"I don't see a lot of hope in him being a factor for us on the field moving forward," Lynch told the media.
Ford's ongoing back injury has forced the defender to miss a significant amount of time during his stint with the 49ers. He has only appeared in 18 regular-season games and taken part in 378 snaps in his three seasons with San Francisco.
"I think we tried to be as patient as possible, and no fault of Dee, he just ran into a bad situation with his back, where he couldn't get healthy," Lynch said via NBC Sports Bay Area.
In 2019, the 49ers sent a second-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Ford. San Francisco signed him to a five-year, $85.5 million deal following the trade. The plan was to have Ford serve as a longtime bookend across from Nick Bosa. That never materialized.
The 49ers placed Ford on injured reserve on November 6, 2021, due to the back issues. The team opened his practice window on November 25, 2021, but was forced to shut him down for the season because he couldn't get on the field.
Ford registered 22 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and three forced fumbles during his three seasons with San Francisco.
What will the 49ers do to transition Ford off the roster?
"We'll figure that out, exactly what the transaction will be," Lynch said. "But not enough hope and progress to see him playing for us moving forward."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Three 49ers named among NFL's top comeback candidates for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers overcame significant adversity last season, losing several key contributors to injuries. Despite those setbacks, the team remained competitive down the stretch and ultimately secured a playoff berth. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport attempted to predict... -
49ers' Brandon Aiyuk drama: What's really behind the receiver's frustration?
Forty Niner (eventually ex-Forty Niner) wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has recently taken to social media to express his displeasure with the organization, at times naming the team directly and at other times alluding to the team's management. In one, he called the powers-that-be... -
Writer proposes 49ers trade package for Maxx Crosby
Could the San Francisco 49ers pull off a blockbuster trade of their own after the Los Angeles Rams landed Myles Garrett? With the NFC West arms race heating up, some believe the 49ers should explore a deal for Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby. Bleacher Report's... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk reveals encouraging George Kittle update, praises Mike Evans, minicamp decision
On Saturday, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk joined "The Insiders" on NFL Network and discussed where he believes the team currently stands, as well as some of his teammates. How is TE George Kittle coming along in his rehab from a torn Achilles? How does WR Mike...