Rudy Ford was the Green Bay Packers’ top-performing safety in the regular season last year, earning him Pro Football Focus’ highest grade. He led the safety group in interceptions and pass breakups and tied Jonathan Owens for the most tackles. His 40.9% completion percentage allowed stands as the league’s best among safeties with at least 300 snaps.
Ford, Owens, and Darnell Savage are set to become free agents in March. The Green Bay Packers face a critical decision regarding their safety room. Re-signing Ford means keeping one of their best defensive players from the 2023 season.
Green Bay could offer Savage a one-year prove-it deal, akin to the approach they took with Kevin King in 2021. That arrangement allows Savage to demonstrate his value under a new coaching staff and system without committing to a long-term contract with uncertain outcomes.
Owens was not a standout in the starting lineup, but his proficiency as a depth player and contributions on special teams make him a valuable asset. PFF ranked him as Green Bay’s eighth-best special teamer this season. He brings versatility to the roster. The Packers should aim to retain him on a cost-effective contract.
As of February 17, the Packers find themselves approximately $3 million over the salary cap. Green Bay could potentially open up over $50 million in cap space through restructures for contributors such as Kenny Clark, Aaron Jones, Preston Smith, Elgton Jenkins, David Bakhtiari, and Rashan Gary.
As the Packers deliberate on re-signing Ford, it’s essential to acknowledge that his contract shouldn’t demand the same financial commitment as other key free-agent safeties. With impending free agency likely to include names like Antoine Winfield Jr., Geno Stone, Kyle Dugger, Kamren Curl, Xavier McKinney, Jordan Fuller, and Jeremy Chinn, the market is softer for younger talents who may present a better cost-benefit ratio.
Even if the Packers bring back Ford, it should not dissuade them from actively pursuing another free agent to bolster the safety group. Green Bay faced evident challenges in its safety department last season — and they felt the consequences. Ford proved to be a crucial contributor, but Savage’s absence for seven games and Owens finishing the regular season with a below-average 61.9 defensive grade exposed vulnerabilities in the rotation.
Jeff Hafley’s defensive scheme often integrates a hybrid safety role, which involves operating closer to the box akin to a linebacker. Players like Jeremy Chinn and Jordan Fuller epitomize the ideal candidates for such positions, given their adaptability and skillset. Jordan Fuller is of particular interest because he previously played under Hafley during their time at Ohio State in 2019. Fuller’s familiarity with Hafley’s scheme could seamlessly transition into Green Bay’s defensive structure.
The Packers could potentially sign to a reasonable deal, considering his recent performance in the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers. PFF has given Chinn defensive grades below 58 in the previous two years, but Chinn has the potential to thrive under an aggressive system. A change of scenery and the opportunity to play in a unit with the talent to support him might unleash Chinn’s full potential.
In his season-ending press conference, Brian Gutekunst emphasized that the team possesses the financial flexibility to explore free-agent options, particularly in the safety market. However, we should not expect the Packers to go on a spending spree. Players like Winfield are likely outside Green Bay’s preferred financial parameters. He might command a substantial contract, which could prove difficult, especially considering the impending need to extend Jordan Love.
Players like Stone, Dugger, and Curl have demonstrated their value and are set to attract multiple suitors who can offer multi-year deals with significant contracts. Therefore, they may not align with Green Bay’s fiscal strategy. In contrast, pursuing underrated talents like Chinn and Fuller hews more closely to the Packers’ tendency to invest in free agents from outside the organization.
Green Bay can bolster its safety room through the draft. The extent to which they invest in drafting safeties will likely hinge on their strategy in free agency. Notably, six safeties secured spots inside the top 100 of Dane Brugler’s prospect rankings
The Packers need to improve their safety room this offseason. With heightened expectations in Green Bay for the upcoming season, the front office must position the roster for success. Failure to address this area could leave the team vulnerable and undermine their suddenly very realistic, lofty aspirations.
