Chargers signing DT Poona Ford

The Chargers have added some reinforcements on the defensive interior.

After releasing Sebastian Joseph-Day during the playoffs and Austin Johnson after the season, Los Angeles entered the offseason with Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, and Christopher Hinton on the roster at defensive tackle. Extensive investments were never expected given LA’s cap situation, but it was clear additions needed to be made to add a veteran presence and bridge starter.

That’s why reports surfaced Thursday afternoon that the Chargers were signing defensive tackle Poona Ford. Ford spent the 2023 season in Buffalo after five seasons with the Seahawks.

Ford played in 8 games for the Bills a season ago as part of a rotation with Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, and Jordan Phillips. But prior to that season, Ford started 63 of a potential 66 games from 2019-22 in Seattle at defensive tackle, primarily as a pass rusher.

The Chargers signed Ford to a one-year deal, likely at a cheap enough rate that it will not affect the compensatory pick formula. His presence will be important as a run defender—where he’s been competent his entire career—up the middle for a Los Angeles team that returns only 570 snaps at defensive tackle between the trio of Ogbonnia, Matlock, and Hinton.

The 28-year-old Ford initially broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Texas. He has 190 total tackles and 8.5 sacks in his six-year professional career.