Report: Chiefs Will Ask DE Mike DeVito To Take A Pay Cut
By Brett Gering
Dec 8, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) throws the ball in front of Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike DeVito (70) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. The Chiefs won 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike DeVito, whose 2015 cap hit currently rests at $5.4 million, may not return to Arrowhead—at least not draped in red and gold.
NFL.com’s Conor Orr writes:
"The versatile veteran defensive end/tackle, who tore his Achilles during a Week 1 matchup against the Titans, will likely be asked to take a pay cut in order to remain on the roster, according to multiple league sources familiar with the situation."
The report comes as no surprise. DeVito tore his Achilles in Week 1, which opened a window of opportunity for Jaye Howard and Vance Walker. Meanwhile, Allen Bailey, who started on the opposite end of DeVito in Week 1, ultimately signed a four-year extension.
There’s no denying that Kansas City’s run defense was abominable last season. And while DeVito is a below-average pass-rusher, he’s one of the best run-stopping 3-4 defensive ends in the league.
That being said, the Chiefs allowed just 17.6 points per game last season, ranking second behind Seattle. A healthy Derrick Johnson and Joe Mays (and possibly Eric Berry) should bolster the interior. Furthermore, even if DeVito leaves, John Dorsey has a slew of draft picks at his disposal.
Orr continues:
"DeVito, 30, is scheduled to make $4 million in 2015. But after several inquiries from other clubs at the combine, he might feel like he could get the same on the open market."
While the vet is only scheduled to make $4 million, the $1.4 million proration of his signing bonus bumps DeVito’s 2015 cap hit up to the aforementioned $5.4 million.
If Kansas City were to cut him, the Chiefs would clear $4 million in cap space.
Contract information provided by Over the Cap.
Next: Chiefs' Free-Agency Outlook: Part 2