:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68978781/usa_today_15397293.0.jpg)
Update: The details on Poona’s contract.
The #Seahawks are re-signing NT Poona Ford to a two-year deal that can be worth close to $14 million with incentives, per source. Ford gets over $4.4M in 2021 — more than the second-round tender — with a chance for bigger money in 2022 and free agency in 2023, when he'll be 27.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seattle Seahawks are working on a two-year deal with restricted free agent Poona Ford.
A source tells me the Seahawks are working to finalize a two-year deal with DT Poona Ford. He was set to be a restricted free agent, so the two-year deal would be in lieu of a one-year RFA tender. Ford has gone from undrafted in 2018 to one of Seattle’s best defenders.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) March 16, 2021
As Henderson explains, the two-year extension would replace a one-year restricted free agent tender. Ford was the lone remaining restricted free agent that the Seahawks had, as Shaqueem Griffen was non-tendered to allow him to most likely join his brother in Jacksonville, Jordan Simmons was non-tendered a few days ago, and Chad Wheeler was obviously released weeks ago.
Poona was an undrafted free agent signing by Seattle after the 2018 Draft, and he has been a key contributor on the defensive line. In his three years with the Seahawks, he has been able to rack up 2.5 sacks, 93 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits. Plus, Pro Football Focus has loved him, giving him grades of 81.9 (2020), 73.4 (2019), and 90.3 (2018/Rookie Year).
Poona is also due for a big raise, as he has made just $1.8 million in his three-year career and had a salary of $750,000 for 2020.