If there's one spot of the roster that will need changes in 2024, it's the defensive backfield. First, because the performance was mediocre in 2023. And, second, because the list of unrestricted free agents is long — particularly at safety.

The only cornerback on the list is Corey Ballentine, who played a significant (and unexpected) portion of the season because of multiple injuries. But the situation at safety is pretty concerning. The three players with the most snaps at the position in 2023 are slated to hit the market — and the only ones under contract are rookies Anthony Johnson Jr. and Benny Sapp III, plus special teamer Zayne Anderson.

So, let's evaluate each case.

Darnell Savage

The Packers clearly still like Savage, and he played in 2023 under a surprisingly high $7.9 million price tag because Brian Gutekunst exercised his fifth-year option one year earlier. In 2019, the Packers traded up to get him with the 21st overall pick.

Savage is exactly what he showed in the playoffs. Against the Dallas Cowboys, he was amazing — and had a big-time pick-six on Dak Prescott. A week later, he was awful against the San Francisco 49ers, with a dropped interception and multiple coverage breakdowns. Even with his ups and downs, he was still the Packers highest-graded safety (75.5) according to PFF.

The hope for Savage is that he was much better with Mike Pettine. Maybe, a new defensive coordinator can ask Savage to do things he is actually good at — and he's not a traditional deep safety whatsoever. Perhaps, a low-priced Savage might make sense from a depth standpoint, but that wouldn't exactly reduce Green Bay's need for a safety.

Rudy Ford

Ford was the second highest-graded player (69.9), but he lost space on the team throughout the season. Initially, he was an unquestionable starter after a strong finish to the 2022 season. He allowed a 30.1 passer rating when targeted, a truly impressive number, and had two interceptions.

However, he became a backup and special teamer even before a season-ending hamstring injury. For the right price, he can absolutely be back — he didn't have as many special teams snaps as he was expected to, but he certainly can in the future, as that was his calling card when the Packers signed him for the first time in 2022.

Jonathan Owens

Owens ended up being the safety with the most snaps on the Packers, playing 69.76% of the defensive snaps and 54.31% of the special teams snaps. He was certainly a valuable signing considering he was added after the draft, but his performance is not what the Packers need from a starter.

The veteran allowed a 115.8 passer rating when targeted, with seven missed tackles.

The Packers signed him because they needed an experienced starter on the roster after letting Adrian Amos walk in free agency, but if Owens himself signs elsewhere, it's not going to be hard to replace his production level.

Corey Ballentine

Ballentine started the regular season on the practice squad and still managed to play 43.92% of the defensive snaps. That tells us everything you need to know about the Packers issues at cornerback in 2023.

Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes missed a combined 24 games, and they also traded Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills. The sequence forced the Packers to start rookie seventh-rounder Carrington Valentine and Ballentine on the boundary several times.

Ballentine wasn't exactly bad, allowing a 81.3 passer rating when targeted, but he finished the season with an average 60.7 coverage grade by PFF. Maybe the Packers are interested in bringing him back for a low price, but hopefully he won't have such a big role in 2024.

Packers 2024 offseason guide: free agents, draft, big decisions

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