Green Bay Packers: 5 players yet to consider in free agency
By Joe Kipp
5. Ron Parker, Safety
One of the most underrated safeties of the past few seasons has been Ron Parker. Undrafted out of Newberry in 2011, Parker started his career as a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. He didn’t see significant playing time until 2013 though, when he was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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The Chiefs converted Parker to safety, which garnered him a new five-year, $30 million contract after an impressive first two seasons. However, three years into his deal, Parker was released this offseason in an effort to gain cap space. Nonetheless, he had a productive five seasons with the team, and still remains just 30-years-old.
If the Packers were to sign Parker he’d likely be deployed in a Micah Hyde-like role. Like Parker, Hyde was a cornerback coming out of college. Green Bay used Hyde as a free safety though, sometimes playing him as a slot corner – something Parker excelled in during his time with the Chiefs.
With the departure of Morgan Burnett this offseason and the impending decision of whether to extend Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to a new contract, Parker could be a cheap, underrated signing for the foreseeable future.