There are some rumblings it might take a second round pick to land Ford.
The San Francisco 49ers need to improve their pass rush, and they might be willing to make a trade for a notable name to get it done. The 49ers and Green Bay Packers are both expressing interest in Dee Ford, according to NFL Network Ian Rapoport.
The Kansas City Chiefs used their franchise tag on Ford, but even as they made that decision, they made it known they were willing to trade him. He finished last season with a career high 13 sacks and 29 quarterback hits. He had two sacks over six games the previous season, and ten sacks over 15 games in 2016.
The Chiefs are switching to a 4-3 defensive scheme and believe it might make sense to move Ford to a team that would better utilize his skills. They are already preparing to move on from Justin Houston in part because they do not think the potential $36 million between him and Ford is worth it.
Our friends at Arrowhead Pride think one of two theories could be in play. The first is that they are in fact willing to trade him, and the other is they are doing what they can to have him listed as a linebacker rather than defensive end to ensure a cheaper franchise tag.
It’s odd a team would be so prepared to unload both of their top pass rushers, but if Ford is available, there will be a market. As a franchise player, Ford could command a pair of first round picks if he signs an offer sheet elsewhere, but Ian Rapoport previously reported that it might only take a second round pick to land him in a trade.
The 49ers second round pick this year is No. 4 in the round and No. 36 overall. Would you deal that pick for Ford? If it came down to second round picks, the 49ers pick is higher than the Packers. However, the Packers also have two first round picks (No. 12 and No. 30) and very well could be willing to trade that later first for Ford.
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