KC Chiefs: Salary cap crunch could lead to tough decisions this offseason
By John McCarty
One year after an offseason that saw the Kansas City Chiefs make efforts to remake their defense, they may have to do that again as free agency set to decimate depth.
Free agency is going to rob the Chiefs of vital depth this offseason, there is just no way to get around it.
Not every player that’s a free agent is a star or perhaps even a starter, but a majority have had their moments of making plays or contributing. With somewhat limited options with the salary cap, how the Chiefs handle this situation could be very interesting.
- Emmanuel Ogbah, DE
- Chris Jones, DT
- Xavier Williams, DT
- Reggie Ragland, LB
- Darron Lee, LB
- Kendall Fuller, CB
- Bashaud Breeland, CB
- Morris Claiborne, CB
- Jordan Lucas, S
How many of these players are either starters or major contributors?
Claiborne’s playing time will likely increase with Fuller’s injury. Williams is injured, but he was an important part along the defensive rotation. Ogbah has had good moments this season.
Perhaps the only player that hasn’t done much on defense this year is Jordan Lucas, but he had his moments last season and contributes on special teams. Are players such as Darron Lee or Reggie Ragland stars? No, but at the very least, they are roster spots you have to address and fill.
The other important thing to point out, other than Claiborne, Williams, Breeland and Claiborne, all are coming off rookie contracts, meaning players such as Ogbah or Fuller may be looking at and in line for a raise. And how much do you spend on players on a struggling defense to keep the same personnel of a struggling defense?
The offense has issues with depth at almost every position group and areas of concern will need to be addressed this spring.
As we already mentioned, there are a few players on the team likely to find themselves released, including running back Damien Williams and receiver Sammy Watkins. While the number of players on offense looking at free agency isn’t as many as on defense.
- Chad Henne, QB
- Matt Moore, QB
- LeSean McCoy, RB
- Anthony Sherman, FB
- Demarcus Robinson, WR
- Blake Bell, TE
The important things to notice here is that almost every position group is impacted.
The only running backs likely back for the Chiefs next season that are on the current roster are Darrell Williams and rookie back Darwin Thompson.
If the Chiefs don’t re-sign Robinson, their returning receiver group would be Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle? Not up to par.
A backup or maybe starting tight end is needed, and help galore is needed along the offensive line.
Who will be the backup quarterback for the Chiefs next season? Instead of a veteran, do they go the route of the young guy like Kyle Shurmur? Obviously the Chiefs are going to need help at receiver depth at a minimum and they can’t ignore putting assets towards the offensive line.
How can the Chiefs help their depth?