LA Chargers fans weren't asking for much this offseason. After a successful 2024 campaign, fans just wanted the Chargers to use their ample cap space wisely to bring back impact players and make external additions that make sense.
As one of the most impactful Chargers free agents this offseason, fans desperately wanted defensive tackle Poona Ford to return to the team. With plenty of cap space, it seemed like a no-brainer that Ford would be back in Los Angeles.
Ford will indeed play in Los Angeles in 2025, but not with the Chargers. Ford is signing a three-year, $29.6 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Another key free-agent target for the Bolts is off the table.
Chargers lose Poona Ford to Rams in free agency
There is no way to spin this news for the Chargers. This is a disappointing development to come out of the first day of free agency. Ford was one of the most impactful players on the Chargers' defense this season and all signs pointed to the team re-signing him.
It's shocking to see the Chargers let a player of Ford's caliber walk for a price that was more than manageable for the team. Ford is making just under $10 million annually, which really isn't a lot for a player who is as impactful as he is.
If the Chargers were searching for cap space, it would be one thing and it would be understandable. However, with over $93 million in cap space heading into Monday (before the Khalil Mack signing), the Chargers had ample space to bring Ford back.
This is especially true with all the expensive free agents being scooped up by the other team. There are no longer any big names who are worth spending big-time money on. That makes it a lot easier to sign Ford to this kind of deal.
It's impossible to know what kind of offer the Chargers had on the table. Theoretically, Ford could have taken the same deal (or even less money) to join the Rams if he viewed them as a more favorable destination.
However, Jim Harbaugh is very obviously building a culture that players respect and want to be a part of (hence Mack likely taking less money than he could have gotten to re-sign). If the Chargers had a similar offer on the table, it is safe to assume Ford would have returned.
Alas, the Chargers lost a key member of the defense and now have to look for replacements.