49ers release pass-rusher Dee Ford after three injury-plagued seasons
When the San Francisco 49ers acquired edge-rusher Dee Ford from the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2019 season, the expectation was that he’d team up with then-rookie Nick Bosa to form an elite duo.
Initially, this happened. Ford and Bosa helped San Francisco’s defense dominate during his first season with the team en route to the 49ers earning a trip to the Super Bowl. Although, Ford appeared in just 11 regular-season games.
It’s been all downhill from there with Ford appearing in a combined seven games over the past two seasons due to a multitude of injuries. His career in San Francisco is now officially over, too.
The 49ers on Wednesday announced what many of us saw coming. They’ve released the 31-year-old former Pro Bowler.
- Dee Ford stats (2014-21): 159 tackles, 44 for loss, 79 QB hits, 40 sacks, 12 forced fumbles
Ford played in just six games with the 49ers last season, recording four quarterback hits and three sacks. He’s been dealing with a lingering back issue over the past couple of years.
Ford initially signed a five-year, $85.5 million contract with the 49ers after being acquired from Kansas City. After multiple restructures, this move saves San Francisco $1.12 million against the 2022 NFL salary cap.
