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On the field defensive end Dee Ford is a dominant force. A blazing quick edge rusher who can completely wreck a passing offense with the pressure he puts on the quarterback. When the 49ers traded for Ford and paired him with defensive end Nick Bosa, they created a 1-2 punch on the defensive line that propelled the 49ers into title contention. It's hard to find anything bad to say about Dee Ford, but there is one obvious flaw in his game: his ability to stay on the field.
Through 6 seasons of his career Ford has only one when he played all 16 games. The 49ers knew this when they traded for him in 2019, and while Ford missed nearly half the season due to injury, his return in the playoffs aided the 49ers defense on its road to the Super Bowl.
Only one player on the 49ers is paid more than Ford, and that man is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. If Ford can play all 16 games, he will earn every dollar. He is that much of a difference maker. Hopefully for 49ers fans Dee Ford can stay healthy in 2020, because if he does, he could play a big part in returning this team to the Super Bowl.
2019 Performance
Dee Ford was a monster when he was on the field. In the 10 games that Ford played in the regular season he recorded 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles and 2 forced fumbles. His influence was bigger than individual numbers though, when he was off the field the 49ers defense struggled to come up with sacks. In the 6 games when Ford was sidelined his line mate Arik Armstead registered just 2 sacks, when Ford was in the lineup Armstead produced 8 sacks. The outside pressure brought by Ford allowed inside rushers to clean up and sack the QB regularly. Pro Football Focus graded Ford at an 84.4. Players graded similarly were Arizona ED Chandler Jones (84.9), Chicago ED Khalil Mack (86.2) and Philadelphia ED Brandon Graham (84.8).
2020 Cost
Ford's production comes with a hefty price tag. In 2020 Ford carries a $15.8 million cap hit. If traded or released prior to 6/1/20 that cap hit would be lowered to $6 million and free up $9 million in cap space.
Future Outlook
Paraag Marathe is a cap wizard. When signing Ford, Marathe built into the contract what is essentially a 2-year escape clause. After 2020, the 49ers can straight out cut Ford and only accrue a $4 million cap hit in 2021, essentially voiding the rest of his deal. If Ford can't stay a healthy this is a very viable option for the 49ers. Ford is scheduled to average $18 million a year in the final 3 years of his deal running 2021-2023. As talented as Ford is, the 49ers may not be able to justify that spending in 2021 and this may very well be the final season Ford plays in San Francisco.
The San Francisco 49ers are among the 25 teams kicking off their offseason workout program today. However, don't expect to see players facing off against each other on the practice field for the next couple of weeks. The program's early portion, dubbed "Phase One," spans two weeks and includes limited activities such as meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.
The second phase of the offseason program extends for three weeks and includes on-field workouts for individual or group instruction and drills. After that, teams can hold up to 10 days of organized team activities on the practice field.
As the 49ers continue to negotiate a contract extension for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, it's important to note that all of these sessions are
Brock Purdy sends clear message to Brandon Aiyuk amid contract talks with 49ers
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will be present today as the team reports for the start of its offseason program. Purdy was a little early, as he hosted a youth football camp over the weekend.
Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group spoke to the 49ers quarterback during the event and asked him about one of his teammates, Brandon Aiyuk. The star wide receiver is currently in contract extension negotiations with the 49ers, and the team has emphasized keeping him around for the foreseeable future as an offseason priority.
Purdy has
Brock Purdy aims to take 'next steps' with 49ers, addresses future contract
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group caught up with Brock Purdy over the weekend as the San Francisco 49ers quarterback hosted his inaugural youth football camp at Levi's Stadium. Today, Purdy and most of his teammates will report to the team for the start of the offseason program, which will be limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation over the next couple of weeks.
While this offseason holds significance for Purdy as he seeks to build upon an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him set a single-season franchise
49ers address both sides of the ball in Kiper and Yates 3-round mock draft
By David Bonilla
Apr 15
We're just 10 days away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. While many gain more confidence about their projections for the top of the first round, the picture of what might happen further down remains murky. Most predict the San Francisco 49ers will use their first selection, No. 31 overall, on an offensive lineman. However, an early run on the position may alter those plans. The 49ers may address another position, or they may have to move up to secure a top prospect.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates recently revealed a joint three-round mock draft, examining the top 100 selections and forecasting
