The San Francisco 49ers are deservedly earning their due respect after a trip to the Super Bowl last season. In fact, ESPN ranks just two teams above them in its recent power ranking. Those teams would be the Kansas City Chiefs, who come in at No. 1, and the Baltimore Ravens at No. 2.
That means San Francisco is the highest-ranked NFC squad, coming in at No. 3 overall.
As part of the ranking, ESPN writers were asked to identify one player on each roster who is on the hot seat heading into the 2020 season. 49ers beat writer Nick Wagoner named pass rusher Dee Ford.
"Knee issues limited Ford to 11 games and he averaged just 19.4 snaps per game in 2019," wrote Wagoner. "Ford had 'extensive' cleanup surgery on his left knee in the offseason in hopes of playing a larger role in 2020. Considering that Ford is in the second year of a five-year, $85 million deal with a $17.6 million cap number in 2021, his future with the team will depend on if he can produce at a level commensurate to his contract."
Wagoner goes on to note that San Francisco is further up against the salary-cap wall than it has been in recent years, and has several key players scheduled to hit free agency next year. While the 49ers recently locked up All-Pro tight end George Kittle for the foreseeable future, the list still includes some big names like tackle Trent Williams and cornerback Richard Sherman.
Ford was hindered last season by knee issues and a hamstring injury. Still, he racked up 6.5 sacks during his limited playing time.
The veteran pass rusher says he feels good following the offseason procedure. However, he left practice with an injury on Sunday. That is something to monitor. We'll likely receive an update on his status when head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks to reporters today.
With the salary cap expected to drop next season thanks to lost revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wagoner can see the 49ers parting ways with Ford if he is unable to increase his production in 2020.