KC Chiefs: Andrew Wylie earns roster spot in exchange for cap space

In a bit of financial news for the K.C. Chiefs, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap reported on Thursday that offensive lineman Andrew Wylie was able to guarantee himself a roster spot by helping free up some cap space.

According to Fitzgerald, the Chiefs were able to renegotiate Wylie’s deal to the tune of $1.2 million in overall cap space, which Fitzgerald also says brings the team to $3 million total at this point with a full roster accounted for.

It’s no secret that the competition was tough for roster spots up front in the Chiefs preseason, as general manager Brett Veach had put together a lot of options even for reserve roster slots along the line. Trade winds linked Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to interested teams, but it was Yasir Durant who was eventually dealt to the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs freed up cap space by renegotiating Andrew Wylie’s contract.

Between all of the competition, the Chiefs had some leverage and apparently decided to use it to earn a bit of a discount on Wylie, giving him a guaranteed spot in exchange for the cap space. Wylie’s original deal was set to be $2.133 million as a restricted free agent, but now the Chiefs will only guarantee $920K (numbers per OTC).

It’s a good thing the Chiefs brought back Wylie for another season in the end, because he’s been a very undervalued member of this organization for the last few years. Wylie is a better performer up front than some realize and he’s versatile to step up and play immediate reps at either guard spot. While the Chiefs have others who can do the same, the team learned hard lessons last year about how injuries can cascade and ruin a season.