Chiefs free agency: Assessing what needs to happen

The Kansas City Chiefs have not recently been big buyers in free agency since the new regime took over in 2013. With 15 of its own free agents to consider signing plus a few other positions that need upgrade, we’ll look at who could be a good fit for Kansas City.

First off, it has been reported that the Chiefs have upwards of $30.5 million in space when all 15 of their players hit free agency. There are some major names on that list so we can assume that if the Chiefs put up the money to keep them, then there won’t be a lot of room left. Of those 15, three are must-sign for the Chiefs and four more are “sign if possible.”

Must Sign

Eric Berry – This is an obvious choice. In addition to being a monster on the field in 2015, Berry has been an extreme emotional uplift for the Chiefs. Beating cancer during the previous offseason in time to play at an All-Pro level is a huge deal. There is no way the Chiefs should let Berry walk.

Jeff Allen – Allen has expressed his displeasure with being benched during the first part of the season. That puts a damper on contract talks, but the offensive lineman has proven to be so versatile that the Chiefs can ill afford to let him walk without a fight. Allen filled in at guard and tackle this past season and can be a solid starting right tackle next season.

Husain Abdullah – Abdullah has been impressive this season when he is in the game. He suffered a nasty concussion late in 2015 that kept him away from the game but he has proven better in man-to-man coverage than Ron Parker. Against New England in the playoffs, Abdullah was able to limit much of the Patriots’ offense in the second half when Sutton used him correctly.

Next: Maybe bring them back?