On Friday, ESPN's Rob Demovsky unveiled that the Green Bay Packers committed $115,000 as a guaranteed sum to undrafted rookie cornerback Johnathan Baldwin. This figure notably surpasses the $101,672 secured by their seventh-round pick, John Williams. While the Packers traditionally avoid large guarantees for undrafted rookies, Baldwin's case suggests an exception. Originally reported as a safety but officially listed as a cornerback, Baldwin primarily served as a slot defender at UNLV, playing significantly more snaps in this role compared to his time as a safety. Alongside Baldwin, the Packers also signed two other undrafted cornerbacks and may have extended notable financial commitments to defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse and linebacker Jamon Johnson. With only four cornerbacks seemingly secure on the Packers' 2025 roster, Baldwin’s signing could be pivotal.
Despite not being selected in the NFL Draft, Johnathan Baldwin has managed to secure an impressive financial commitment from the Packers. The team typically avoids guaranteeing substantial amounts to undrafted rookies, making Baldwin's deal stand out. In comparison, some teams offer up to $300,000 in guaranteed money to their top undrafted rookies. Baldwin's primary position at UNLV was as a slot defender, where he excelled with over 660 snaps last season. His transition to cornerback indicates the Packers see potential beyond his initial classification as a safety. Additionally, Baldwin joins a group of undrafted cornerbacks including Tyron Herring and Kahzir "Buggs" Brown.
Beyond Baldwin, attention turns to other recent signings such as Georgia's Nazir Stackhouse and Kentucky's Jamon Johnson. Both players were frequently considered draftable by analysts, hinting at their possible value to the Packers. The current depth chart shows limited certainty among cornerbacks; only Jaire Alexander, Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine appear firmly entrenched on the roster. The addition of Micah Robinson through the draft adds another layer of complexity to the secondary competition. However, past experiences with seventh-round picks like Kalen King suggest no guarantees of roster spots.
With the Packers signaling confidence in Baldwin through their financial commitment, the upcoming offseason will be crucial for him and others vying for roster spots. Baldwin’s unique background as a slot defender could set him apart, while Stackhouse and Johnson bring additional dimensions to the defense. As the Packers navigate their rebuilding phase, these young talents represent potential building blocks. Their performances during training camp and preseason games will likely determine their contributions to the team moving forward.