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Over the next two weeks, Acme Packing Company takes a look at each position group on the Green Bay Packers and provides grades and insight on how they performed in the 2017 season. Today, we examine the running back position.
We wrap up our look at the Packers’ running backs today by examining the one player whose contract expires this March. That player is not one of the team’s tailbacks, but rather a role player who has primarily made his mark on special teams over the years and is expected back to compete for a job once again in 2018.
Joe Kerridge
NFL Experience: 2 years
FA Status: Exclusive-rights free agent
Expiring Contract: 1 year, $540,000
2017 Stats: 4 games played, one reception, 3 yards; 3 offensive snaps, 23 special teams snaps
The Packers have signed fullback Joe Kerridge to the practice squad and eventually to the active 53-man roster three different times over the past two seasons, and over that span he has suited up on gameday twelve times. Primarily a special-teamer, Kerridge has a single career rush and a single reception, but has pitched in as a blocker and tackler in the kicking game.
Last season, Kerridge was in exactly the same position as he is this year, going into the spring as an exclusive-rights free agent. The Packers tendered Kerridge with a one-year league minimum tender, which he signed. However, he was waived off injured reserve with an injury settlement in September, only to return at the end of October.
Look for the Packers to bring him back on another one-year tender for the league minimum, as his size and tenacity on special teams makes him a candidate for a role as a key contributor on those units.