Key reserves Corey Ballentine and Tyler Davis re-sign with the Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY – At the same time the Green Bay Packers were making splash signings and retaining their priority in free agency, they worked behind the scenes to re-sign two guys who have played important roles in their success.

Cornerback Corey Ballentine and tight end Tyler Davis, a pair of unrestricted free agents who probably have more value to the Packers than many other teams in the league, were re-signed, the club announced Tuesday.

Terms of the deals weren’t announced.

Ballentine, a sixth-round pick of the New York Giants in 2019, was a lifesaver in the middle of the season when starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (shoulder) and Eric Stokes (hamstring) were hurt. He and rookie Carrington Valentine stepped in and helped keep the defense afloat.

Ballentine played in 14 games with six starts, none more important than in Week 17 when he started for Alexander against the Minnesota Vikings. Ballentine was in coverage on Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson 19 times and did not give up a reception.

For the season, he gave up five catches of 20 or more yards, including one of 40 or more, and one touchdown. He had four missed tackles in 43 attempts, an interception and seven passes defensed, which ranked second on the team.

He also ranked fourth with four special teams tackles.

Ballentine brought a veteran presence to the defensive backs room that was greatly needed. After playing for the Giants, New York Jets and Detroit Lions, Ballentine joined the Packers practice squad at the start of the 2022 season.

He played in eight games that season and was again signed to the practice squad at the start of last season after being released in the final cut. He was elevated to the game day roster in Weeks 3-5 and then was signed to the 53-man roster Oct. 25.

Davis missed all of last season after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. The coaches were extremely disappointed to lose Davis, who in 2022 had established himself as one of their best special teams players and a functional tight end.

Davis played in all 17 games in ’22 and ranked fourth in special teams tackles with 10. He played a team-high 342 snaps while serving on just about every unit.

He is expected to be ready for training camp.