Dee Ford 'unlikely' to pass physical but will be a Chief in 2018

Sources told The Star on Wednesday that linebacker Dee Ford had back surgery three months ago and was given a six-month recovery timeline, and that he is unlikely to pass a physical.

That means Ford's $8.7 million salary for 2018, which is guaranteed due to injury, will likely be locked in.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach made it clear Wednesday he expects Ford to be a Chief this year.

"I talked to (trainer) Rick Burkholder and we expect him to be 100 percent by April 1 and to participate in organized team activities.," Veach said.

Ford needs to pass a physical in March to overwrite his injury guarantee. That won't happen, with no further physical scheduled for Ford this month.

▪ Fullback Anthony Sherman has received a one-year deal worth $2 million and incentives to remain with the Chiefs, a source told The Star.

▪ Former Chiefs cornerback Terrance Mitchell has agreed to a three-year deal worth $12 million with the Cleveland Browns, a source confirmed to The Star.

▪ The Chiefs put an original-round tender (sixth round) on defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches. They did not tender their other restricted free agents — cornerback, Keith Baxter and linebacker Ramik Wilson.

The Chiefs will now be able to match any free-agent offer Nunez-Roches can snag on the open market. If they opt not to do so, they'll get a sixth-round pick from the team that signs him.

▪ Veach sounded optimistic about the possible return of longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, noting that the club has had positive discussions with the longest-tenured Chief and the team could reach a deal with him soon.

▪ The Chiefs announced the re-signings of linebacker Terrance Smith and receiver De'Anthony Thomas. Both are special-teamers.

▪ The Chiefs re-signed defensive lineman Jarvis Jenkins, his agent announced on Twitter.

This story was originally published March 14, 2018 at 8:32 PM with the headline "Dee Ford 'unlikely' to pass physical but will be a Chief in 2018."