One of the Jets’ potential free agent targets is no longer heading to the open market.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are placing the franchise tag on linebacker Dee Ford. The plan is to keep the Pro Bowler for 2019, though Schefter said Kansas City will listen to trade offers for the linebacker.
The fact that the Chiefs are tagging Ford is hardly a surprise.
The 27-year-old linebacker had a career year in Kansas City last season. He finished with career-highs in tackles and sacks with 55 and 13, respectively. Ford also forced seven fumbles.
New York is in desperate need of an edge pass rusher and Ford would have been the perfect fit as a 3-4 player. While the Jets can still trade for him, in the Chiefs will ask for a ransom in return. The Jets don’t exactly have that to offer when it comes to draft capital.
Additionally, the Jets have about $100 million to spend this offseason and there will be some high-profile names in the pass rusher department. So, it’s better to waste money rather than draft assets to upgrade the position. The Jets are reportedly interested in Ezekiel Ansah, Dante Fowler and Preston Smith.
New York can also look to add a pass rusher in the draft with the No. 3 overall pick. This draft class is full of them and it would clearly be the cheaper option than signing a free agent to a long-term deal.
While Ford would be a massive addition to New York’s defense, don’t count on Gang Green acquiring his services.
