Packers re-sign All Pro returner Keisean Nixon
Green Bay keeps a priority free agent in the fold.
By PackerAaron
From NFL Network:
The news #Packers fans have been waiting for: They've agreed to terms with All-Pro returner Keisean Nixon on a 1-year deal worth a max value of $6M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Nixon was absolutely the Packers top free agent priority. Outstanding to get him back in the fold, even if just on a one year deal.
Even though he didn’t take over as the team’s primary kick returner until Week 8, Nixon went over 1,000 yards on kick returns for the season and earned All Pro recognition for his efforts.
He averaged 28.8-yards per runback on kickoffs and 12.7-yards per punt return. In Week 17 against the Vikings, Nixon ran a kickoff back 105 yards for a touchdown. It was the first time a Packers return specialist had scored a touchdown since Randall Cobb accomplished that feat in Week 1 of the 2011 season against the New Orleans Saints.
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Comments (63)
stockholder
March 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm
Too much.
But we're desperate.
(The lowest pay for STs is
just under 3mil.)
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2023 at 12:51 pm
Field Position. He is Not afraid to let it rip and Try to Score. He is the Dime CB at the moment and seemed to do his job. With all the Holes to fill, he adds depth to the CB room. There could be six or more CBs going in round one. Packertown needs the edge or the RT in round one. ALL-PRO guy, he Earned his bonus.
mrtundra
March 13, 2023 at 12:53 pm
Will The Packers even consider allowing Nixon to play at slot receiver, this season, like Nixon wanted?
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2023 at 12:57 pm
Not a very innovative coaching staff. They will draft a guy to complement Watson, we hope.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 13, 2023 at 01:28 pm
SH,
Not sure what exactly was the right amount for Nixon but will share he was a huge difference maker for the Packers the 2nd half of the year. Amazing how he would tilt the field for the offense.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 13, 2023 at 08:30 pm
I just wrote elsewhere that Nixon has to be able to play at least 500 snaps on defense and have a cap number under $3M.
I am waiting for the details, particularly to see how much comes from incentives.
Based on current information, this seems to me to be a poor usage of limited cap space.
Packers2020
March 14, 2023 at 08:44 am
Actually Stock,
It all depends on the guarantees. 6M means nothing.
splitpea1
March 13, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Expensive, but an essential re-signing--happy to have him back. We're still going to need to find a competent alternative in case of injury, though.
PackerAaron
March 13, 2023 at 12:18 pm
No idea if it's "expensive" until we see the contract breakdown.
MainePackFan
March 13, 2023 at 12:45 pm
Exactly Nags.
Regardless, I'm glad to have him back
dobber
March 13, 2023 at 12:43 pm
I think this tells you that they value him on the defensive depth chart, too, and that they're trying to mitigate their need to invest too many early picks in DBs. I don't think they put that much of their limited cap into a guy they think is only just a returner. If they're serious about Douglas playing a bigger role at S, they need more CB depth, and veteran CBs aren't cheap. Shemar Jean-Charles falling down the depth chart doesn't help.
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2023 at 12:55 pm
Shemar may not make the cut? Get the CBs later on in the mid-rounds. If a blue chip falls like Porter,Jr they may have to pause and ponder the choice. Nixon is a value guy.
marpag1
March 13, 2023 at 01:27 pm
I think it means that the contract is full of incentives (which would explain why Rappaport said "a max value"), and it probably doesn't say anything too significant about his role on the defense. And if that's true then we can't really know the effect on the cap until the season plays out.
Coldworld
March 13, 2023 at 02:29 pm
Some of that may be incentives that fall under the “not likely to be achieved” classification as beyond prior year performance, which don’t count against the cap this year. Defensive incentives that are actually reasonably achievable, such as snaps played or per game, might be easier to work with given his performance last year in STs. We will see.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 14, 2023 at 05:15 am
My guess if that the incentives are $1M and probably less with 4 void years. $1.08M base, $350K in GA and $150K W/O bonuses, with a cap number in the $2.3M area and $3M dead in 2024. Hard to get NLTBE incentives on his returning. Could be 2 TDs, but I'd guess snaps on defense.
This could age badly!
LambeauPlain
March 13, 2023 at 01:32 pm
Good draft for CBs...but if Nixon can be a serviceable back up on the bench, gravy.
The kid is the first field flipper ST returner extraordinaire since Desmond.
And Assist. HC Rich is a happy man today.
Thegreatreynoldo
March 13, 2023 at 08:53 pm
I should have read down the thread. This.
croatpackfan
March 14, 2023 at 03:38 am
Does this signing means ACR deal to Jets is really done? It might be the sign.
BirdDogUni
March 13, 2023 at 12:51 pm
"We're still going to need to find a competent alternative in case of injury, though."
Bo Melton?
He seems to be the most likely backup candidate right now, as I look at our current roster...
Coldworld
March 13, 2023 at 02:33 pm
Definitely as a punt returner he’s got the obvious pedigree, and that’s the one we and others have issues with. He can return kicks as well, but we do have some other potential options there.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 13, 2023 at 01:30 pm
There are a lot of returners available mid - to - late in the draft like Derius Davis, Trey Palmer, Josh Downs, Nathaniel Dell, or a Parker Washington.
Tundraboy
March 13, 2023 at 03:01 pm
Given our history this is one area that price should be the least of our concerns.
marpag1
March 13, 2023 at 12:18 pm
Disappointed about the 1 year deal, but I'll take it. And the Packers can use the year to extend him if he continues to do well.
We'll never know, but you have to wonder what his numbers would have been if he had been the primary returner from the start.
Coldworld
March 13, 2023 at 12:29 pm
It will be interesting to see how big of a defensive role they have in mind too and whether that plays any role in the incentives.
dobber
March 13, 2023 at 12:43 pm
He was taking a beating toward the end of the season, too.
Leatherhead
March 13, 2023 at 12:19 pm
I think returning kicks and punts is a losing proposition so I don't care as long as he doesn't turn it over. Which he will, eventually, because everybody does.
Coldworld
March 13, 2023 at 12:30 pm
He turned it over less than his predecessor, so even you should be fairly happy.
Leatherhead
March 13, 2023 at 12:40 pm
Turnovers, injuries, and penalties are inevitable, and they are going to cost you games, and they're going to do it quite a bit more often than a good return will help you win a game. Nixon has had 46 opportunities to fuck up, so far. So if he gets 54 more opportunities this season, for an even 100, how many turnovers is he going to have? How many penalties are we going to get? And how many players are going to be injured and unavailable for us?
Seriously, I'd like it if people kept track this year. How often is that return helping us, and how much, versus the cost of doing business. I don't think it's profitable.
Coldworld
March 13, 2023 at 12:51 pm
11 punts plus 35 kicks for Nixon
20 punts and 11 kicks for Amari
My math does tell me something. It also seems to carry over to credited fumbles according to third parties, just a much bigger differential in favor of Nixon (try infinite).
Tundraboy
March 13, 2023 at 12:36 pm
Oh it's been a losing proposition for us! Now not so much.
BirdDogUni
March 13, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Good news! At least we'll have a decent returner...
RCPackerFan
March 13, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Great news!
I like the 1 year deal actually. They could then possibly work out a new deal in season if they chose to.
Tundraboy
March 13, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Thank God. Finally something worthwhile to read.
Rarescope
March 13, 2023 at 12:55 pm
No doubt. I realize that CHTV and other media outlets need to generate content to have a business but I stopped reading any QB related articles about a month or so ago. I did read a couple last week as the Jets "news" has been picking up steam. Real news on that front should be forthcoming soon though, and in the mean time it is nice to hear that both Bisacchia and Nixon are coming back this year.
T7Steve
March 13, 2023 at 01:45 pm
Even when it's not about a QB someone brings up a QB. This time it was your turn. LOL
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 12:37 pm
He. Could. Go. All. The. Wayyyyyyyyyyy!
Nice "return" on investment!
GPG!
Rarescope
March 13, 2023 at 12:55 pm
It sure is pun to read your posts!
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 01:30 pm
Married to your sister is enough PUNishment, thank you very much. ;)
T7Steve
March 13, 2023 at 01:47 pm
Are you going to try to get the "pun"ting job this year. Join me as a freak agent.
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 01:56 pm
Let me kick that around a bit T7S. I am running low here, you have any Grey PouPUN I can use?
*sorry, sitting in the "library"... which reminds me, the job isn't finished until the paperwork is done.
✌️
BirdDogUni
March 13, 2023 at 12:54 pm
Jimmy G going to the Raiders...
AR12 better come out of the woodwork soon...
Rarescope
March 13, 2023 at 12:59 pm
Damn that was fast w/ the CHTV comment on breaking news. At least the Raiders are continuing their tradition of smoky eyed good looking QBs. Will be interesting to see how he does there, and Carr at the Saints. Personally I've always enjoyed watching Carr play and thought he could excel on a bit more of a well-rounded team.
jannesbjornson
March 13, 2023 at 01:06 pm
Predictable with McDaniels as his early mentor.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 13, 2023 at 01:33 pm
Is it just me or do others think AR is stalling for a very specific reason?
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 01:37 pm
Yes. 😁
Irish_Cheesehead
March 13, 2023 at 02:23 pm
I think he wants to go to SanFran and will try to force the Packers hand.
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 01:34 pm
Now, I am straight as straight...but told sweet pea she can buy a new Jimmy G jersey and grow facial hair as much as she wants to. Trying to get her used to me calling her Sweet Pea Jimmy
Damn, that boy turns heads. I digress 😁
marpag1
March 13, 2023 at 01:44 pm
Yet another team buys into the mirage of Jimmy Carapolo
pantz_bURp
March 13, 2023 at 01:58 pm
Can you blame them MP1? 😁
Johnblood27
March 13, 2023 at 08:10 pm
Jimmy Turnover...
Qoojo
March 13, 2023 at 01:40 pm
I am surprised that Nixon could not turn his past year into a 2 or 3 year deal. I suspect he might have had a couple other offers that were multiyear with no guarantees, and then the packers offered more for one year with incentives. Plus, he might have enjoyed his past year in GB.
LambeauPlain
March 13, 2023 at 01:50 pm
Most QBs are able to make expedient decisions. Most.
Rodgers is kind of a constipated decision maker...in spite of his goofy Indian body purge system he explained publicly in cringe worthy detail.
Gforcetrivers
March 13, 2023 at 01:54 pm
Seems to me Rodgers capitalized on very few of his returns. If memory serves me correct.
4thand10
March 13, 2023 at 02:07 pm
Yes!!!!
Packers0808
March 13, 2023 at 02:53 pm
In hindsight too bad couldn't have gotten slug Rodgers to sign one year deal last year. Nixon was an essential excellent signing, smart on Packers as well to make sure not a one year wonder!
wiremans12
March 13, 2023 at 03:04 pm
Six million for a KR ? Talk about being overpaid what's next four million for a long snapper twelve milionn for a punter ?
Packers0808
March 13, 2023 at 05:49 pm
You forget he is also a very good and reliable DB as well.
PackfanNY
March 13, 2023 at 04:28 pm
A little high for a return man BUT the length of the deal is favorable. If he continues to thrive Gute can revisit next year. If he doesn’t then he’s gone. Sounds like it’s incentive to have a big year.
Johnblood27
March 13, 2023 at 08:13 pm
Im all in on Keisean since he is a graduate of the SnoopDogg school of feetball!
Him and Rom-E-O gonna be takin it to da house all year long!
Snoop is da bomb!
Matt
March 14, 2023 at 04:33 am
Some say 6 mln is too much but I don't think so. This way we've probably solved our longtime pain in returning game - it's a reasonable price not to shake everytime the ball flies high in the air. It's even more to that, if something big happens it will probably be our gain. People seems to underestmate ST yardage. Yards are yards. If you have a punter who adds 5 yds comparing to average one everytime he touches the ball it's your gain. The same with returner. Now we have a guy who took over in week 8 and still managed to be top NFL returner. That is not a two week wonder. Of course there is also probability he will not play on this level but which player is free of this risk, free of injuries?
Don't forget he adds as a DB depth and I have a feeling we'll see more of it this year.
Eddie1949
March 14, 2023 at 08:00 am
I don’t concern myself with the $$ paid - it’s TOO ridiculous .. but Nixon is certainly a player that could make a huge impact - Nixon is a big reason the Special Teams are looking better .. plus he’s added well in the Defense. Let’s face it - GB put themselves into a financial Pickle Barrel … between Guta & Ball they need to make the best use of the monies … Love will need help & some of that help will come from Special Teams & Defense.
fireball
March 14, 2023 at 10:43 am
Nixon is not expensive if he returns to all-pro form for a full season. If not, at least he's on the books for only a year.
THESZOTMAN1
March 14, 2023 at 06:55 pm
This signing should stop teams purposely kicking to the 1-yard line, forcing us to return it, knowing we couldn't get it back to the 20. Nixon has proven he can bring it out successfully even 5 yds deep. Plus he's a potential "field flipper" on every PR. A Pro Bowl kickoff and punt returner. Who woulda thunk it.
The Szotman