Should the Chiefs be concerned about the 2021 salary cap?
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crushing stadium revenue streams for the entire NFL, the NFLPA and league owners agreed to a deal that could result in the salary cap as low as $175 million for the 2021 season. That means that the cap could drop from 2020 by as much as $23.2 million heading into next season. It’s important to note that this is a floor—the amount the cap drops will ultimately depend on revenue, but it could be that low.
For a Kansas City Chiefs team facing a potential mass exodus in free agency during the offseason, the thought of facing a shrinking cap so quickly after signing both Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones to mega-contracts makes for a daunting challenge. The Chiefs already stand at $207 million in projected cap allocations before ever re-signing a free agent or giving out an extension (to players such as safety Tyrann Mathieu, who stands to enter 2021 in the final year of his contract).
Yikes! That’s terrifying!
It’s not as if general manager Brett Veach has lost control, though. Kansas City can create a great deal of cap space by restructuring and extending contracts for players like Mitchell Schwartz, Travis Kelce and Frank Clark, and/or by cutting players with major cap hits for whom they’ve got in house replacements like Eric Fisher (theoretically replaced by Lucas Niang) and Laurent Duvarney-Tardif.
The other good news for the Chiefs is that it seems like players want to be here, whether that means signing with the team in free agency for less than market value (like Demarcus Robinson) or restructuring to stay at a cheaper rate than due (like Sammy Watkins, LDT and Alex Okafor).
However, that goodwill will reach its end. At some point, the roster could be so full of expensive talent that the team will be forced to sign inferior players or play people who are not ready, and that’s the concern. What happens to this roster when players refuse to take a pay cut to stay here? Can Veach and company replace a premiere talent, should they choose to go elsewhere to make more money, without impacting the product on the field?
We may find out sooner rather than later, as the following players are either free agents or due for extensions during the 2021 offseason: Travis Kelce, Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz. Just behind them will be Tyreek Hill and Charvarius Ward the following year. It would be great if Kansas City could keep everyone, but eventually, the Chiefs will have to replace a key part of the team.
While some may argue it should not be a concern at all, ignoring it completely would be a massive mistake. Chiefs fans should remain cautiously optimistic that Brett Veach continues to make us forget the John Dorsey cap era.
Chiefs Trivia
Each week’s column will feature a trivia question related to the Kansas City Chiefs. Challenge yourself by coming up with the correct response without looking it up! Enter for a chance to win a Chiefs prize via either Facebook or Twitter Direct/Private Messaging. Must retweet or share the column on your personal page, and provide the correct answer via PM/DM, to be eligible. Winner will be chosen at random on Saturday.
Last week’s winner was Kirk Wentling who received a piece of Chiefs memorabilia for correctly identifying the group of rowdy fans from the Chiefs’ days at Municipal Stadium as “The Wolfpack”.
This week’s question trivia is: How many different Chiefs’ quarterbacks have earned Pro Bowl honors in the team’s history?
Reader Question
Each week, we’ll answer a question or two from readers about our team. These can be about any topic related to the Chiefs, send me a question via DM (@kthomps58).
This week’s question comes from Lee Henrick from Kansas. Lee asks: “What position group do you think the Chiefs should target in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?”
Great question, Lee!
This is an interesting question primarily because of the amount of attrition the Chiefs will almost certainly experience via free agency during this offseason.
But, for me, the answer is always going to be offensive line. One cannot overstate how important it is for the Chiefs offensive line to be above average, and affordable, every single year. On that note, ensuring that the talent is young, cost-controlled and quality every year is imperative. Patrick Mahomes can work miracles, but only if he’s standing on his feet and not laying on his back or running for his life.
As a result, I would use my first round pick every year on an offensive lineman. I would use my second round pick on a skill position player (wide receiver, running back or tight end). This, again, ensures young, cost-controlled talent is always on the roster. After that you’re drafting best player available on the defensive side of the ball in pretty much every round.
Chiefs Fact of the Week
In 1962, running back Abner Haynes become the franchise’s first 1,000 yard rusher, posting 1,049 yards on the ground on the season. In the same season, fellow running back Curtis McClinton earned Rookie of the Year honors after gaining 604 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 333 yards receiving. Both Dallas Texans running backs made the Pro Bowl that year.
Chiefs Record of the Week
In 1974, Hall of Fame defensive back Emmitt Thomas set the franchise record for most interceptions in a season with 12; that record still stands today despite that season only having 14 games. That season Thomas returned two of those picks for touchdowns, and earned the only 1st Team All-Pro selection of his career.
Random Fact of the Week
Cherophobia is an irrational fear of fun or happiness.
Sports Quote of the Week
Hall of Fame baseball player Mickey Mantle once said, “During my 18 years I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1,700 times and walked maybe 1,800 times. You figure a ballplayer will average about 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball.”
Oddball Sport of the Week
“Plunging” for Distance: In this sport, one dives “under the water, then see how far inertia can carry you through for a period of 60 seconds. This sport was included in the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis…”