Chicago Bears: 5 Outside linebacker targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency

Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs, Age: 27

Dee Ford was the Kansas City Chiefs’ first-round pick (27th overall) in the 2014 draft. He had a breakout season in 2016, recording 10 sacks. He was set to continue the momentum, but he suffered a back injury and played in only six games. That injury may open the door for another team, namely the Chicago Bears, to step in and steal him away.

The Chiefs already exercised Ford’s fifth-year option. That means he’ll earn $8.7 million. The Chiefs are strapped for cash when it comes to the salary cap. They have just over $12,000 is cap space. Also, they’re paying almost $30 million to two other linebackers, Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. They could decide to cut Ford and free up that $8.7 million to spend on another need.

If Ford is healthy, he could produce for the Bears. He gives them flexibility by also playing defensive end. As we know, Fangio likes to use different formations and he likes to move his players around, keeping the opposing offense guessing and off-balanced.

Of course, the key is whether Ford passes that physical. If he doesn’t, his salary is 100 percent guaranteed and he stays. Some say he won’t pass the physical while others think he will. If he does, and the Chiefs decide to let him go, the Bears could kick the tires on his availability.