The Kansas City Chiefs allowed outside linebacker Tamba Hali’s contract to void on March 4, meaning that the $4 million in dead money that was supposed to be spread out through 2019 was consolidated into this season.
Most believed that by letting the contract void, the Chiefs were saying that it was time to move on from Hali, who at 32 years old is still productive (6.5 sacks last season and a Pro Bowl) but perhaps getting long in the proverbial tooth. Yet, during the 101 awards on Saturday, Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star caught up with head coach Andy Reid, who said the team still has interest in Hali:
"“We’d love to have him back, I think, when it’s all said and done,” Reid said."
If Hali does walk, the logical conclusion is that Dee Ford, the team’s first-round pick in 2014, becomes the starter opposite of Justin Houston. Ford has shown flashes but still remains an unknown quantity, having only started a handful of games in his career. Last year, Ford devastated the San Diego Chargers with three sacks in a 10-3 win.
Hali will be able to talk with other teams starting Monday at 3 p.m CST, when the tampering window starts in NFL free agency. It would be tough to see Hali in another uniform, but that could be a very distinct reality.