Former Texas Longhorn more than doubles career earnings with huge new contract from Rams
Former Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Poona Ford was one of our top underrated NFL free agent options, but we didn't expect him to cash in as he did. It's uncommon for a player to break out at 29 years old, but Ford did just that with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024. He'll be staying […]
Former Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Poona Ford was one of our top underrated NFL free agent options, but we didn't expect him to cash in as he did. It's uncommon for a player to break out at 29 years old, but Ford did just that with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.
He'll be staying in Los Angeles after signing a three-year, $30 million deal with $17 million guaranteed.
Ford had previously been paid about $18.59 million in cash throughout his seven seasons. He spent five years in Seattle, one year with the Buffalo Bills, and one with the Chargers.
Last year, Ford made $1.79 million, proving to be a tremendous value.
Ford wasn't a household name as a Texas Longhorn defensive tackle, but he's parlayed a specific skill set into a long NFL career. Playing at Texas from 2014 through 2017, the 5-foot-11, 305-pounder was an undrafted free agent who fought his way onto NFL rosters until this point.
Few would've expected a player with 136 tackles but only four sacks over four seasons to complete seven years in the NFL.
Ford has been around and played well before, but it's been several years since he was a quality player starting for Seattle in 2020 and 2021. His last year in Seattle and only season in Buffalo was far less positive. It's fair to say 2024 with the Chargers was a make-or-break year.
The 29-year-old rebounded with a career-best year. A capable two-gapper despite short, Ford is also a stellar pass-rusher. His low center of gravity and quick first step can get him in trouble as he leaves rushing lanes in order to chase tackles for loss.
Still, it's been worthwhile since so few interior defenders can be disruptive. He's averaged 25 quarterback pressures in four of his last five years and has 11.5 sacks in his career.
