Packers Free Agents: CB Davon House remains unsigned, but could return

With more than two weeks having gone by since the start of the 2018 free agency period across the NFL, only one unrestricted free agent who spent the 2017 season with the Green Bay Packers has found a home. That player is safety Morgan Burnett, who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, several other former Packers remain unsigned, and APC will break down many of these players down as free agency begins to take a back seat to preparations for the 2018 NFL Draft.

From the time that the Jacksonville Jaguars released Davon House last year, a reunion with the Green Bay Packers seemed inevitable. House spent the first four years of his career in Green Bay before signing a big deal in Jacksonville, and after a stellar 2015, he fell out of favor with the Jaguars’ coaching staff (due in part to changing defensive schemes).

House earned $2.8 million on his one-year contract in 2017, but based on his play last season he is probably due something closer to the veteran minimum in 2018. He provided a veteran presence in a young cornerback room that was desperate for leadership after the team moved on from Sam Shields, but his plan on the field was less than stellar. House recorded just one interception, allowed three touchdown passes, and gave up over 15 yards per reception into his coverage (according to Pro Football Focus).

Still, there were flashes of his natural ability that could earn him a spot as a rotational corner who can play on the boundary in sub packages. His interception was an excellent one, as he perfectly stuck in the hip pocket of Saints wideout Michael Thomas on a go route and snagged a Drew Brees pass.

However, nagging injuries kept House out of four games and probably should have forced him to sit at least one more.

All this points to House being more valuable to the Packers than anyone else; it’s where he has the most familiarity with the coaching staff, thanks to the Packers retaining former cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt. However, it seems unlikely that he gets much if any guaranteed money, and a potential return to Green Bay would require him to fight for a roster spot and a role in the corner rotation in training camp.

Furthermore, multiple reports have indicated that the Packers have reached out to House about a potential return, so it appears to be a matter of when, not if, he ends up back under contract with the Packers.

Recent Stats

2017: 12 games; 44 total tackles (37 solo), 1 interception, 6 passes defended, 1.0 sack; 107.1 passer rating allowed
2016 (Jaguars): 16 games; 16 total tackles (13 solo); 144.9 passer rating
2015 (Jaguars): 16 games; 60 total tackles (49 solo), 4 interceptions, 23 passes defended, 1 forced fumble; 78.9 passer rating

Current Packers CB Depth Chart

Likely starters: Kevin King (RCB), Tramon Williams (LCB), Quinten Rollins (slot)
Key backups: Josh Hawkins, Lenzy Pipkins, Donatello Brown