4 teams that may ‘kick tires’ on Dee Ford when 49ers release him
By Peter Panacy
Dee Ford suitor No. 3: Green Bay Packers
Dee Ford was instrumental in helping the Niners defeat the Green Bay Packers back in the 2020 NFC Championship game, which sent San Francisco to the Super Bowl. No questioning that.
And while the focus for the Packers this season will be how quarterback Aaron Rodgers manages life in the post-wide receiver Davante Adams era, one can still look at Green Bay’s defense with raised eyebrows and actually consider that side of the ball a strong suit despite bidding farewell to EDGE Za’Darius Smith during the offseason.
The Packers still have stout defensive linemen in Preston Smith and Rashan Gary, and rookie Kingsley Enagbare out of South Carolina could be promising, too.
Yet Green Bay remains in win-now mode with Rodgers under tow, meaning some aggressiveness in pursuing Ford could make sense, as our friends over at Lombardi Ave suggested:
"The Packers could be an option for Ford if both parties are interested in engaging in talks. Ford would bring experience and proof that he can play at a very high level when given the opportunity. He, Rashan Gary, and Preston Smith would form a dangerous trio on the edge. The Packers are one of the premier Super Bowl contenders and one of the clear-cut favorites to come out of the NFC."
Even situational edge rushers have value, and that’s something the Packers could desperately use if Rodgers continues his trend of flaming out in the playoffs.