Free agency singals Chiefs shift into win-now mode
By Ryan Tracy
Last week, I felt the slight breeze of a window opening for the Kansas City Chiefs, Andy Reid and John Dorsey.
“This is the start of a 2-3 year window for the Chiefs” – 3 Keys Column
Apparently, they felt it too. The race is on.
Dorsey has been busy early in the NFL free agency period for the Chiefs. Its been a tenant of the Green Packers leadership, which Dorsey comes from, to do all you can to retain the talented players already on your roster. He has installed that philosophy in Kansas City as well.
Dorsey was clearly focused on keeping a large group of the free agents. He was by and large successful.
At the top of the list were the teams crucial veterans who had had spent their entire careers in Kansas City; Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson. Now, it appears both will be able to complete their careers in the Chiefs’ Red and Gold, having played their respective careers with only one franchise. That is quite a rare accomplishment in today’s NFL.
We talked about Chiefs early in the free agent period this week on the Check With Me podcast. We also go through my first mock draft of the year. (hint – I like pass rushers from Georgia). Here’s the podcast:
The Chiefs bolstered the defense further by signing Jaye Howard to a two-year deal. Howard had a breakout season but the market for his services didn’t materialize early and he signed for an affordable contract price.
This contract is a compromise. It gives the team an experienced, motivated, high-quality DL and also provides insurance against an unsuccessful attempt at re-signing Dontari Poe prior to next offseason. It also gives Howard a healthy pay-day for him and his family while giving him a chance at another high-paying contract two seasons from now. That’s a win-win.
Next: The Big Get