NFL roundup

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Edge rusher Dee Ford agrees to $87.5M deal

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.

The San Francisco 49ers opened the new league year Wednesday by acquiring the defensive playmaker the team was sorely lacking in edge rusher Dee Ford.

The 49ers are sending a 2020 second-round pick to Kansas City for Ford and are giving him a five-year, $87.5 million contract, according to his agent.

San Francisco also agreed to a two-year deal with running back Tevin Coleman to add depth in the backfield, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced. ESPN reported that deal would be worth $10 million.

The 49ers also agreed to bring back defensive back Jimmie Ward on a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, a person familiar with the deal said on condition of anonymity because the signing hadn’t been announced.

The Chiefs had placed the franchise tag on Ford after he had a career-high 13 sacks last season and led the NFL with seven forced fumbles. But they had questions about how he’d fit in new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and decided to trade him instead of paying him $15.4 million for this season.

Ford was picked in the first round by Kansas City in 2014 but went through some growing pains as he adapted to life in the NFL and has an injury history that is cause for concern. He had 171/2 sacks his first four seasons and was limited to just six games in 2017 because of a back injury.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

QB Bridgewater considers return home

MIAMI

Free agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater met Wednesday night with the Miami Dolphins to discuss playing for his hometown team, but his visit ended without a contract agreement.

Bridgewater, a Miami native, was the backup last season to New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. The Saints are hoping to re-sign him.

A deal with the Dolphins would give Bridgewater a chance to start as they rebuild under new coach Brian Flores. The Dolphins are expected to part with Ryan Tannehill, who has been with them since 2012.

Bridgewater was a first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. He went 17-11 as a starter in his first two NFL seasons, but has started only one game since suffering a serious knee injury in August 2016.

Besides the meeting with Bridgewater on the first day of free agency, the Dolphins reached deals with defensive back Eric Rowe and tight end Clive Walford and released four-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton.

Rowe agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $4.5 million. He appeared in four games with the Patriots last season before being placed on season-ending injured reserve with a groin injury.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Myers, Kendricks agree to contracts

RENTON, WASH.

The Seattle Seahawks hope they have found the solution for their recent kicking troubles in Jason Myers and are bringing back linebacker Mychal Kendricks despite his uncertain legal situation.

The team agreed Wednesday to sign Myers to a four-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. Seattle agreed to sign Kendricks to a one-year deal, according to another person with knowledge of that deal. The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the deals had not been formally announced.

Kendricks’ deal is worth up to $5.5 million but is dependent on his legal situation after he pleaded guilty to insider trading charges last year. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said late last season he was hoping to bring Kendricks back for 2019.

Associated Press