Packers Sign Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste to Two-Year Deal
The Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms with cornerback Benjamin St-Juste on a two-year contract worth $10 million, according to reports from Packers Wire and Green Bay Press-Gazette.
St-Juste’s Background and Career
St-Juste, a 28-year-old Canadian native from Montreal, was originally a third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has played in 70 career games, making 47 starts over five seasons in the league. ESPN reports he spent the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, appearing in 16 games.
2023 Performance and Skillset
Prior to joining the Chargers, St-Juste had a standout season with the Washington Commanders in 2023, where he defended 17 passes and forced two fumbles in 16 games. According to Packers Wire, his performance in 2023 was his best to date. He allowed only 19 catches on 40 targets for 205 yards, with a passer rating allowed of 60.9 when targeted. At 6-foot-3, St-Juste brings size to the Packers’ cornerback group, a need identified by General Manager Brian Gutekunst.
Packers’ Cornerback Depth
St-Juste joins a Packers cornerback room that includes Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Nate Hobbs as potential perimeter starters, with Javon Bullard as the primary slot defender. He has experience playing both on the perimeter and in the slot, with the majority of his 3,273 defensive snaps coming as an outside corner.
Impact on Packers’ Compensatory Picks
The signing of St-Juste, at $5 million per season, is not expected to negatively impact the Packers’ compensatory pick equation. It is anticipated to offset the departure of Kingsley Enagbare, who signed a $10 million deal with the New York Jets. The Packers are projected to receive a maximum of four compensatory picks through the departures of Malik Willis, Rasheed Walker, Quay Walker, and Romeo Doubs.
Special Teams Contributions
St-Juste also offers value on special teams, having played a career-high 308 snaps in that phase of the game for the Chargers last season.