Following a breakout 2018 campaign, Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford set himself up nicely for a payday this offseason. However, the impending free agent made it clear that he’d be open to accepting the franchise tag should it come his way.
“That’s out of my control,” Ford said (via Herbie Teope of NFL.com). “If it happens, it happens, and I don’t mind it.”
While a long-term contract is naturally preferable, it makes sense that Ford wouldn’t scoff at the franchise tag. After all, the linebacker value should come in north of $15MM, and ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio says Ford could earn even more if he’s designated as a defensive end. Regardless of the financials, the five-year veteran made it clear that he wants to stay in Kansas City.
“That’s the option,” Ford said. “Of course, that’s home to me. I love the community and I’m just used to that environment, so I’ll be blessed to be able to stay. We’ll cross that bridge once when we get there.”
The 27-year-old made his first Pro Bowl this season after finishing with career-highs in tackles (55), sacks (13), and forced fumbles (league-leading seven). The 2014 first-rounder had previously shown signs of stardom, including a 2016 campaign when he compiled 10 sacks. However, Ford truly established himself as one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL in 2018; Pro Football Focus ultimately ranked him 11th among 103 eligible edge defenders.
A player who’s actually receptive to a franchise tag!? God bless him! Why can’t more players be as appreciative as Mr. Ford.
I wonder if his offsides penalty has played into this.
So a player should be appreciative that his earning power is going to be restricted during the years when he is most likely to be productive? You of all people should see that’s it’s better to be a bluefish than a sucker.
I think the tag is overpaying tbh, he’s not a natural fit in the new D alignment Spags will implementing. Would love a sign and trade here…Dee Ford and a 4th round pick for Jalen Ramsey and a 6th would look nice shoring up the secondary and allowing the younger guys that fit the system to see the field.