Browns Sign Ex Falcons CB, Special Teams Ace Mike Ford

Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams will be without one of his favorite players next season.

Former Falcons defensive back, gunner and jammer Mike Ford has signed with the Cleveland Browns, he announced over Twitter on Monday.

NFL Network later reported that Ford received a one-year, $2.25 million contract.

The 27-year-old Ford played in all 17 games for the Falcons this past season, his lone in Atlanta. He drew two starts at cornerback but played only seven percent of the defensive snaps.

Ford, who went undrafted out of Southeast Missouri State in 2018, finished the year with 15 tackles and was a special teams star for the Falcons.

Williams noted during the season that Ford was a player he used as teach tape even before he arrived in Atlanta and said he can "single-handedly take out the gunner by himself" while helping punt returners get vertical.

But perhaps most importantly, Williams lauded Ford's presence off the field as a leader and for his ability to do the little things that may go unnoticed.

"I view him as an impact player," said Williams. "I know when he's in our room, he brings a lot of great energy, football IQ, awareness, he's positive, he's a leader, he leads by example. He's been a great addition to our special teams unit.

"He does a great job of leading by example, playing with great effort; in our room, we talk about 'great plays are made from great effort' - and he shows week in and week out that great effort." 

Now, that "impact player" is off to Cleveland - and Atlanta is left looking for another option.