One of the first moves the Los Angeles Rams made in free agency was signing defensive tackle Poona Ford, an often overlooked veteran who most recently suited up for the L.A. Chargers.
Ford agreed to a three-year deal and now joins a young, rising Rams defensive front that gained momentum late last season. With Ford and other key additions, the Rams are positioning themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2025 and beyond.
Interestingly, the Chargers—Ford’s previous team and a fellow Super Bowl hopeful based in the same city—also tried to keep him. According to Chargers reporter Alex Insdorf, they put forward a competitive offer, but Ford ultimately chose to sign with the Rams.
Poona Ford’s decision to join the Rams over the Chargers is telling, especially since both teams share a city and similar Super Bowl ambitions. Chargers insider Alex Insdorf noted that Ford received a competitive offer from his former team but still opted for the Rams.
That choice reflects Ford’s belief in the vision Sean McVay and Les Snead are building in Los Angeles.
With Ford joining a defensive line that includes rising talents like Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske inside, and edge threats like Jared Verse and Byron Young, the Rams could be crafting something special on defense. While the Chargers remain a solid squad, it’s easy to see why Ford would be drawn to the Rams’ potential.
Why Ford Chose the Rams
Ford signed early in free agency and shared that the Rams made a strong push for him.
“They were aggressive from the start. It just felt like the right fit,” Ford said.
He also admitted that staying in Southern California played a bigger role than he expected.
“I like it out here. Coming from South Carolina, there’s just something about the West Coast that makes me want to stay,” he explained.