Green Bay Packers Sign St-Juste, Release Hobbs After One Year
The Green Bay Packers have secured cornerback Benjamin St-Juste on a two-year, $10.5 million contract while simultaneously releasing Nate Hobbs after just one season of a four-year deal, according to sources familiar with the transactions.
The moves reflect the Packers' strategic approach to roster management as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. St-Juste, 28, brings valuable experience from his time with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he contributed to approximately 35% of defensive plays and served as a key special teams player.
The former Washington third-round draft pick has accumulated two interceptions over five professional seasons, demonstrating consistent defensive capabilities throughout his career.
Hobbs Release Saves Salary Cap Space
The decision to release Hobbs comes after a challenging season marked by injury and performance issues. The 26-year-old cornerback suffered a knee injury during training camp and was subsequently benched midseason following his transition from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Hobbs managed only five starts in 11 appearances, recording a career-low two pass breakups. His season concluded with a medial collateral ligament tear sustained during the December 27 game against Baltimore, causing him to miss the wild-card playoff loss to Chicago.
By designating Hobbs as a post-June 1 release, the Packers will save approximately $8 million against the salary cap, providing additional financial flexibility for future roster moves.
League-Wide Movement Continues
The Packers' moves are part of broader NFL free agency activity. Pittsburgh has agreed to terms with running back Rico Dowdle on a $12.25 million, two-year contract, reuniting him with new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy.
Dowdle, who became the first undrafted Cowboys running back to rush for 1,000 yards in McCarthy's final Dallas season, finished 2024 with 1,076 rushing yards after signing with Carolina.
The Kansas City Chiefs have secured safety Alohi Gilman on a three-year, $24.5 million deal and receiver Tyquan Thornton on a two-year, $11 million contract, addressing needs in their defensive backfield and receiving corps.
These transactions cannot become official until Wednesday, marking the first day of the NFL's new league year.