Mike

Ford Jr.

Darden is a former fourth round pick by the Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’ll take the open roster spot the Browns had after waiving David Bell earlier this week. Darden is an additional weapon in the return game for Cleveland while Ford Jr. and Ifedi are depth pieces.

Ford signed a two-year deal with the Texans this offseason but is now on the move. The veteran corner appeared in 16 games for the Browns last season, totaling 28 tackles in what was largely a special teams role. Ford has started 10 of the 77 games he’s appeared on, and could prove to be a valuable addition for another team in need of special teams help.

Ford is set to play for his fourth team in four seasons after previously playing for the Falcons, Broncos, and Lions. A key contributor on special teams, the former undrafted free agent hasn’t played more than 83 defensive snaps since 2019, and will now look to bolster the Browns’ special teams unit next season.

Ford spent 2021 with the Broncos after playing in Detroit for three seasons. Ford was a key special teams player for Denver, totaling 240 snaps and six solo tackles last year. He got more run at corner while with the Lions but will likely stick to special teams in Atlanta.

Detroit blew right past the tender for Ford, a restricted free agent, instead deciding to officially keep him under contract. Primarily a special teams player, the 25-year-old totaled just 58 reps on defense in 2020.

Swift was on the wrong side of questionable in a short week. Expect Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson to share backfield duties against a terrible Houston front seven, with Johnson taking most pass catching opportunities and Peterson getting short yardage and perhaps goal line work. Marvin Jones and Marvin Hall will once again operate as the team’s top two wideouts with Amendola and Golladay sidelined. Jamal Agnew last week was the Lions WR3, playing half the team’s offensive snaps and drawing six targets against Carolina. He’s only viable in single-game DFS contests.

Detroit made the move to make room for OL Oday Aboushi. Ford made six starts for the Lions over the past couple seasons.

Ford has made six starts over the past two seasons. He played 165 replacement-level snaps in 2019. Ford can play both inside and out, increasing his value as a reserve.

Slay is likely to be ruled out when final injury reports are released later this afternoon. Mike Ford would see increased snaps in the Lions’ secondary if Slay can’t go against the Giants in Week 8.

Ford (5’11/190) converted from wide receiver to cornerback as a sophomore and started there the rest of his career, tallying seven interceptions. Not a decorated collegiate and snubbed for a Combine invite, Ford earned notice by shredding the Redhawks’ Pro Day with a 4.48 forty, 40-inch vertical, and 11-foot broad jump. Still learning coverage techniques after his position switch, Ford’s elite athleticism and starter-level tools improve his odds of making it in the pros.