Bills DT Poona Ford Reveals Deciding Factor in Free Agency Decision

Following minicamp, defensive tackle Poona Ford spoke to the media for the first time after signing with the Buffalo Bills this spring and shared why he settled on Orchard Park - while defensive line coach Eric Washington highlighted things to watch from Ford this season.

When the Buffalo Bills signed defensive tackle Poona Ford to a one-year contract shortly after the draft, some were surprised by the relatively cheap nature of the deal, which can reach up to $3.25 million.

A key part of Ford's decision-making process was the ability to compete for a Super Bowl ring, accepting less money to play for the Bills with an eye towards a deep postseason run.

But there was more to it - Ford, speaking with Bills reporters for the first time Wednesday, noted the team's 4-3 defensive scheme as the motivating factor in choosing Buffalo.

“The scheme on defense is really what made me come here,” Ford said.

The 5-11, 310-pound thrived in the Seattle Seahawks’ 4-3 scheme, but when they transitioned to a 3-4 look last year, he lost 160 snaps from the season prior, or seven percent.

Nonetheless, Ford’s five-year run in Seattle far exceeded expectations after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2018, as he logged 181 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits and seven and a half sacks.

Ford established himself as a legitimate presence on Seattle’s defensive front and can produce against both the run and pass - which makes Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington beyond pleased for his addition.

“I see him being an extremely active part of the rotation, a three-down player, a person that we can count on in multiple situations,” Washington said. “Very excited about having him here. The thing that he has really done is picked up the defense. He’s very bright, very, very smart, very aware, can play multiple positions, which is what you like. You love the versatility for game day.

"So, I’m really excited about him. I’m really excited about what he could do.”

But perhaps nobody is as excited for this fall as Ford, who arrives in Buffalo with no concerns about whether or not he truly wants to be there.

Not only is Ford excited about the competition aspect of the Bills’ defensive line room and enjoying the “quiet” nature of Orchard Park, but he’s also laser focused on helping Buffalo get over the proverbial playoff hump … all with no regrets regarding his decision to spurn bigger money elsewhere.

“It really wasn’t hard, to be honest,” Ford said. “Money is good but money isn’t everything.”

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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