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Ricky Jean-Francois Signs One Year Deal With Green Bay Packers

By Jacob Camenker

Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Ricky Jean Francois (99) pumps up the crowd from the field prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Ricky Jean Francois (99) pumps up the crowd from the field prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins cut Ricky Jean-Francois earlier this offseason as a cap casualty. Now, he will be suiting up for the Green Bay Packers in 2017.

Ricky Jean-Francois was a solid rotational defensive lineman for the Washington Redskins. In two seasons for the team, he provided solid depth as a five technique along their defensive line. He fared well as a starter following an injury to Kedric Golston, and prooved that he can be a solid spot starter if need be. That said, his best fit is as a rotational player.

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The Redskins made the choice to part ways with Jean-Francois this offseason. He was set to count $4 million against the cap in 2017, and the Redskins saved $3 million by parting ways with him. It was a necessary move, as he was set to be the fourth defensive lineman in the rotation following the move to re-sign Ziggy Hood. He probably would have fallen further down the depth chart after the draft.

When Jean-Francois hit the open market, it was widely expected that some team would want to bring him on. After all, he had proven that he was a solid contributor. Jean-Francois officially landed on his feet on Thursday, as he agreed to a deal with the Packers, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The fit for Jean-Francois in Green Bay is near perfect. The Packers had lost lineman Datone Jones to the Vikings in free agency, and they need someone to take on a primary backup role. Former first rounder Kenny Clark is expected to step into a starting role, but Jean-Francois could platoon with him if the second year pro is not ready for a bigger role.

Also, getting Jean-Francois on a one year deal is a strong move. He is a great buy-low opportunity but he is still a strong contributor. He may not have a ton of upside, but he gives the Packers a proven veteran presence. That is the type of free agent that often thrives in Green Bay, and his hard-working and determined personality should fit well into the locker room.

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While Jean-Francois leaving the Redskins is not a huge loss for the team, it could be a big gain for the Packers. He could be a strong addition to the defensive line, and he should be a capable replacement for Jones.

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