Chiefs retiring in KC not always good

Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) enters the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 30-22. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the field during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) and inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the field during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Would the Chiefs have been better off had they let Hali and possibly Johnson go? It’s debatable. I argue that the resigning of Johnson was a solid move, and despite his advanced age, Johnson is still able to truly produce and play. The question truly comes down to Hali.

It’s fairly obvious now that both Hali and the Chiefs were well aware of the Houston knee issue before free agency, and long before. The Chiefs felt they needed to make sure they had a pass rusher, with the level of uncertainty surrounding Houston’s 2016 availability. So a player who should have received a one year contract, possibly one with an option attached should Hali show he could pick up his play, Hali receives a big raise and will now be with the organization for the long term.

The Chiefs face this situation, to a degree, with Jamaal Charles. He’s the franchise leader in rushing yards and is a very popular name around town. However, he’s starting to get older, and after the 2016 season, will carry a non-guaranteed $7 million number. Will the Chiefs, who will face a very tight cap situation after this upcoming season, allow Charles to find a new home to call home for the next few years, and allocate that $7 million  towards younger players? Will be an interesting discussion.

My thoughts:

  • Despite the popular sentiment, I do not expect the Chiefs to draft a cornerback in the first round. Most likely player in my opinion is Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler. The Chiefs have been attached to him and Memphis QB Paxton Lynch more then any other player. Lynch is highly unlikely to be on the board at 28.
  • If the Chiefs move back, a possible landing spot would be with San Fransisco at 37. The 49ers have not done a good job showing their interest in the aforementioned Vernon Butler. If the 49ers make an offer, I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chiefs made a move.
  • Should be noted, the Chiefs have not moved back in the draft since the Jon Baldwin draft, and have never traded back since Dorsey took over. More over, the Packers don’t do a whole lot of moving around. While I’d like to see the Chiefs move back, I don’t expect it to happen.
  • The Rams and Titans made the 2016 draft interesting. It’s a good deal (to a degree) for both teams.  It’s obvious the Rams did not like Memphis signal-caller Paxton Lynch, who would likely have been the top quarterback on the board at 15.

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