Dee Ford, one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, had been linked to the Buffalo Bills as a possible trade target. On Tuesday, Ford did find a new home, but not in Western New York.
The Kansas City Chiefs, who gave Ford the franchise tag, dealt Ford to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2nd round draft pick in 2020.
Ford, a premier pass rusher from the league’s best pass-rushing unit in 2018, was due to make around $15.4 million under the franchise tag in 2019. Ford registered 13 sacks (tied for seventh in the NFL) to go with a league-best seven forced fumbles last year.
Last week, reports surfaced that Kansas City would be willing to part with Ford for a second-round draft pick. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported the Bills were among the teams interested in acquiring Ford to help a pass rush that ranked 26th in sacks last year (36).
Since the Chiefs applied the franchise tag to Ford, Kansas City had until July 15 to sign its talented and desirable pass rusher to a long-term deal or find a new home for him.
Turns out, the proper compensation for one of the best edge rushers in the game was a second round pick...in next year’s draft.
In San Francisco, Ford is expected to receive a contract extension from the 49ers for five years and $87.5 million.
Ford, who has excelled at getting after the quarterback in a 3-4 defensive scheme, has amassed 30.4 career sacks in five seasons since being drafted No. 23 overall out of Auburn in the 2014 NFL Draft.