Kansas City Chiefs: Let’s Make A Deal

Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Scenario A – Chiefs release OLB Tamba Hali, sign S Jarius Byrd and WR Jeremy Maclin, then draft DE Kony Ealy.

With Scenario A the Chiefs decide to part ways with their 30 year old All Pro outside linebacker Tamba Hali. Tamba Hali has proven to be one of the best pass rushers in the league but has been sub par in defending the run and can not be counted on in coverage. His contract is way too big for a one dimensional player even if he is one of the best at that one dimension.

Tamba Hali’s 2014 cap hit is $11,464,706 and if he is cut that would save the Chiefs $5,535,294. Hali would free up more cap than Brandon Flowers and the Chiefs should be able to free up enough space to sign Jarius Byrd and Jeremy Maclin but would have a pressing need for a pass rusher opposite of Justin Houston.

Insert DE Kony Ealy out of Missouri. Ealy comes in at 6ft 4 inches tall, 275 lbs. and runs a 4.78 40 yard dash. Compare that to Tamba Hali who is 6ft 3 inches tall, 275 lbs. and runs a 4.87 40 yard dash. Ealy and Hali are very similar in both physique and the way they play. He is an excellent pass rusher but does struggle on inside pass rush moves and tends to favor rushing outside. He is also sub par in coverage and shouldnt be asked to cover anything more than the flat. He is very raw but has tremendous upside and is praised for his relentless style much like Hali coming out of college.

OLB Anthony Barr would be the ideal pick to replace Tamba Hali but it would be a miracle if he fell to the Chiefs. If you think releasing Tamba Hali is in the best interest for the Chiefs Scenario A is for you

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