The 49ers have been relatively quiet in free agency, but they’re looking to make noise in the trade market. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported they’re deep in talks with the Kansas City Chiefs to acquire pass rusher Dee Ford.
There’s a bit of an issue contractually because the Chiefs placed a franchise tag on Ford. That means he’d have to agree on a multi-year deal with the 49ers before a trade was executed.
Ford posted a career-high 13 sacks last season and led the NFL with seven forced fumbles.
He only had 2.0 sacks in six games in 2016, but had 10 the year before that.
Ford would likely play SAM linebacker in the 49ers’ base defense, then moved down to defensive end in sub packages.
There’s no word on what type of compensation it will take to acquire the 27-year-old. He has 30.5 sacks in 67 games since joining the Chiefs as the No. 23 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
