The Washington Commanders always needed more from Benjamin St-Juste than his confidence or performances could provide. But after regaining some momentum last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, the cornerback has another significant opportunity awaiting him in 2026.
St-Juste got a two-year, $9.8 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. This included a $3 million signing bonus and another $3 million in guaranteed money. Not exactly elite-level money by any stretch, but the opportunity may matter more than any financial benefits.
And according to one Packers analyst, expectations are higher than expected for St-Juste as he looks to help Green Bay get back into Super Bowl contention.
Former Commanders star Benjamin St-Juste tipped for a 2026 breakout with the Packers
Dharya Sharma of Sporting News acknowledged Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Javon Bullard will likely be Green Bay's starting corners. However, he also wouldn't be surprised if St-Juste managed to put together a breakout campaign en route to becoming a valuable long-term piece of the puzzle.
"After struggling in coverage during most of his tenure with the Commanders, [Benjamin] St-Juste took a step in the right direction this past year, and could put it all together in 2026 with the Packers.
"Overall, St-Juste isn't a splash signing, but don't be shocked if he breaks out in 2026 and establishes himself as a long-term asset for the Packers."
This is a familiar projection for St-Juste that Commanders fans know all too well. He was often tipped to finally put everything together in Washington, but his technical flaws and inability to track the football effectively downfield remained ongoing frustrations. There were signs of life in Los Angeles, but nothing that would suggest a legitimate breakout year is in the offing.
From a physical standpoint, St-Juste has always had the tools. He's long and athletic, and he can make things difficult when early momentum is generated. Asking him to be an every-down starter is risky, but the supporting cast around him in Green Bay should be enough to take the pressure off.
It seems that St-Juste plays better when the spotlight isn't shining. The lower expectations, the better. But when bold predictions like this are placed on his shoulders, the 2021 third-round pick out of Minnesota is often found wanting.
Maybe last year represented St-Juste finally turning a corner. The numbers certainly support it, but for the player to take the next step, he must do something he's been incapable of throughout his NFL career so far.
String together consecutive seasons of decent production. Something that St-Juste couldn't manage during his time with the Commanders.
Let's see if he can in Green Bay.