Why the Kansas City Chiefs need to pick up Dee Ford’s contract option

The Kansas City Chiefs have a few weeks left to make a decision on a former first round pick, Dee Ford, and his looming fifth-year option.

The Kansas City Chiefs are technically already on the clock. Apart from the coming 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, the Chiefs already have a decision to make within a particular time frame—the next few weeks— as the deadline toward activating the fifth-round contract options for 2014 first round picks is drawing near. Specifically, teams need to decide whether or not they want to officially extend their relationship with that pick for another year. For the Chiefs, this means asking how much they want to pay and employ Dee Ford.

The Chiefs surprised many NFL analysts and fans when they selected Ford in the first round in 2014. The Auburn product came out of college saying he was a more complete player than Jadeveon Clowney, but the Chiefs simply weren’t expected to go that route given the presence of Justin Houston and Tamba Hali as well as perceived needs elsewhere. Given the lack of immediate playing time, some injury issues and inconsistent play, Ford failed to generate many reps early in his career.

Then came the 2016 season. At one point at midseason, just several months ago, Ford was leading the NFL in sacks. He had 10 sacks through the first nine games of the season, and Ford looked like he was finally turning into the player Dorsey envisioned when he wrote his name on the draft’s selection card. Some players take time to blossom, but Ford seemed to be another Eric Fisher—a high pick who just needed time and effort to fully develop.

Unfortunately, something happened at midseason which no one can really define. Ford had zero sacks for the rest of the 2016 regular season. There was a hamstring issue. Justin Houston returned, forcing everyone to shift positions. Maybe there was some fatigue at work. Maybe it’s a bit of all three.