The Dee Ford era is over. San Francisco signed the edge rusher to a five-year, $85 million contract in 2019, when he was an integral part of the team’s Super Bowl push. But he was never able to get healthy after that season, dealing with serious back issues.
His contract had to be restructured multiple times due to the sizable injury guarantees in his deal. The following comes from the team:
“The San Francisco 49ers announced they have released DL Dee Ford.
The 49ers originally acquired Ford (6-2, 252) in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs on March 13, 2019. Over the past three seasons (2019-21), he appeared in 18 games (two starts) and registered 22 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one pass defensed. He also saw action in three postseason contests and added four tackles and 1.0 sack.
A 31-year-old native of Odenville, AL, Ford attended Auburn University (2009-13) where he appeared in 52 games (20 starts) and registered 93 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 27.5 tackles for losses, three forced fumbles, two passes defensed and one interception.”