Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that trade talks involving Chiefs franchise OLB Dee Ford are currently in a “holding pattern” right now.
Rapoport explains that the guaranteed money included in a long-term extension will play a big role in whether a trade involving Ford ends up happening.
The Packers are one of the teams in the mix for Ford. However, Rapoport points out that Green Bay rarely includes large guarantees in their contracts and instead opt for large signing bonuses.
Ford has the same agent as Le’Veon Bell, who has spoken out about the lack of guaranteed money in Bell’s contract with the Steelers, so it’s possible this could be an issue for them in negotiations.
The 49ers have also come up as a team with trade interest in Ford.
The franchise tag will cost the Chiefs $15.4 million fully guaranteed for the 2019 season, but won’t prevent them from negotiating a long-term extension.
Ford, 27, was taken with the No. 23 overall pick by the Chiefs back in 2014. He was in the final year of his four-year, $8.158 million rookie contract when the Chiefs picked up his fifth-year option.
Ford made a base salary of $8,718,000 million for the 2018 season. He was in line to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
In 2018, Ford appeared in 15 games for the Chiefs and recorded 55 tackles, 13 sacks, seven forced fumble and a pass defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 11 overall edge defender out of 103 qualifying players.
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