NFL free agency 2019: Best linebackers available

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 23: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Houston Texans walks on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Texans 32-30. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/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) /

2. Dee Ford

After a very quiet 2017 season, Dee Ford bounced back in a big way in 208. He earned his first Pro-Bowl nomination with a career year, posting 13 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Just for good measure, he also tossed in 29 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss. To say Ford was anything less than amazing for the Kansas City defense this season would simply be wrong.

Undoubtedly the Chiefs want to keep their prized outside linebacker, but at what cost? The likeliest move for the Chiefs would be to tag the break out star, similar to how the Cowboys handled DeMarcus Lawrence last offseason. The situation is more complex due to the pending decision on Justin Houston, who has a cap hit of $21 million next season.

Should Ford hit the open market, many teams will come calling, but I doubt he ever makes it to the free agent pool. His production this season could be an outlier though, as he only posted one other double-digit sack performance in his five-year career. That obviously remains to be seen, but it could be more reason for the Chiefs to tag him to see if the production continues before giving him a long-term deal.

Similar to Barr, Ford’s work as a pass-rusher makes him a very valuable asset to have at outside linebacker. His career high marks in nearly every statistical category last season puts him in a very good spot to get paid this offseason. That’s the kind of contract-year players love to have. Which team will be lucky enough to have Ford suited up on Sundays?

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