Kansas City Chiefs have a very bright future at cornerback
By Matt Conner
![PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants celebrates breaking up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 09: Deandre Baker #27 of the New York Giants celebrates breaking up a pass intended for Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/dad764cee58f7783a1d7d2065042322722bb0d18d4e47f3e6c37bb3a6e6b4733.jpg)
Charvarius Ward
Charvarius Ward was the one pillar upon which we could depend coming into the 2020 season, and while he’s had his hiccups this year, he’s also proven to be a reliable starter overall who is going to make quite a bit more money in the years to come. It’s unsure whether or not he will be with K.C. for the long-term but it makes plenty of sense for the team to bring him back for at least another year as a restricted free agent in ’21.
Ward originally came to the Chiefs as a former undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys. Jerry Jones‘ team looked like they had a crowded secondary as injury concerns were also creeping in about the offensive front. Dallas flipped Ward for Parker Ehinger in a one-for-one deal that now looks ridiculously lopsided, mostly because Ehinger went down with an injury shortly thereafter and was gone for the year.
This offseason, the Chiefs will have some choices to make regarding Ward’s future, but as a restricted free agent, they have ultimate control of the process. Restricted free agents can negotiate with any other team on a deal, but the Chiefs will have refusal rights along the way. In addition, the Chiefs can offer a 1st, 2nd, or original round tender to Ward, which means any team signing him away must give up their draft pick in that round (if the Chiefs offer him that tender). If not, Ward can become a free agent.
As the best overall tackler among corners, it makes sense to bring back Ward and keep the young core intact for another season. Even with the raise, Ward and company are all cheap and give the Chiefs a group that will only get better.