Over the next several weeks, I will analyze each of the Packers’ unrestricted free agents by revisiting their 2021 seasons, assessing why they should or should not be re-signed, projecting possible contract terms, and making a prediction on whether or not the player will return in 2022.
Next up in the series, cornerback Kevin King was surprisingly re-signed a year ago. He played only 10 games in yet another injury-plagued season. Will he be rewarded with his third contract since being drafted in the second round in 2017?
Season In Review
After his epic meltdown in the 2020 NFC Championship game against Tampa Bay, it was very surprising to see King in the starting lineup when the Packers opened last season against New Orleans. But his good fortune didn’t last long. He hurt a shoulder in Week 2 and found himself Walley Pipped by rookie first-round pick Eric Stokes. The addition of veteran Rasul Douglas in early October further reduced King’s playing time. He averaged just over 13 snaps in his final seven games. To his credit, he accepted a much bigger role on special teams. His four tackles were tied for sixth on the team.
Why Packers Should Re-sign Him
In today’s pass-happy NFL, a team can never have enough capable cornerbacks, and when healthy, King is a capable cornerback. In fact, the 26-year-old had one of his better seasons in 2020. He was more physical than in the past, which allowed him to hold his own against the run when lined up in the slot. He was also adequate in coverage. Aside from giving up a 55-yard touchdown against the Saints in Week 1, he was generally able to keep receivers from getting behind him.
Why Packers Should Let Him Walk
King just can’t stay on the field. He’s played in 51 of 81 games since joining the Packers. The only season he’s played in more than 11 games was 2019. In a league that places a premium on availability, most teams have very little use for borderline starters/backups who are hurt all the time. Brian Gutekunst has been remarkably patient with the former Washington star, who was drafted one year before he took over as general manager, but that patience might’ve run its course.
What A Contract Might Look Like
$2.25 million (plus incentives)/1 year
Prediction
I would’ve considered King’s departure a fait accompli if not for the fact that he still counts $3 million against the 2022 cap due to the contract with voidable years he signed last March. This could incentivize Gutekunst to keep him around since a new deal would probably lower the cap hit. Of course, that would mean pushing even more money into the future.
If keeping Kevin King is the reason we can’t keep Rasul Douglas, then we riot.