The Green Bay Packers announced the return of cornerback Corey Ballentine on Monday. Ballentine, who spent the last two seasons with the Packers, was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Friday, opening the door to a reunion.
To make room for Ballentine, the Packers released cornerback Gregory Junior.
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Ballentine, a 2019 sixth-round pick of the Giants, spent the last three seasons with the Packers before signing with the Colts in free agency. He played in 37 games for the Packers, including seven starts at cornerback.
In 2023, Ballentine defended seven passes and intercepted one while also producing 43 tackles across 488 snaps for the Packers defense. He played only 76 for Jeff Hafley’s defense in 2024, but Ballentine played 195 snaps on special teams for Rich Bisaccia. In fact, Ballentine played at least 100 special teams snaps during each of the last three seasons for the Packers.
Matt LaFleur likely see Ballentine as a dependable player who can handle snaps at corner and on multiple special teams groupings.
The competition at cornerback likely needed a veteran addition. Behind Nate Hobbs, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine, the Packers are staging a competition between the likes of Kalen King, Kamal Hadden, Micah Robinson and receiver concert Bo Melton, all players with little to no NFL experience.
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injuries might have also played a factor; Hobbs and Hadden both missed Family Night with injuries.
Given the competition and his ability to play both defense and special teams, Ballentine has a real shot at making the roster.
Ballentine will wear No. 35, the number he wore in 2023.
The Packers are back on the practice field on Tuesday. A familiar face will be joining the training camp festivities in Green Bay.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers bring back veteran cornerback and special teamer Corey Ballentine