Let’s take a look at what Chiefs fans can realistically hope for during the rest of the 2015 season and leading up to the 2016 season. Sure, the 2016 off season is still 8 weeks away, but some of the moves that this team needs to make seem obvious. So, let take a peek.
If you begin this process by examining one of the Chiefs oldest players, then some of the future moves make sense.
OLB Tamba Hali
Tamba Hali turns 33 years old next year and while his performance isn’t what it used to be, he’s still head and shoulders better than second year first round pick Dee Ford.
Prediction
General manager John Dorsey will attempt to sign Hali to a one or two year deal and keep him in a Chiefs uniform until he decides to retire. If Tamba retires after this season and the Chiefs have any inside information that he’ll do so, then head coach Andy Reid will give Dee Ford a heavy bump in his number of snaps from now until the end of the season. Hali’s loyalty, by taking a cut in pay last off season ostensibly to help the Chiefs sign other players, such as Justin Houston, should get him consideration so that the rest of his life is spent in a Chiefs uniform… if he wants. And… I’m pretty sure that’s what he wants.
OT Donald Stephenson
Donald Stephenson’s on-again-off-again relationship with mediocrity has come full circle and he can no longer be considered even mediocre. He’s just bad. His historical dalliance as an offensive line starter has proven he’s not going to be an answer for the Chiefs to any question they have about where he fits in. He seems about as likely to develop as a TE as he does as an OT at this point… which isn’t likely at all.
Prediction
Stephenson is in the last year of his rookie contract and he will be allowed to walk when free agency rolls around in the spring. Since you can expect more action along the offensive line this coming offseason, someone has to leave to make space for those coming in and Stephenson will be one of those who is displaced. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Donald Stephenson catch on with another team, as a back-up.
Next: Who's the Future for the Chiefs at RB?