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There is a trade market developing for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Two #Chiefs notes: 1. They seem to have a market for franchised pass-rusher Dee Ford, with the #Packers and #49ers expressing interest, I’m told. 2. They are hosting FA RB Carlos Hyde and there is a good chance they sign him, if all goes well with the physical, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2019
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?
Analysts weigh in
If the Niners trade for Dee Ford, then how does that impact what they do w No. 2 pick? Just a full reload of pass rushers? Ford and Josh Allen? Hmm. https://t.co/Q309lKZYGv
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 9, 2019
#Packers getting Dee Ford would be huge, but it's a risky play. Getting a trade done is going to cost a significant chunk of GB's draft capital AND cap space. Chiefs probably want No. 30 or 44, and Ford is going to want $15M/year
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 9, 2019
Also, on Dee Ford: Why are the Chiefs so willing to trade away a pass rusher? Don't tell me scheme fit. Chiefs just don't want to pay him long term. That's a major red flag for me
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 9, 2019
Don't get me wrong, keeping Dee Ford (player) and Mike Smith (coach) together would be huge. Ford had the top pass-rushing grade and the most pressures among EDGEs last season. He's special when healthy. Just assessing the risk involved
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 9, 2019
The Chiefs’ willingness to trade Dee Ford should give any team, including the #Packers, pause. Teams don’t just give up top-end edge rushers. But the Packers should know him well. They hired his position coach, former Chiefs LB coach Mike Smith, to be their OLB coach. That helps.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) March 9, 2019
Dee Ford had 17.5 sacks in 51 games prior to his breakout season in 2018 (contract year) when he posted 13 sacks in 16 games.
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) March 9, 2019
Nick Perry had 12.5 sacks in 46 games prior to his breakout season in 2016 (contract year) when he posted 11 sacks in 14 games. #Packers