Packers sign another special-teams standout in Rudy Ford

GREEN BAY — In an attempt to bolster their special teams, the Green Bay Packers signed former Jacksonville safety Rudy Ford, a sixth-year player who became a free agent when the Jaguars released him this week.

General manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed the Ford signing and said they would release safety Micah Abernathy and try to get him back on the practice squad.

The 6-foot, 204-pound Ford, a sixth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 out of Auburn, joined the Jaguars last season after two years in Arizona and one in Philadelphia. He has played in 56 games with six starts, four of them last year with the Jaguars.

His contributed heavily on special teams (46% of the snaps), but he also played 423 defensive snaps (43%), serving in both the nickel and dime packages. During training camp this year, the Jaguars cut back on his defensive snaps and he wasn't happy with it.

After the Jaguars cut him, special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia lobbied Ford's agent to get him to play with the Packers, which he appreciated, but Ford said he also saw an opportunity to compete for playing time at safety where the only established veterans are Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage.

"When I was looking, I was like, 'I want to be on the field at all times,' " Ford said after taking part in his first practice with the Packers. "I don't want to be a guy who you call for practice squad. I never want to be on the outside just watching in."

Ford had 50 tackles, a half sack, a tackle for loss, an interception and three pass breakups on defense, and just three special teams tackles. But his size and speed (mid-4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day) make him a natural for covering kicks.

"He's one of the better gunners in the league," Gutekunst said.. "We were kind of surprised he got shaken loose."

Ford said he had interest from the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders where he connections with previous coaches, but he decided to take the Packers' offer. 

"I just knew, talking and evaluating it, it was time for a change," he said. "We want to go and win a Super Bowl. Same thing with the other teams as well, but this is one of the places that offered first and it just added up."

Gutekunst said that he is paying special attention to special teams because he wants to get it right this season. He said they would continue to make moves as the season goes along if that's what it takes.

The signing of Ford has nothing to do with the status of safety Dallin Leavitt, a source said. Leavitt, who suffered a shoulder injury in the first preseason game, has returned to practice, albeit with a red no-contact jersey, and could be ready for the Minnesota game Sept. 11..

With Leavitt, Ford and cornerback Keisean Nixon, Bisaccia has a core of players with a history of strong special teams play. The 27-year-old Ford had his best year on special teams last year, but the Jaguars went with some younger talent.

In addition, they claimed former Packers inside linebacker Ty Summers off waivers from Green Bay. Summers will be a cheaper alternative to Ford, who was due to make $1.5 million this year.

It is not known what Ford received from the Packers. His contract with the Jaguars was voided after he was cut. Summers will make $850,000 after being claimed.

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