Dee Ford rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency for the pass rusher

Dee Ford rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 30: Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford (55) runs onto the field before an NFL game between the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs on December 30, 2018 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison, right, attempts to sack Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith, left, during second quarter action on Sunday, Oct. 14 2018 at FedExField in Landover, Md. Washington defeated the Panthers 23-17. (Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer/TNS via Getty Images) /

3. Carolina Panthers

Mario Addison led the Panthers with a grand total of nine sacks last season. That’s a sharp departure from a 2017 season where the Carolina front line got after the quarterback as effectively as any unit in the NFL.

Combine that with the fact that Julius Peppers is finally going to retire and it’s easy to see why Ron Rivera needs to add an impactful rush end this off-season. It’s very possible the Panthers will do that via the draft, but don’t count out GM Marty Hurney trying to use significant cap space to solve the team’s pass rushing problem.

The team’s decision to part ways with Thomas Davis also means there’s an opportunity for a guy like Ford to get some snaps at outside linebacker as well. He’s exactly the sort of flexible edge rusher the Panthers need to add to the mix. It would take some salary cap gymnastics for Carolina to meet his financial demands, but he’s an ideal player for head coach Ron Rivera’s scheme.

The presence of Kawaan Short and Dontari Poe inside gives the Panthers a great opportunity to form one of the most intimidating front fours in the NFL. To make that happen, they need their edge rushers to be as good as their tackles. Signing Ford would give the group a massive boost.

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