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Dee Ford Projected to Record 9 Sacks in 2019 After Trade to 49ers

Ryan Metivier

by Ryan Metivier in NFL Football

Updated Mar 2, 2021 · 3:33 PM PST

George Kittle celebrating
News that the San Francisco 49ers have lost tight end George Kittle and quarterback Jimmy Garopplolo to long-term injuries caused the playoff odds of the 49ers to fade to +210. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
  • The San Francisco 49ers have traded for Chiefs LB Dee Ford
  • Ford was traded to Kansas City for a 2020 second-round pick
  • Can he record a second-straight year of double-digit sacks?

The San Francisco 49ers have traded for Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford. The 49ers sent a 2020 second-round pick to Kansas City and signed Ford to a five-year, $87.5 million deal.

After a career-high 13 sack season in 2018, bookmakers have set his sack total at nine for 2019.

Dee Ford Projected 2019 Sack Total

How Many Sacks Will Dee Brown Record in 2019?  Odds
Over 9 -115
Under 9 -115

*Odds taken 03/13/19

Ford, now entering his sixth season in the NFL, started his career in 2014 with the Chiefs. He recorded just 1.5 sacks as a rookie, but that total jumped to four in 2015 and 10 in 2016.

During an injury-shortened year in 2017 where he only played six games due to a back injury, Ford only managed two sacks on the season.

However, after an offseason of rehab and rest, Ford put up incredible numbers across the board last year.

His 13 sacks were tied for seventh overall in the league. He tied for first in the league with seven forced fumbles. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) he was also the league-leader in pressures and quarterback knockdowns.

Dee Ford Sacks Last 3 Seasons

Year Games Sacks
2018 16 13
2017 6 2
2016 15 10

Opposing quarterbacks were constantly under pressure last year when Ford was on the field. His 78 regular season pressures were far and above his previous career-high of 53.

While there could be concern about the missed time two seasons ago, during his past two healthy years he’s combined for 23 sacks. 

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Bet on Another Strong Year from Ford

After his standout year in 2018, can Ford sustain the success with his new team? He seems to think so.

He has said that, if anything, he was held back from being as aggressive as he would’ve liked to be last year in Bob Sutton’s defense, and that he’s looking forward to proving his worth in San Fran.

As good as Ford was with KC, he wasn’t alone. The Chiefs tied for first overall with 52 sacks in 2018. That won’t be the case in San Francisco, where Ford will now be counted on to be the main pass rushing threat. In fact, PFF listed 49ers’ DE Cassius Marsh as the team’s leader in pressures last season with only 38.

The 49ers were tied for 22nd last year with only 37 sacks. Should they be aiming to create a dynamic pass-rushing combo, they have the opportunity to draft Ohio State linebacker Nick Bosa as the best pass rusher in this year’s draft. The 49ers also have DE DeForest Buckner, who recorded 12 sacks of his own last year.

Even if he experiences a small decline from his 13 sacks of 2018, Ford could still easily go over nine sacks.

Should he remain healthy, Ford looks a good bet to cash an Over bet. Even if he experiences a small decline from his 13 sacks of 2018, Ford could still easily go over nine sacks.

Also, consider some of the offensive lines he’ll be going up against. Division rivals Seattle and Arizona ranked a woeful 25th and 26th respectively in sacks allowed.

Best Bet: Dee Ford Over 9 sacks

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