Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Which Chiefs player is most important free agent?

By Matt Verderame

Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 23-17. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Kansas City Chiefs need to make some moves this offseason, mostly just to retain their own stars. At this point, all of you know who is coming off the books, including Eric Berry, Sean Smith, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Jaye Howard and others.

So which is the most important of the group? Who takes top priority? General manager John Dorsey will have to figure that out over the coming weeks, with free agency beginning on March 7. Dorsey has approximately $33-34 million of cap space to play with, so bringing all these men back is not out of the question.

In the case of Hali, he’s 32 years old but coming off a Pro Bowl season. Hali registered 6.5 sacks but was slowed toward the end of the year by a swelling knee for the second straight season – albeit his other knee. He already has a cap hit of $3 million for this upcoming season because of his pay cut for last year, so Dorsey has incentive to bring him back.

Johnson, 33, showed that the Achilles injury is a thing of the past. Once again, Johnson racked up another 100-tackle season and was named Second-Team All-Pro, showcasing his ability. Johnson remains one of the best inside linebackers in the National Football League, and seems to have mileage left in the tank.

Berry, 27, is one of the best players in the league. It’s an incredible story, with Berry having overcome cancer to somehow not only get back on the field, but be a Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro. Entering the prime of his career with four Pro Bowls under his belt, Berry will command a major salary.

Smith, 28, is a very interesting case. Frankly, the idea that Smith should be allowed to walk without much of a fight has come up in Chiefs Kingdom amongst fans, and is patently insane. However, he is going to be 29 years old in July. He remains one of the best cover corners in the NFL and makes Marcus Peters that much more valuable, but can he be kept on?

Howard, 27, has really become a force on the defensive line. After becoming a starter in the wake of Mike DeVito’s injury last season, Howard has shown up in a big way. This year, Howard amassed 5.5 sacks and was a force against the run, showcasing size and athleticism.

So which one is the most important to keep in Kansas City? Fire away, Addicts.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs News