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Report: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers expressing interest in Dee Ford

There is a trade market developing for the franchise-tagged Chiefs linebacker.

Kansas City Chiefs v Chicago Bears Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

There is a trade market developing for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers have expressed interest, he explains. Rapoport has previously said that the 27-year-old linebacker could be available for as little as a second-round pick. The Chiefs officially franchise tagged Ford last week.

The Packers make sense because of outside linebackers coach Mike Smith, who left the Chiefs and is now on the Packers staff. Smith is especially high on Ford, and Ford credits Smith with helping facilitate the best season of his five-year career in 2018.

The San Francisco 49ers may need to improve their pass rush, per our friends from Niners Nation.

I have previously explained my two theories on why rumors circulating that the Chiefs would possibly want to move on from Ford:

  • The Chiefs have no intention of trading Ford but are hoping to save money by floating out he’s not a fit in the 4-3. That would ensure he stays tagged a linebacker and not a defensive end.
  • The Chiefs would accept a second-rounder for Ford, which in my opinion, would be a mistake.

Admittedly, I never really thought the Chiefs would trade Ford coming off by far his best season, but as time passes, it feels like they would be more than willing to in order to get his money off the books. Based on the linebacker franchise tag, Ford would carry a 2019 cap number of $15.44 million. I can only assume a team trading for Ford would be interested in signing him to a long-term deal, something the Chiefs might pass on due to his injury history.

The Packers hold two first-round picks (12, 30) and one second-round pick (44). The 49ers hold one first (2) and one second-round pick (36).

Poll

Would you trade Dee Ford if you were Brett Veach?

This poll is closed

  • 80%
    Yes
    (3162 votes)
  • 19%
    No
    (780 votes)
3942 votes total Vote Now

Analysts weigh in

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