The Chiefs exercised the fifth-year option on outside linebacker Dee Ford on Monday, with the option carrying roughly a $9.95-million price.
- With Justin Houston limited to 349 snaps a season ago, the former first-round pick from Auburn emerged with 12 sacks, seven quarterback hits and 35 quarterback hurries a season ago, adding 28 defensive stops to the equation. He played more snaps (855) in 2016 than his previous two seasons combined.
- As we alluded to previously, Ford was much more efficient in Houston’s spot on the left (11.3 pass rush productivity) than he was when shifting to the right side (5.2 PRP) upon the Pro Bowler’s return a last year.
- The Chiefs did not select an edge player in the 2017 draft and Tamba Hali is approaching the end to what might become a Hall-of-Fame career, so today’s move signals that the Chiefs are content moving forward with Ford and Houston as their primary edge players in Bob Sutton’s defense.