Jaye Howard should be allowed to walk

I mentioned earlier that Howard was the best defensive lineman this past year for the Chiefs, and while that is true, that does not mean that he will be the best defensive lineman for the next four years. Poe has grown into an absolute monster over the past couple of seasons, and it should be a priority of John Dorsey to try and keep him, even if that means letting Howard this year.

Poe did not play to his full potential this season, but I believe much of that is due to injury. Poe struggled with back issues last off season and had to undergo surgery for a sports hernia. While he was able to return by Week 1, he did not look like his old self until the latter part of the year. His upturn in form, though, coincides with the upturn in form the defense as a whole.

That is no coincidence. Poe’s ability to take on blockers and cause problems in the interior of the defense is the anchor for this defense. He allows Houston and Hali to be single blocked on the outside, Johnson to attack holes at light speed and is able to collapse the pocket from the inside. That is incredible talent, and something that is vital for this team.

While Howard played exceptionally this season, he is not on the level of Poe at his best. That is why he should be allowed to walk. There is very little chance that the Chiefs will have the cap room to keep Bailey, Poe and Howard and with Bailey already tied down, it is likely a decision of Howard or Poe, and in my mind, it has to be Poe.

Do you agree, Addicts? Would you rather see Poe on this team for more than a year, or would you like to see Howard sign a new contract this offseason with the likelihood that Poe will leave as a consequence? Let me know in the comments, and as always… GO CHIEFS!!