Kansas City Chiefs restructure contracts to create cap space
By Scott Loring
The Chiefs have approximately $23.4 million in cap room for this season, which calls to question the next move for GM Brett Veach.
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced restructuring of two large contracts on their books. Offensive tackle Eric Fisher and linebacker Anthony Hitchens both converted much of their salaries into signing bonuses, and in the process, freed up over $10 million in cap space for the 2019 season.
Fisher’s deal makes him a $7.29 million cap hit, while Hitchens’ new cap number is $5.29 million.
WR Tyreek Hill‘s contract extension last week leaves his cap number at $2.1 million. According to Spotrac.com, the Chiefs now have approximately $23.4 million in cap room for this season (ninth-most in the league), which calls to question the next move for GM Brett Veach.
The announcement that not one but two players with different agents both restructured their deals seems to indicate that another move is imminent. Rumors around the Chiefs extending defensive tackle Chris Jones or making a move at cornerback have swirled for weeks.
Trading for a cornerback is a tricky market. The Chiefs employ several serviceable players at the position, including Bashaud Breeland, Kendall Fuller, and currently suspended Morris Claiborne. However, there is no game-changer on the roster. From Patrick Peterson to Xavien Howard, Jalen Ramsey to Xavier Rhodes, the speculation has been widely discussed, but the rumors remain just that.
None of those players will come easily. It will likely cost a first-round pick to acquire elite players at a premium position like cornerback. While Veach has shown no reluctance to trade away first-round picks (he has never made a first round selection as GM in Kansas City), the value in those picks cannot be ignored as they are an opportunity to infuse the team with talent at a very low cost for several years.
Conversely, there is no denying the Chiefs are in position to chase after a Super Bowl championship. New England’s recent acquisition of Antonio Brown makes the corner position that much more of a concern for the Chiefs. The cap space is there right now. It’s time for Veach to strike and he’s got the cap space to do it.