NFL free agency 2019: Top 50 available players

By Conor Myles | Feb 6, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 31: Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) lines up before the snap during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on December 31, 2017, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 09: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) raises his hands to encourage noise from the fans in the first quarter of an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs on December 9, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Dee Ford, OLB

Ford has been a late bloomer in his career, but if his 2018 season is any indication of his future, the former first-round pick will be a top-tier edge rusher. The Kansas City Chiefs’ pass rusher, fresh off of his first Pro Bowl trip, enters the offseason at a perfect time to be in a contract year.

The 27-year-old recorded 16 sacks with a stellar 49 quarterback hurries in 2018 (including playoffs), as the five-year veteran looked to come into his own as a superior edge rusher in the NFL. The best of Ford may have yet to show and if the Chiefs’ star can build off this past season his name will doubtlessly be included among some of today’s premier pass rushers.

Kansas City has cap space to work with this offseason, but it also has a plethora of starters hitting the open market in addition to extensions with receiver Tyreek Hill and quarterback Pat Mahomes to plan for. If Ford is still one of their centerpieces on defense moving forward, the franchise tag could also be in play here.

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