As expected the Green Bay Packers signed free agent safety Matt Giordano, a 4th round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2005 NFL Draft. Giordano appeared in 55 games for the Colts over the last four season, starting six contests. The Colts cut Giordano at the end of the preseason. The signing of Giordano reunites him with former California teammate Aaron Rodgers.
To make room for Giordano the Packers cut often maligned safety Aaron Rouse; a 3rd round pick by the Packers in the 2007 NFL Draft. Coming out of Virgina Tech Rouse was a physical specimen at 6'4" and 223 pounds. Rouse ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 at the NFL Combine. Rouse was projected as a late first round pick but his lack luster senior season saw him fall to the 3rd round. Throughout his Packer career everyone talked about his "potential" but Rouse never produced on the field, which lead to the Packers parting ways with Rouse.
Both of the Packers starting safeties (Nick Collins and Atari Bigby) are sidelined with injuries. That leaves recently acquired Derrick Martin, converted corner back Jarrett Bush and Matt Giordano as their only healthy options at safety. The Packers lack of depth at safety calls into question Packers General Manager Ted Thompson's decision to cut Anthony Smith before the start of the season. Smith was signed because of his understanding of the new 3-4 defense because he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2006 to 2008. Ironically Smith now plays for the St. Louis Rams, the Packers next opponent.
Injuries happen in the NFL, which makes the Packers complete lack of depth at safety very alarming. Matt Giordano better pick-up the 3-4 defense fast because he will most likely be active this weekend against the Rams.
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