Recently we covered potential trade destinations for Chiefs LB Justin Houston. Now we’ve found out that the Chiefs are also listening for trade offers on Dee Ford. Even with the franchise tag applied, Ford is able to be traded from the team.
With the Chiefs switching from a 3-4 to 4-3 scheme under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, it is possible that Ford could be traded away if the right offer presents itself.
With the new 4-3 defensive scheme, it practically forces Ford into defending the run which is highlighted as one of his weaknesses. Despite his flaws on stopping the run, one thing we know Ford to be excellent at is pass-rushing. With Fords’ ability to get after the quarterback, several teams would be foolish to not pick up the phone to make an offer.
Here are three teams might want to consider extending an invitation.
Atlanta Falcons
Bob Sutton joined the Falcons as a senior defensive assistant this season. First, defense for the Falcons was a soft spot this season, as the defense let up 6,152 total yards. Ford has shown he is a specialist at giving quarterbacks a headache when playing under Bob Sutton’s scheme, there’s certainly potential for him to do the same with Dan Quinn.
During the 2016 season Ford more than doubled how many times he was able to sack the quarterback – going from four sacks to 10 sacks within one season. The next season he snubbed two sacks, but only played six games due to an injury. In spite of his two sacks during the 2017 season, Ford bounced back and recorded 13 sacks, which placed seventh amongst the list of NFL athletes with recorded sacks.
In 2018 Takk McKinley finished with just seven sacks, which was ranked at 38 among all linebackers in the NFL. It was also the highest recorded sack for a Falcon linebacker. They’ve got the need, but can they pony up an offer to get the Chiefs to surrender this talented pass-rusher?
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Los Angeles Rams
While the Rams did add linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. during the 2018 season, he still is expected to be a free agent this offseason. If he doesn’t return, the Rams will be on the hunt for another pass-rusher to join their team.
Wade Phillips also runs a 3-4 scheme and pressuring the quarterback has been crucial to his success as a defensive coordinator. Ford just might be the guy the Rams would want to make a trade for as their best Super Bowl window is quickly closing.
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Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have a few holes they might want to improve on if they ever want to get back to being a strong contender for a Superbowl. Even though they have an All-Pro middle linebacker in Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks still managed to rank No. 30 in yards allowed per rush at (4.95) and No. 18 in yards allowed per pass attempt (7.51). They recently placed the franchise tag on defensive end Frank Clark, but it’s possible they want to add more to their pass rush in hopes of rebuilding their once great defense.
With the reports that the Chiefs plan to release Houston, the team may need to be absolutely blown away on any offer from these teams to even consider trading away Ford.
