KC Chiefs: Salary cap crunch could lead to tough decisions this offseason

What are some names likely playing their last season with the Kansas City Chiefs? Trades and releasing provides options for Chiefs to create additional cap room.

There are some names, many either starters or contributors, that could find themselves on the outside looking in this offseason with the organization. Will all the names mentioned be let go? Probably not, however, we are looking for the possibility of names being let go. Who could that be and why?

Let’s first look at the players that, if they are moved on from, is likely in the form of a trade. There are players that are under contract for the 2020 season.

• TRAVIS KELCE: His name may be a surprise, but the past couple of seasons, the Chiefs have  made a surprising trade in the spring (Marcus Peters and then Dee Ford come to mind). Depending on the timing, the Chiefs can clear between $6.531 million and $8.5 million against the 2020 cap. While I don’t think the Chiefs will make the move, Kelce is now in his 30’s, has endured three major surgeries since entering the league in 2013, had an issue with a sideline push of his offensive coordinator and the Chiefs may choose the younger Demarcus Robinson, a free agent this offseason.
• DUSTIN COLQUITT: Mentioned as a possibility to be released, the veteran punter may be able to net the Chiefs a late round pick in a trade. Why that would be valuable is the Chiefs could turn that pick into Colquitt’s replacement or perhaps depth elsewhere. This is a move I find more likely though I wonder if there’s a team out there willing to make the move or simply wait to see if he’s released. Regardless, it’s difficult to imagine a scenario in which Colquitt is back with the team next season. For a team with both a power offense and some cap concerns, paying big money to a punter is a difficult proposition.