Over the past few seasons, the Green Bay Packers have had issues finding a consistent pass rush. Clay Matthews and Nick Perry are talented players, but they are nothing close to what they once were. If the Packers truly want to make a splash this offseason to fix that problem, Kansas City Chiefs' star pass rusher Dee Ford would be a perfect fit.
Ford has become one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL and is scheduled to hit free agency this offseason. Kansas City could decide to slap the franchise tag on him, but if not, the Packers should be aggressive in their pursuit of him.
In 2018 with the Chiefs, Ford racked up 55 total tackles to go along with 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. That kind of production would look good in Mike Pettine's defense.
Kyler Fackrell ended up being the Packers' best pass rusher in 2018. He finished the season with 42 total tackles and 10.5 sacks. Even with his impressive production, the Packers struggled at times to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which was a big reason they missed the playoffs.
At 27 years old, Ford would be a great long-term investment for the Packers. Spotrac.com currently has his market value at around $16.3 million per season. That contract might be a bit too steep, but Green Bay should be more than willing to throw $14 million per year at him.
Green Bay has not been known to be big spenders in free agency over the years. Fortunately for the fans, general manager Brian Gutekunst has changed that perception of the Packers. He was aggressive last offseason and is planning to be aggressive to put more talent around Aaron Rodgers.
Even though Ford is going to cost a pretty penny, the Packers should not be counted out. They upgraded their secondary in the 2018 NFL Draft with Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. That leaves the pass rush as the main need this offseason and free agency could be the best way to fix it.
Ford is going to be a very popular free agency target. If the Packers want him, they are going to have to come out with a big bid early on in the process.
Expect to see the Packers consider spending big on names like Dee Ford, Jadeveon Clowney, and DeMarcus Lawrence. They may not end up signing any of those three players, but Ford would be the best fit out of anyone currently on the free agent market as a pass rusher.
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