Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Fisher Gets His Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs signed offensive tackle Eric Fisher to a four year contract extension worth $48 million, with $40 million guaranteed.

The Kansas City Chiefs made an investment in their offensive line by locking up offensive tackle Eric Fisher to a four year contract extension worth up to $48 million.  The deal includes $40 million in guaranteed money.  It comes on top of Fisher’s current deal and his 5th year option in 2017.  Fisher is the second player the team has re-signed from the 2013 NFL Draft.

This deal, along with the signing of Mitchell Schwartz earlier this offseason, gives the Kansas City Chiefs their bookend offensive tackles for the next five years.  This is an important investment for the team as it sets the basis for how the offensive line will look.  In a lot of ways, that sets the tone for the team as a whole.

With the announcement of Fisher’s new deal, General Manager John Dorsey told reporters: “In three seasons he’s grown significantly as a football player in our system. He’s a tough, physical presence and a leader on our offensive line. We look forward to keeping him as a part of our organization and community.”

When Andy Reid and John Dorsey first came to Kansas City, they expressed to the fan base that they intended to build the team through the offensive line.  Since then they have drafted six linemen over the past four drafts and have signed or traded for numerous veterans.  Unfortunately, many of those moves have no panned out…which is what makes Fisher’s new contract truly important.

“In three seasons (Eric Fisher) has grown significantly as a football player in our system.” ~ Chiefs GM John Dorsey

Eric Fisher is the second Chiefs offensive lineman to get a second contract from the team (Jah Reid was given a second deal earlier this offseason).  As the team’s 2013 1st round pick, number one overall in the draft, it is important that the team felt comfortable in their investment in him.

Fisher has been a favorite target for fan ire ever since his rookie season.  His early struggles in the NFL have been well-documented.  However, Fisher took a clear step forward in 2015 that was highlighted with the much-loved (in Chiefs Kingdom anyways) shot of him delivering a clean up shot to JJ Watt in the AFC Wild Card game.

While that play was just one in a long season, it was indicative of the improvements Fisher made.  The mean streak that was talked about when he was a draft prospect finally showed up last year.  He also showed the ability to stick with opposing pass rushers, and set himself up as a force in the running game.  His ability to perform those two aspects of the game are why he’s got a new contract.

Next: Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Recap Day Three

The Chiefs are investing in their future, and that’s big news.  It shows a level of faith by the front office, not just in one player, but in the direction of the franchise in general.  They aren’t cutting bait with their talented players, which means they are continuing to build on their current success.  That’s what the best franchises in the league do.