Dec 14, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) celebrates with linebacker Dee Ford (55) after a sack against the Oakland Raiders in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs fans united in celebration across Twitter and other social media outlets on Wednesday, over the announcement of Justin Houston signing a massive contract extension.
Not only was the extension the richest in the Chiefs history but the NFL as well for a linebacker. The deal officially locks up the 26-year-old Sack City master for the foreseeable future. But with all the excitement surrounding Houston’s new deal, there is one player who might be a little disappointed; second-year player Dee Ford.
Ford was a surprising selection by general manager John Dorsey, having both Houston and Hali under contract going into the 2014 season. However, with the lack of contract talks with Houston and the Chiefs, the addition of the young pass-rusher in hindsight seems like the right move for Dorsey.
Now that the Houston deal ink has time to dry what does the new deal mean for Ford?
With the absence of Houston, while waiting for his new contract, Ford got some much-needed time with the first team during the mini-camps and OTAs. The rookie became more famous for the play in which he ran way from Frank Gore during the Niners game last fall, and not for the comparisons to Denver Broncos pass-rusher Von Miller.
The transition from being a 4-3 defensive end to a 3-4 linebacker is going to take some time. There is adjustment for the speed of the NFL and a learning curve in his new position. So while running away from Gore was humorous to some, it was a mistake made by a rookie player in an unfamiliar position.
The time that Ford has spent working with the first team as well as being able to still have a great mentor in Hali was vital to the second-year player.
Next: Where does Ford fit in?