ESPN Analyst Shouts Out Green Bay Packers’ Free Agent Signing In Preseason List

The Green Bay Packers may have quietly pulled off one of the smartest under-the-radar moves of the offseason, and ESPN’s Bill Barnwell appears to agree.

In Barnwell’s recent All-Backup Team, which highlights the best reserve players across the NFL, Packers cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was selected as Green Bay’s representative. The recognition is notable because Barnwell wasn’t simply identifying depth pieces. He was building a roster of the league’s most valuable backups, and St-Juste earned a spot.

The selection shines a spotlight on a free-agent signing that could end up paying major dividends for Green Bay’s secondary.

St-Juste Brings Rare Experience for a Reserve Cornerback For The Green Bay Packers

What separates Benjamin St-Juste from many backup cornerbacks is his extensive starting experience. The former Washington Commanders third-round pick has started 47 games across five NFL seasons, making him far more accomplished than the typical reserve defensive back.

After working his way into Washington’s starting lineup early in his career, St-Juste became a regular contributor for multiple seasons. Injuries occasionally interrupted his progress, but when healthy, he consistently played major snaps against opposing No. 1 and No. 2 receivers.

That experience makes him an ideal depth addition for a Packers team with some uncertainty at cornerback.

A Fresh Start in Green Bay

St-Juste spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers after departing Washington in free agency. The fit never fully materialized.

He appeared in a limited role and started only two games, struggling to climb a depth chart that already featured established starters. As a result, his time in Los Angeles was short-lived.

Now in Green Bay, the veteran cornerback enters a much different situation. Rather than joining a locked-in depth chart, St-Juste arrives as a player with a legitimate opportunity to compete for significant playing time. That’s one reason why the signing has generated increasing interest as training camp approaches.

Packers Have Questions at Cornerback

Green Bay’s cornerback room isn’t lacking talent, but there are several unanswered questions.

Keisean Nixon is expected to remain a starter, although recent reports have suggested there could be contract-related uncertainty surrounding his future. Meanwhile, Carrington Valentine experienced an inconsistent 2025 season after showing promise earlier in his career.

Those circumstances create opportunities for a veteran like St-Juste. Even if he begins the season as a backup, his experience and skill set could make him one of the first players called upon if injuries occur or if the Packers need a spark in the secondary.

For a team with playoff aspirations, having a reserve corner who has nearly 50 career starts is a valuable luxury.

Why Barnwell’s Recognition Matters

Bill Barnwell’s All-Backup Team wasn’t about filling positions with random depth players. The goal was to identify backups capable of making meaningful impacts if thrust into larger roles. That’s exactly what makes St-Juste such an interesting choice.

Unlike many reserve cornerbacks, he has already proven he can handle starting responsibilities for an extended period. His résumé compares favorably with several other defensive backs featured on the list, including players who currently project as backups but possess starting-caliber talent.

Among the cornerbacks Barnwell highlighted, St-Juste stands out because of both his experience and his realistic chance to earn a larger role during the season.

Green Bay’s Depth Could Be a Major Strength

The Packers have spent years prioritizing depth throughout the roster, and St-Juste fits that philosophy perfectly.

While superstar additions often grab headlines, championship contenders are frequently built on reliable role players who can step into bigger responsibilities when needed.

That’s exactly what Green Bay believes it acquired in St-Juste.

At worst, the Green Bay Packers added one of the league’s most experienced backup cornerbacks. At best, they may have found a player capable of pushing for a starting role and stabilizing a position group with several question marks.

One of the NFL’s Most Underrated Signings?

Benjamin St-Juste didn’t receive much national attention when he signed with Green Bay, but that could change quickly.

Bill Barnwell’s recognition highlights what makes the move so appealing: the Green Bay Packers added a player with proven starting experience, positional versatility, and something to prove after an underwhelming stint with the Chargers.

As training camp gets underway, St-Juste will have an opportunity to show that he’s more than just one of the NFL’s best backups.

If things break the right way, he could end up being one of Green Bay’s most important free-agent additions of the entire offseason.