Nixon Hunting More Opportunities

The Packers didn't know what they had in Keisean Nixon a season ago. Now, he's in line for more responsibilities and more opportunities to make plays.

Keisean Nixon (Photo by Kim Clement/USA Today Sports Images)

The Green Bay Packers didn’t know what they had in Keisean Nixon when he signed in free agency last offseason.

Sure, new special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia knew him from their time together with the Raiders, but even he had to be surprised at the impact Nixon had in his first year with the team.

When Amari Rodgers wore out his welcome in Green Bay, the Packers put Nixon back as a returner. He’d never returned kickoffs or punts during his career to that point. He was mostly used as a blocker or gunner on special teams.

Nixon went from special teams contributor to star in a matter of moments.

Nixon only returned kicks for half a season. He finished the year with a league-leading 1,009 yards on kickoff returns, highlighted by a 105-yard return for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

Nixon shined when he was given more opportunities.

Could that be a sign for things to come? Nixon has more on his plate after signing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million this offseason.

The contract came with the potential for a promotion. Nixon is expected to be the team’s kickoff returner when they break camp, but now he’s also in line to be their slot corner.

In three seasons with the Raiders, Nixon only started two games and broke up one pass.

“There’s a lot to like about him.” Matt LaFleur told Green Bay reporters before Thursday’s practice.

“He’s got athletic ability you look for in a nickel corner. When he’s been given opportunities, he’s made plays for us

He hauled in the first interception of his career against Justin Fields late last season at Chicago, and started four games. He broke up two passes and forced a fumble.

A limited sample size, but as LaFleur mentioned, he has made plays when he’s been given those opportunities.

Nixon started off training camp making a diving attempt to break up a pass from Jordan Love.

That’s not the last time Nixon will be tested in 2023. The Packers’ schedule faces a gauntlet of great slot receivers, including three in their own division.

Nixon would potentially line up against Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was third in the NFL in slot receptions a season ago.

Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson was ninth, and Chicago’s DJ Moore has made hay in the slot during his career.

In addition, Nixon could face Los Angeles Rams superstar Cooper Kupp, Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin, and old friend Davante Adams. Kupp led the league in slot receptions in 2021. Adams finished seventh in yards per slot route in 2022. Godwin led the league in slot receptions a season ago. Nixon played against Tampa Bay last year, but Godwin was inactive.

Nixon’s already made an impression on the guys who will be helping him cover those receivers.

“Kei’s savvy. He’s got that dog mindset and he can (freaking) run.” fellow cornerback Rasul Douglas told Green Bay media in the locker room Wednesday.

“We like that. We’re just trying to get him to communicate more and keep communicating. He’ll communicate and then stop. It’s like, ‘Bro, say your whole sentence. Don’t just say half of it and then stop and don’t finish the rest.’ You can never communicate too much. Just keep talking. Just keep talking. Just keep talking. We’re getting him on that page. Once he gets there, he’ll be fine.”

If he gets on that page, he’ll continue to get those opportunities. Those opportunities could lead to Nixon making more plays.

If he makes those plays, there could be more pages, like a long-term contract in his future. 

Matt LaFleur said today that Keisean Nixon has made plays when given opportunities.

It really feels like he's in line for a big year. I had him as a breakout candidate before camp started.

Interested to see how the rest of camp/the season goes.

— Jacob Westendorf (@JacobWestendorf) July 27, 2023

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