In life, the worst decisions we make are the emotional ones. Few people ever make catastrophic choices when they take the time to mull the options and subsequent consequences.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey has to remember that this week in Indianapolis. The start of NFL free agency is March 9 (although the tampering period begins March 7). Teams are going to start signing their own free agents over the next two weeks, with money flying around left and right. In turn, agents are going to start putting on the pressure, forcing general managers to make a decision.
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Dorsey must realize that he is the man who holds all the cards. No agent in his right mind is going to turn down a really solid offer, especially if his client prefers to stay in town. Dorsey can’t be bullied into making a rash choice and signing a player for far too much money. It’s always better to sign wisely than spend big and worry later.
The Chiefs have a truckload of talent about to hit the free-agent market. We all know about Eric Berry, Jaye Howard, Sean Smith and so forth. Dorsey has approximately $32-34 million in cap space and should be able to retain anybody he chooses. Kansas City is in a great position, but that stance can evaporate quickly in the heat of a moment.
Dorsey should offer Berry, Smith, Howard, etc. reasonable deals that make sense for both parties. If he really wants, he can slap the franchise tag on Berry and keep him in town for at least one more season. The ball is squarely in Kansas City’s court, whether the agents like to think so or not.
Last year, it was Ron Parker who tested free agency in hopes of a huge deal. He visited the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, but ultimately could not find the money he wanted. Parker eventually came back to the Chiefs for a five-year, $30 million deal that in essence is three years and $12 million. Parker got some cash, the Chiefs got a great player at a terrific price.
The pressure is on and the heat is rising. Time to stay cool, John.