Sammy Watkins, Le’Veon Bell among Chiefs with most to gain (or lose) in stretch run
By Matt Conner
Damien Wilson
Damien Wilson deserves more credit for being better individually than the reputation he shares with the rest of the team’s linebacking corps. He also deserves some for trying to live up to what the Chiefs are asking him to do, which is to perform beyond his God-given skill set as a tough-nosed run defender. Instead, K.C. often has him as a placeholder for Willie Gay, Jr., who somehow still isn’t ready for starters reps, which means Wilson is forced to play a role that asks just a bit too much.
There’s a potential here for a reunion for next year for the Chiefs on a minimal sort of deal, but that’s likely unfair to Wilson, who is still only 27. Wilson is a solid tackler who doesn’t back down from anyone and can give a team a few good years against the run and in limited coverage situations. That should equal a multi-year deal from someone, especially if he shows up strong down the stretch and continues to separate himself from the pack—even those on the Chiefs roster.