CB Eric Stoke: Raiders’ Low Risk, High Reward free agency signing

Eric Stokes’ signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year, $4 million deal is a calculated gamble that could pay dividends for a team looking to bolster its secondary. The 26-year-old cornerback, a former first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, brings a blend of elite athleticism and untapped potential to a Raiders defense under new head coach Pete Carroll. At 6’1” with a blazing 4.25-second 40-yard dash, Stokes has the physical tools Carroll covets in his defensive backs, speed and length that fit seamlessly into a zone-heavy scheme.

Stokes’ rookie season showcased his promise: 14 starts, 14 passes defended, and a stingy 49.5% completion rate allowed. However, injuries derailed his trajectory, limiting him to just 12 games over 2022 and 2023, and his production waned. In 2024, he played all 17 games but struggled, ranking last among Packers’ outside corners in yards allowed per snap and failing to record a single interception or pass deflection in his final three seasons in Green Bay. This dip shows a player who’s maybe his lost confidence, not capability.

For the Raiders, Stokes is a low-risk, high-reward flier. At $4 million, he’s a cost-effective depth piece who could potentially compete with Jakorian Bennett for a starting role or serve as a rotational help. Carroll’s track record of reviving defensive backs, think Richard Sherman, offers hope that Stokes can rediscover his rookie form. If he stays healthy and adapts to Vegas’ system, he could be a steal. If not, the Raiders lose little.