The Chiefs should focus on the future with their current roster decisions

A train wreck of a 2017 season will offer no immediate rewards, but difficult decisions can lead to success in future seasons.

The 2017 season for the Kansas City Chiefs began with expectations of greatness that were bolstered by early success, including wins against the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles in back-to-back weeks. However, following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2017 season has completely fallen apart in what can only be described as an epic collapse. It is now time for our eyes to be cast towards the future.

It has to start with two roster spots, the first of which belongs to Tamba Hali. Days after going on a rant at offseason workouts only to find himself on the Physically Unable to Perform list, followed by a continuing inability to play games in successive weeks, it’s simply time for him to go. Dadi Nichols will be coming off the PUP list himself soon, and a roster spot likely will be needed. Assuming his knee injury allows him on the field, it’s time to show Hali the door.

Secondly, and this will sound strange after watching him drop dimes against the Jets, but the Chiefs still need to start Patrick Mahomes over Alex Smith at quarterback. The timing may not be ideal, but Mahomes’s ability to play and develop in time for next season can aid the entire organization as they are barreling towards a mini-rebuild without a first round pick. Keeping Smith playing for the sake of keeping him playing achieves nothing for the future, and Mahomes playing in a couple games could go along way in aiding the 2018 season.

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What else can the Chiefs do? They have some players it would be nice to get an in game look at, especially rookie practice squad receiver Marcus Kemp. Also, given that Demetrius Harris is likely gone after the season, giving recently promoted Orson Charles a look as the backup tight end would be a nice start.

In the offseason, should the Chiefs move on from Justin Houston? The idea sounds nuts on the surface, especially considering the organization likely moves on from both Tamba Hali and Dee Ford as well. However, if the Chiefs can get something back for Houston in a trade, perhaps the cap room combined with draft picks would allow the Chiefs to build for the future. Houston has been unable to generate the sort of pass rush we’re used to, and there is little reason to bring him back next season if they are not going to unleash him on the opposition.

Next: Apathy has taken hold of Chiefs Kingdom

A season once linked with the hopes of a Super Bowl has completely fallen apart, descending into a spiraling disaster of disappointment and failure. The Chiefs must look towards the future and not fall victim to false gold and promises.

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