The Chiefs took Dee Ford with the 23rd pick of the first round on Thursday night, adding him to a collection of edge rushers that already includes Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.
Beyond the eternal need for pass rushing and Ford’s demonstrated skill at it at Auburn, one reason to go that route is Hali’s contract. The Chiefs can save a bundle under the cap by parting ways with Hali after the 2014 season so it makes sense to start grooming a replacement.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that another reason is that Hali reported to offseason work overweight. According to the report, Hali weighed 284 pounds to leave himself 20 pounds over his “optimal playing weight.” There isn’t a game for a long time and Hali isn’t the first player to put on some weight during the offseason, so this may be a moot point by the time September rolls around.
In May, though, the need to light a fire under a heavier Hali may have helped tip the scales in Ford’s favor with the Chiefs.