Packers signing ex-Jaguars safety Rudy Ford
The special teams ace was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 2017.
By PackerAaron
Brian Gutekunst continues to build his roster.
The #Packers are signing veteran S Rudy Ford, source says. Two days after being let go by the #Jaguars, Ford has a new home.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 31, 2022
Ford is a safety but can also play the slot corner role, though the reason he was released by the Jaguars is reportedly because the new coaching staff viewed him strictly as a special teams player.
Sound like an area where the Packers could use some help?
Ford split his first four NFL seasons between the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles after entering the league as a sixth-round draft choice in 2017.
Apparently multiple teams called about possibly trading for Ford (no word if the Packers were one of them) but his contract was too much of an issue.
As a corresponding move, Brian Gutekunst told reporters today that Micah Abernathy will be released to make room for Ford.
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Comments (8)
jsheath
August 31, 2022 at 11:05 am
Anything they can do to shore up kick coverage is a good thing
splitpea1
August 31, 2022 at 11:08 am
I am elated with this signing. We've all been waiting for the Packers to show commitment to improving special teams--well here it is!
stockholder
August 31, 2022 at 11:13 am
Good! Hope he takes Leavitts place. But that didn't happen. Abernathy got cut.
ImaPayne
August 31, 2022 at 11:14 am
Concentrating on drafting players with speed may help a lot with special teams. Our guys look slugish on kick offs. Everyone runs balls back on the packers because of how slow and poor tacklers they have shown over the years.
This is all about the other teams coaching up their players on our bad habits
PackfanNY
August 31, 2022 at 11:40 am
Back up Safety…check. Good Special Team player…check. Sounds like a good pickup. Of course, only time will tell but this looks like a well thought out pickup. Other teams were definitely interested.
PatrickGB
August 31, 2022 at 12:01 pm
After watching the ST’s in preseason I wondered if we had the players to improve. Having guys that are good at it will help.
PackfanNY
August 31, 2022 at 12:10 pm
Rumor is Micah Abernathy is the corresponding cut for signing Rudy Ford.
PackyCheese500
August 31, 2022 at 01:27 pm
I predicted this (see 53-man roster article comments). He will provide good depth at S. Would have liked to see Abernathy on the 53, though - I wish they wouldve cut Leavitt or Carpenter instead. I thought Abernathy had real potential to be a quality #3 safety. Oh well, hopefully he’s on the PS. Maybe next year.