NFL free agency predictions: Where will Dontari Poe, Jamaal Charles land?

Daniel Sorensen is a restricted free agent, which will take some explanation. As a player with three years to his credit in the NFL, Sorensen is now available for free agency with some restrictions. The Chiefs have one week, until March 9, to extend a qualifying offer to Sorensen. Based on the amount of that offer, the Chiefs will have several options.

Until we find out the amount of the tender or qualifying offer (they are the same thing), it’s impossible to know what will happen, but here are the quick choices:

1. The Chiefs work out a new long-term deal with Sorensen.
2. The Chiefs extend a 1-year deal. The terms of that deal will signify which round of draft compensation another team must pay the Chiefs to have Sorensen at that price. Last year, a $3.5 million qualifying offer forced any team wanting that player to give up a 1st round choice.
3. The Chiefs extend a cheap one-year deal under the banner of “right of first refusal.” This allows Sorensen’s suitor to set his market and even get creative so the Chiefs will not match the deal. However, Kansas City would have that ability if they wanted.

Given the Chiefs’ financial limitations, they could put themselves in a vulnerable spot with Sorensen if they give him the right of first refusal. It should be fairly easy for any other team to create a salary structure that prohibits the Chiefs from keeping him. That said, do they want to?

Sorensen has been an underrated player on the defense and special teams and last year he showed that he is likely capable of much more. In limited duties, Sorensen had 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 6 passes defended and even took one of those INTs 48 yards to the end zone.

Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs

Sorensen is likely going to be with the Chiefs for at least one more year, likely with a $2.5 million deal (approximation) that would force any other interested team to give up a second round selection if they signed him away.