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

Recommendation

While Niemann might surprise someone with a random opportunity in free agency, the safe assumption seems to be that the Chiefs could have him back on a veteran minimum deal. That’s a solid get for the Chiefs because of how well the coaches trust him and the continuity he would provide on special team, etc.

It’s also likely that the Chiefs resort to the release of veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens this offseason in order to create some needed cap space. In that instance, bringing back Niemann to give them another veteran to go with younger starters like Gay and Bolton could help with depth. Sans Hitchens, the Chiefs will need more youth in the linebacker room anyway.

Prediction

Bring back Niemann on a single-season deal at the veteran minimum if he’ll have it and allow competition in training camp to round out the linebacker position on the depth chart.