As free agency comes close, the Los Angeles Chargers could lose free agent defensive tackle Poona Ford this offseason. According to a few sources, the defensive tackle is receiving interest from teams like the Denver Broncos after having a phenomenal one-year season with the Chargers. Originally selected as an undrafted rookie in 2018, the former Texas product made headlines this past 2024 campaign as one of the elite pass rushers in the middle under Jesse Minter’s wing. No one was expecting Ford to have a spectacular season with the Chargers as they brought him and Teair Tart on cheap one-year deals since they didn’t have the financial liberty to get a massive upgrade.
Despite that, it still paid off for the Chargers who had an exploding defensive pass rush to accomplish Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of winning ball games in the trenches. However, it wasn’t enough although Ford recorded 39 tackles, three sacks and an interception which aren’t massive numbers considering the expectations, it got some talking in the media. Pro Football Focus still projects Ford could wind up earning another one-year contract but it shouldn’t be surprising if a team offers a more lucrative deal. Ford was responsible for why the Chargers had one of the best defenses for his prowess in 2024 and he could probably do the same again with these five teams.
REPORT: Chargers Could Lose “Resurgent” Free Agent Poona Ford
5 Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints don’t have the financial landscape to sign a top interior lineman so they could wind up bringing Ford on a one-year deal. Last offseason, the team took the same route signing Chase Young but since his stock isn’t on the same cheap level anymore, the Saints are forced to part ways with him. Cameron Jordan Jordan is aging so they need just about any help to keep the Saints’ trenches competitive and Ford could do that.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys find themselves in the same position as the Saints. As of this posting, the team plans to use its expensive franchise tag on defensive tackle Osa Odgihizuwa. There’s not enough cap space for the Cowboys to maneuver but they could find a way to sneak in a Poona Ford signing. While they will probably extend Micah Parsons, they need some answers on the trenches side of the ball since veteran Demarcus Lawrence may be in a new uniform next season.
Baltimore Ravens
As for the Ravens, they’re just another team that’s in the same spot but they have enough cap space for Ford’s expected contract. Nnamdi Madubuike is still a solid defensive lineman but he could use some help to bolster the pass rush. Broderick Washington hasn’t made enough noise to replicate Madubuike’s production. Perhaps, Ford could change that and build a “meat and potatoes” rush attack to finally get some answers from the Ravens’ defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Last offseason, the Chiefs gave a massive extension for defensive tackle Chris Jones but this doesn’t mean they should go after another. The team doesn’t need to spend big on free agency since they don’t have dividends to that anyway. However, since they will probably lose Josh Uche and Nick Bolton, the Chiefs should act quickly and stack on one-year veterans to improve their defense.
Carolina Panthers
This would be a dream come true for Derrick Brown’s return to the team. After suffering a season-ending injury, the Panthers were dead last in defense and they were heavily reliant on Brown. Perhaps, they could sign Ford to a cheap contract and give some relief for Brown.
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