It looks like the expensive free agency is over for the Green Bay Packers after signing safety Xavier McKinney and running back Josh Jacobs early on in the process. But not every need has been addressed.
Even though McKinney is expected to be a key contributor to the defense, the safety position is still a question mark alongside him. At this point, the other starter is Anthony Johnson Jr., last year's seventh-round pick. And general manager Brian Gutekunst doesn't sound inclined to add more pieces on the market.
“Certainly, I think we’d always prefer to have a young guy that’s going to have his best football ahead of him," Gutekunst said during the NFL Owners' Meeting in Florida. "I think we’ll look at all options as we go forward.”
And their best option might be a well known player: Rudy Ford.
Why not?
Ford spent the last two years with the Packers. Initially signed to be mainly a special teamer, he has also played and been a solid piece with defensive snaps.
“He’s done a nice job,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said about Ford during last year's training camp. "He's going out there and executing his responsibility. He’s being physical and trusting what he’s seeing and playing fast. He’s done a really nice job. Communication is a really big part of that position and making sure that everyone is on the same page. I think he’s handled that pretty well."
Last year, Ford was the second highest-graded safety on the Packers roster (69.9), only behind Darnell Savage. However, he lost space on the team throughout the year to players like Jonathan Owens - which is at least curious, since Ford had played better.
Rudy Ford allowed a 30.1 passer rating when targeted, a truly impressive number, and had two interceptions. A hamstring injury ended his season prematurely.
Special teams
Rudy Ford started his NFL career mainly as a special teamer, playing at least 58% of the special teams snaps in each of his first four seasons, for the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. He also had a big role for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, both as a defender and special teamer.
Curiously enough, his role on special teams was reduced in Green Bay. He played 25% of the ST snaps in 2022 and 15% in 2023. But that doesn't mean he can be a part of the plan.
After all, that was his calling card when the Packers signed him for the first time.
Age
Brian Gutekunst justifiably said he wants younger players who can develop into the Packers' new defensive system, and as a 29-year-old, Ford might not fit that profile perfectly.
Nonetheless, Zayne Anderson is only two years younger and has been in the NFL since 2021. If he, who doesn't bring real defensive value, can be on the roster, Ford certainly could as well - and would be an upgrade both on defense and special teams.
“He's very intentional. He's very detailed,” Packers defensive backs coach Ryan Downard said back in October. “He wants to know the ins and outs of everything. I identify with that because that's kind of the player that I was.”
Rudy Ford is still unsigned, which most likely means he wouldn't be expensive. And his presence doesn't preclude the front office to look for better or higher-ceiling alternatives.
He is not the solution, but Ford is certainly better than what the Packers have now. It's easy to see multiple reasons to bring him back.
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