Chiefs offseason: Who will return?
By John McCarty
The Lions appear to be seriously considering moving on from Calvin Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Avant: With the development of Albert Wilson combined with the hopeful development of Chris Conley, there really is no place for Avant on this roster past this season.
Chase Daniel: The Chiefs will have some cap room to play with, but also have a bunch of tough choices on how to spend the money. There is very little possibility a player like Daniel is able to be brought back. With the awful quarterback play in the league this year (Matt Cassel and Matt Schaub are playing games in the NFL this season. That says about there needs to be said), some team will be interested in signing Daniel and may offer him more money.
Sean Smith: The Chiefs would surely like to bring him back, but it’s hard to see the Chiefs being able to do so. Smith will likely command a contract, regardless if he’s worth it, close to what current Philadelphia Eagles and former Seattle Seahawks corner Byron Maxwell received. Maxwell signed a six-year deal for $63 million with $25 million guaranteed. With the sheer number of free agents this team has decisions to make, it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs being able to afford Smith, and the selection of Peters and Nelson in the past draft indicate the Chiefs will allocate money elsewhere.
Husain Abdullah: The Chiefs have all kinds of questions at safety to answer this off season. Along with Abdullah, they also have Eric Berry and Tyvon Branch set to be free agents with Ron Parker under contract, it will not be surprising if the Chiefs allow Abdullah to walk, and work to retain Berry and Branch. Branch appears to be able to play that safety/corner role that Parker has played. Versatility is always nice.
Donald Stephenson: A guy who appeared to be on to great things has never really meshed with the current staff. After what appeared to be a player hanging out in the doghouse last year, Stephenson came into the season and became the starter, only to be replaced at the left tackle spot by Eric Fisher after Stephenson struggled nightly to block players and even managed to cause a crucial fumble in the Chiefs loss to the Vikings. It’s no mistake that this offensive line and thus the offense really has taken off since Stephenson was shown the pine. It would be a stunner if he returned next season.
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