Kansas City Chiefs: Five-step plan for 2019 offseason

Step 1: Create Cap Space

The Chiefs cap issues are common knowledge these day, and they picked a bad offseason to not have any space. Big name players like Tyreek Hill, Chris Jones, and Patrick Mahomes are going to be seeking extensions soon. On top of that, the list of free agents available is a mile long and pops with stars like Landon Collins and Le’Veon Bell.

The Chiefs need to make it a priority to get a little more wiggle room in the free agency frenzy. The best way to do this may seem counter productive, but getting rid of some big name defenders would give the Chiefs all the flexibility they would need. Two veterans pop when looking over the list of cut candidates, with a pass rusher and a certain fan favorite safety being top candidates to get the ax.

Justin Houston originally made this list, but he was released on Sunday.

Dee Ford is younger, cheaper, and still has a desire to play in Kansas City. The Chiefs hit Ford with the non-exclusive tag, which makes things interesting. This tag differs from its exclusive counter-part, in that other teams can actually offer Ford a contract.

This helps the Chiefs out in a multitude of ways. If Ford does sign with another team, the Chiefs have the right to match that offer. This will stop them from overpaying on any contract extension, as a market for Ford becomes set . However, if the Chiefs do not match the offer, the team that sings Ford away would owe Kansas City two first-round draft picks.

Ford will either have his cap hit dropped down and signed long-term, or the Chiefs will be fairly compensated. Whether it be a trade or Ford being signed away, the Chiefs will come away with cap space and/or assets from  moving on from their young star.

Sometimes, divorces need to happen. Both sides sour on each other, and the relationship just isn’t fulfilling anymore. The Chiefs have a safety on their roster that is paid too much in comparison to his production.

No matter how much fans love him, it is time to move on. That is why I think the Chiefs should release Daniel Sorensen. He accounts for almost $5 million in cap space, and releasing him would generate almost $3 million.

This money could be pivotal in signing another defensive player. This free agent class is loaded with safeties, and taking the money we are giving Sorensen and putting it towards a younger, better player, would be a smart move for the Chiefs to make. Dirty Dan has given a lot to this team, but it is time to move on.