NFL free agency 2019: 7 breakout players set to cash in

By Ian Wharton | Jan 6, 2019

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Tyrell Williams of Los Angeles Chargers scores his sides first touchdown during the NFL International Series match between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley Stadium on October 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 25: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) before an AFC West showdown between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs on December 25, 2016 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Dee Ford, EDGE, Kansas City Chiefs

There’s not a player who picked a better time to truly breakout than Kansas City Chiefs edge Dee Ford. Not only has Ford taken the team’s crown as primary pass rusher as Justin Houston has aged, but he’s done so at a time and with the performance that will lead to a huge contract.

The Chiefs aren’t too limited with their cap situation, but could justify cutting Houston and using that money towards re-signing Ford this offseason. Ford’s 13 sacks and NFL-leading seven forced fumbles haven’t kept the Chiefs’ defense from being bad, but it’s been a key factor in several wins.

Especially with Houston’s decline, the Chiefs need Ford. This works well for him, as the fifth-year pro turns 28 in mid-March, so a new deal would be a great birthday reward.

There’s certainly concern with rewarding Ford, who has been productive in only two of his five seasons thanks to being a late-bloomer, and then dealing with injury woes. He’s also not the safest investment considering his age.

But his 30.5 career sacks and the timing of his free-agency will lead to a solid contract. Everson Griffen’s $14.5 million contract should the starting point for negotiations. If the Chiefs deem that to be too rich, there will be a number of win-now teams wanting his services.

Potential suitors: Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers

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