The Los Angeles Rams made a major move in free agency by signing wide receiver Davante Adams, followed by the addition of defensive lineman Poona Ford from the Chargers.
Ford, an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2018, has an unconventional playing style but is expected to help fill the void left by Bobby Brown III. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Ford agreed to a three-year deal worth just under $30 million, with $17 million guaranteed, after revitalizing his career in 2024.
Despite being 29, the Rams see potential in Ford, particularly as a dominant run-stopper with untapped pass-rush ability. The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, David DeChant, and Vic Tafur ranked him as the fifth-best defensive tackle (DT5) and the No. 38 overall free agent in this year’s class.
Ford had a breakout season in 2024, proving to be a force against double teams and helping the Chargers rank seventh in defensive EPA per rush. Though not known for his pass rush, he showed flashes of potential, recording five batted passes and quick pressures against top offensive linemen, including a well-executed spin move.
With the defensive tackle market deep this offseason, Ford still stood out as one of the top options under 30, earning a significant pay raise from his previous one-year, $2.25 million contract.
In 2024, Ford matched his career highs with 3.0 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. He has been a durable starter, playing at least 16 games in four of the last five seasons, except for 2023 when he saw limited action with the Buffalo Bills.
Having begun his career with the Seahawks, Ford is a familiar player to Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, who have observed his growth firsthand.
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