Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford aims to be more consistent in 2017

Dee Ford received a bit of a financial windfall a few weeks ago when the Chiefs formally exercised his fifth-year option, which will pay him approximately $8.7 million in 2018.

26, is even close to resting on his laurels after a breakout 10-sack season at outside linebacker,But if you think Ford, you’ve got another thought coming.

” Ford said of the Chiefs’ decision to exercise the option. “But my focus is on, if I do what I’ve got to do,D'Joun Smith Jersey,“It’s a good feeling,Henry Anderson Jersey, the contract will take of itself.”

a first-round pick in 2014 who generally silenced his critics after two quiet seasons to start his career,Myles Jack Jersey, knows his work is far from done. His salary for 2018 is guaranteed only for injury,Yannick Ngakoue Jersey,So Ford, meaning the Chiefs can still release him before next season and wipe that entire salary from the books.

the Chiefs can still work out a long-term contract with Ford if they so choose, a decision that will, in part,On the flip side, hinge on his performance in 2017.

when he led the Chiefs in sacks and quarterback hurries (17),So while Ford’s stats were good in 2016, there’s still room for improvement.

“It was inconsistency,” Ford said.

a development Ford attributes, as all 10 came in the Chiefs’ first nine games. One thing that sticks in his craw is the fact that he failed to record a single sack in the Chiefs’ last eight games, at least in part,Ford racked up his sacks in bunches last season,Authentic D'Joun Smith Jersey, to his ongoing battle with tendinitis,Authentic Henry Anderson Jersey, which was revealed by Chiefs coach Andy Reid during last year’s organized team activities.

“There were high points and there were low points — the ultimate point was that I wasn’t healthy,Authentic Myles Jack Jersey,” Ford said. “You look back at this time last year and what you were doing and you tweak your plan so you don’t run into those brick walls.”

a move he was forced to make in late November,Authentic Yannick Ngakoue Jersey,Authentic Brandon Allen Jersey,Ford is also adamant that the tendinitis had more to do with his drop in production than his switch from left outside linebacker to right outside linebacker,Brandon Allen Jersey, when star outside linebacker Justin Houston returned from injury and reclaimed the spot Ford had been thriving in for the better part of three months.

” Ford said,“I do different moves on the right side of the line than I do on the left, “but I can rush on both sides.”

Ford’s goal is to be healthy so he can execute those things. He believes in his pass-rush plan,So yes, and doesn’t anticipate making significant changes to his repertoire.

“I’m not changing anything,” Ford said. “I’m just trying to do what I do better.”

he said, will include working out with pass-rush specialist Chuck Smith in July as Ford prepares for training camp,Part of that process, which will begin later that month.