The San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a restructured two-year deal for defensive end Dee Ford. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, it’s said to be worth $ 24 million.

The Kansas City Chiefs took Ford out of Auburn with the No. 23 overall pick in 2014. San Francisco traded a second-round pick for the pass rusher in 2019, and he picked up 6.5 sacks in an injury-ridden first season with the 49ers. Ford was even less available in 2020, appearing only in the opener and missing the rest of the season with neck and back injuries. He registered three tackles in that one game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The 49ers could have lost Ford and much of his salary if the defender got a physical on April 1. $ 11.6 million of his 2021 salary would be guaranteed at the time if he were still injured. The restructuring could mean that the team did not expect Ford to be healthy by the deadline.

“I think everyone understands that we are a better football team when Dee is out there,” said General Manager John Lynch in January. He’s an impactful player. He’s a finisher. He’s quite symbolic of many of the problems that have plagued our team this year. You know the old saying – the best skill is availability, and we weren’t available enough this year, and that was true for Dee. “

Ford, 29, has recorded 154 tackles, 37 sacks, seven defended passes and 11 forced fumbles during his seven NFL seasons. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2018.