Dee Ford officially receives franchise tag from Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially placed the franchise tag on linebacker Dee Ford, per Albert Breer.

Monday Morning Quarterback reporter Albert Breer has word that the Kansas City Chiefs have made it official by placing the franchise tag on linebacker Dee Ford as was widely rumored over the weekend.

The Chiefs were against the deadline as to whether or not they would use the franchise tag on Ford, but both sides seemed amenable to the move and so the official designation will surprise no one. Ford is set to make just over $15 million in 2019 while playing under the tag—a single year agreement to keep him with the Chiefs for one more season.

It is possible that many things could still happen with Ford’s position on the team. Trade rumors have circulated ever since NFL reporter Adam Schefter stated the Chiefs were open to tagging-and-trading the former first-round pick. Then again, if the Chiefs like Ford’s long-term potential, many players will sign the tag only to give them more time to negotiate a contract extension with the team.

Ford broke out last season with 13 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 29 total quarterback hits after years marked by potential over production. His 78 quarterback pressures ranked third overall in the NFL, which shows just how dangerous he can be getting after the passer. Then again his inconsistency in previous years and a history of back problems have likely kept the Chiefs from already locking him up.

Ford has said he’s happy to return on the franchise tag already, so he stands to make plenty of money from some team if he puts up a similar performance in 2019 as he did this last year.