​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Green Bay Packers have fallen well short of expectations to this point in the 2026 NFL season, prompting calls from the fan base for a coaching change. While firing Matt LaFleur is unlikely, it does appear there’s a chance of Green Bay operating as a mini-seller come trade season.In an early preview of the 2026 NFL trade deadline, ESPN‘s Dan Graziano mentioned Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon as a potential veteran who could be traded within the next month.Related: Green Bay Packers Coaching Candidates to Replace Matt LaFleur“The Packers, like the Chargers, did not expect to have a losing record at this point (or probably any point) of the season. They’re dealing with massive injury issues, particularly on the offensive line — the type of thing that can make it very tough to right the ship after a difficult start. Nixon is 29 and in the final year of his contract. He has experience as a kick returner as well as cornerback, and an acquiring team would be on the hook for only a prorated portion of his $4.3 million 2026 salary.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on why the Green Bay Packers may trade Keisean NixonNixon, age 29, has served as Green Bay’s No. 1 cornerback since last season and he’s been a multi-year starter for the last four years. After earning first-team All-Pro honors as a returner (2022-23), he transitioned away from special teams in 2025 to focus exclusively on playing the perimeter and lining up against top receivers.He earned his first Pro Bowl selection this past season, though that was largely a result of the number of players who declined to participate or were ruled out due to injury. While he got off to a strong start, he wound up allowing a 105.1 passer rating, 651 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns on 87 targets in coverage.In a contract year, there has been no reporting since the summer that indicated Green Bay wanted to sign Nixon to a long-term extension. He also received some pushback from the Packers coaching staff during training camp and implied the team was punishing him.Trading away a veteran starting cornerback has been done before by Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. In October 2023, Green Bay traded Rasul Douglas and a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a third-round pick. The team finished with a 9-8 record, losing in the Divisional Round.Keisean Nixon contract (Spotrac): $7.166 million cap hit in 2026While Nixon isn’t beloved by the fans in Green Bay because he hasn’t performed like a No. 1 cornerback, he can be an effective No. 2 starter on a better defense. It also helps that he carries a relatively small cap hit relative to his role, which could make him more appealing now that Joey Porter Jr. is off the market.Green Bay does have an experienced starter working behind Nixon and rookie Brandon Cisse as a backup right now in Carrington Valentine. However, the team is dangerously thin at the position beyond the trio. If Nixon is being