The Chiefs would be foolish to let Dee Ford get away, but if he does hit the open market, these five NFL teams will be hot on his trail.
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense got all the headlines in Kansas City last season, but Dee Ford’s disruptive play kept his team’s defense afloat during most of the season. The Chiefs really can’t afford to let him leave via free agency.
That’s precisely why most people assume he’ll end up back in Kansas City one way or another. The most likely method to retain him would be using the franchise tag to bring him back on a one-year deal. It’s possible head coach Andy Reid and the front office would prefer to lock him up with a long-term deal, but that would be a calculated risk since 2018 was his first truly dominant season.
If Ford is allowed to enter unrestricted free agency, he’ll easily be one of the most sought out players on the open market. These five teams, in particular, would be wise to bring Ford into the fold.
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 30: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) runs onto the field before an NFL game between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 30, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
5. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have their own free agent edge rusher hitting free agency this offseason. The organization faces a big decision on whether or not to commit big dollars to Frank Clark. Keeping him via the franchise tag is the safe play for Seattle, but Ford would be worth more to their defense.
Clark is a very steady rush end, but Ford is the more explosive of the two players. That’s what the Seahawks really need as they try to reset their defense after the Legion of Boom era. Pete Carroll needs playmakers in the worst way. He wouldn’t hesitate to give Ford the big contract he’s looking for.
It’s unlikely Ford is going to end up in the Pacific Northwest in 2019, but he’d be a really good fit for the way Seattle likes to play. He’d give the Seahawks a small, but significant upgrade over Clark on the edge.