underperforming veteran: expensive, injury-prone, and lackluster when available. Unless he gets back on the field and playing well soon, Banks may go down as one of the worst free agent signings in Packers history.
