Chase

Ford

Ford is a 2012 undrafted free agent out of Miami. Baker played college ball at Boise State. Otherwise, this is an unremarkable list of future signings for the Vikings. All of the above will try to last until 2013 training camp.

Ford only played extensively because Kyle Rudolph and John Carlson were both on the shelf. A 2012 undrafted free agent out of Miami, Ford is under contract for $495K in 2014, and will return to compete for a roster spot.

Ford had a stress fracture. It’s bad news for a bubble player, though Ford will likely spend the first six weeks of the season on the reserve/PUP list, delaying his roster decision. A 2012 undrafted free agent, Ford has 11 career catches, five of which came last Week 17.

Ford’s only chance would be if the Vikings keep four tight ends, which the Star-Tribune calls “unlikely.” Ford showed well last year in a reserve role, and there are plenty of tight-end needy teams the Vikings could contact in search of a trade. If he is cut, Ford is unlikely to be without a home for long. 25-year-old Ford caught 23 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown last season.

Baltimore also waived WR Chuck Jacobs and signed OL Kaleb Johnson and WR Daniel Brown in corresponding moves. Ford opened the season with the Vikings, but was waived in early November. He did not play a snap for either team this year but contributed 23 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown for the Vikings last season.

It’s worth $1.67 million. Ford spent three weeks with the Ravens last season before landing on injured reserve. It’s a surprising move from the Ravens, who have a glut of young tight ends and just signed Ben Watson. Crockett Gillmore’s (back, shoulder) early-season status must be up in the air.

Ford was a restricted free agent tendered at the original-round level. It was an extremely surprising move from a Ravens team that had Ford for only three weeks last season before he landed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. The Ravens have loaded up on bodies at tight end with Dennis Pitta falling out of the league, Nick Boyle suspended and Crockett Gillmore injured.

Charles Johnson is active for Sunday’s game, but he will operate as the Vikings’ No. 4 receiver behind Mike Wallace, Stefon Diggs, and Jarius Wright.

Ford, 25, was a 2014 contributor, catching 23 passes for 258 yards and one score across 11 games, making five spot starts. With Kyle Rudolph healthy and after the selection of rookie MyCole Pruitt, Ford has tumbled to No. 4 on the depth chart. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him claimed off waivers.

So continues the Ravens’ odd offseason approach to a deep reserve tight end. A restricted free agent, Ford was surprisingly tendered at the original-round, $1.67 million level. He signed his tender on March 24. He’s no doubt thrilled the Ravens essentially killed his market by holding his rights hostage for a month before releasing him over 30 days into free agency. Ford’s release is a sign the Ravens are happy with the fortifications they’ve made at tight end this offseason.