Seven-Year Defensive Tackle Signs with the Rams

Fresh off a rather dominant season with the Los Angeles Chargers, Poona Ford has signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams. After starting the first five years of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, Ford was with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, then joined the Chargers on a one-year deal last offseason. He overperformed and was a great fit under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. In a strong defensive tackle free agency group and draft class, Ford’s value was viewed highly.

In his seven-year career, Ford has accumulated 133 solo tackles and 11.5 sacks. He came into the league undrafted out of Texas University. Ford last season was very impressive and beloved by his coaching staff. He was a great run defensive stopper as he ranked in the top percentile in that category among defensive linemen. With the Chargers defense, who allowed the least amount of points per game last season, Ford finished with 39 total tackles, tied a career high in sacks with three and logged his first interception of his career. His help against the run game bolstered the Chargers run defense to be a top 15 unit. Ford is not someone who will fill up the stat sheet, but the 310 pound lineman always makes his presence felt when on the field. When the season ended, Ford was a player the Chargers expressed they wanted to bring back.

The defensive tackle was very healthy and a consistent player for the Chargers. He appeared in all 17 regular season games and had a strong playoff appearance against the Houston Texans. The Rams will look for the same type of production. Instead of shoring up their defensive line through the draft, which would be a cheaper option, the Rams have taken the initiative of swinging on a proven veteran. With this deal, Ford will hope to have found a new long-term home.