Locked on Chiefs: How much cap space can Kansas City clear?

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Alex Smith
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Alex Smith

We take a look at the Chiefs salary cap situation and how they can possibly create a lot of space in the coming weeks with several moves.

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently projected to be over $8 million over the 2018 salary cap. Luckily they have several easier moves to make to clear a lot of necessary cap space. Before I get into the moves they can make, know that I’m not advocating for them to actually make all these moves. These moves are being “made” to see what kind of cap space they could create using the players I’ve seen discussed as prospects for a potential release.

For most at this point it seems a foregone conclusion that starting quarterback Alex Smith is gone and I agree it looks to be an easy move. Linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali also look to probably be gone at this point with the Chiefs needing cap space and productive players. Johnson could be semi-productive, but not at the pay rate he is scheduled to earn in 2018. Hali is a player that probably needs to retire as opposed to trying to play another year given his continual appearances on injury reports given his knees.

"Like what you hear from the Locked on Chiefs podcast? Get it direct.Subscribe on iTunes, on Megaphone, Spotify! or listen on IHeartRadio!"

A couple of other big names have popped up as well as release possibilities for the Chiefs, including defensive lineman Allen Bailey, safety Ron Parker, linebacker Dee Ford and safety Daniel Sorense. They are all guys that are probably more on the fringe. Arguments could be made for all of them to be gone, but it’s hard to see that happening.

Thanks Addicts!

Schedule