KC Chiefs FA profile: Ben Niemann set to hit open market

Why bring him back?

At this point, no one on the Chiefs is going to asking all that much from Ben Niemann—nor should they. In fact, when the Chiefs keep his expectations in check, Niemann has come up solid as a dependable role player who excels when given smaller tasks to perform on the film whether on defense or special teams. The only problem is that the Chiefs haven’t always kept his assignments within reason, and those are the moments that fans have responded in frustration.

However, the Chiefs going forward will have Willie Gay Jr. and Nick Bolton to rely upon in the heart of the base defense. Niemann’s task list should be pared down under any new deal, which means his reliability as an instinctive player, sure tackler, and intelligent defender could be a real asset as a role player and special teams ace. He’s also already trusted by the team’s coaches and knows his assignments forward and backward.

Why let him walk?

If the Chiefs aren’t going to ask much of Niemann, then there’s no reason to play him much and if a rookie can get the job done for cheaper then perhaps the Chiefs should let one. The upside of rolling with a rookie in Niemann’s spot as well is that it could bring on board someone with a greater ceiling, so even as a new player is still playing the same minor role, it could be a chance for a younger player to blossom with time.