The San Francisco 49ers need to add talent at edge rusher, and free agency could offer some complementary options more than clear No. 1 type players. Brandon Graham, Dante Fowler, and Ezekiel Ansah are three options that likely will hit the market and would be solid complements if the 49ers decided to invest in a young edge rusher at No. 2.
DeMarcus Lawrence and Jadeveon Clowney are the better pass rushers due to hit free agency, but neither is likely to hit the open market. Another player who seems more and more unlikely to hit the open market is Kansas City Chiefs edge rusher Dee Ford.
Ford is enjoying his time at the Pro Bowl this week, and has had a chance to comment on his future. On Thursday, he told Herbie Teope that Kansas City is very much the top option at this point. “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 when we get there.”
Earlier in the week, Ford told the Kansas City Star he would love to rewrite the narrative following his offsides call that was one of the Chiefs costliest mistakes in the AFC Championship Game. He said he would love to remain in Kansas City, but also that it was out of his control.
The franchise tag makes a lot of sense for the Chiefs, and Ford seems to be fine with that. At the end of the regular season, he said as much to the Star. “If somebody offers you $20 million, would you take it? No brainer right there, dog.”
The franchise tag for linebackers is $14.9 million, but even still, it doesn’t seem like the money will be a huge concern for Ford at this point. He could change his mind as free agency arrives and players are getting some bigger deals, but for the time being, it’s safe to say he will be remaining in Kansas City for the time being.