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
There’s a reason it’s called an “initial” 53-man roster. One day after setting the team’s first roster, the Green Bay Packers are signing veteran safety and special teamer Rudy Ford, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Ford’s arrival means someone who made the Packers’ roster on Tuesday no longer has a spot.
Ford, 27, was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. He’s played in 56 career games with three teams (Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals).
The Cardinals made Ford (6-0, 204) a sixth-round pick out of Auburn in the 2017 draft. He has 88 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups in his NFL career.
Last season, Ford played in 15 games (four starts) and was on the field for 423 defensive snaps for the Jaguars, producing a career-high 53 tackles.
Ford’s calling card is on special teams. He’s played 985 total special teams snaps, including at least 100 in each of his five NFL seasons.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ford has 23 career special teams tackles, plus eight penalties and six missed tackles.
The Packers need the depth at safety. Dallin Leavitt is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Micah Abernathy and rookie Tariq Carpenter have never played in an NFL game. Shawn Davis, Vernon Scott and Innis Gaines were all waived with injuries.
Ford is an elite athlete. He posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.19 coming out of Auburn in 2017, with a 4.40-second 40-yard dash and 20 reps on the bench press.
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