For some members of Chiefs Kingdom, the idea of even having to make a list of pros and cons in order to ascertain whether or not the Chiefs should re-sign linebacker Ben Niemann is a laughable one.
For the last couple of years, fans of the Chiefs have become very frustrated with the play of Niemann, specifically with his limitations on the field when given defensive reps. Along with safety Daniel Sorensen, the pair have served as lightning rods for so much of fan frustration on the defensive side of the ball. However, that hasn’t been fair to Niemann who has only done what he’s been asked.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to watch Ben Niemann hit the open market for the first time.
Instead of automatically being down on Niemann, he should instead be viewed as a positive story for the Chiefs, a solid find as a rookie free agent who has lasted much, much longer than anyone could have expected at the professional level.
Despite the auto responses that will undoubtedly feature off-the-cuff reactions, let’s go ahead and take a closer look at Ben Niemann’s free agency and what to expect going forward.
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.
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.