Kansas City Chiefs News & Rumors: Tamba Hali, Dwayne Bowe Possible Players Who Could Be Cut, Jeremy Maclin Still Top Free Agent Target
With February coming to an end, teams across the league are setting up for free agency, and the Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of big roster moves to make this offseason.
In addition to re-signing notable players, the Chiefs have to clear up space with trades and releases.
Recently, the Chiefs released tight end Anthony Fasano. With Fasano gone, 25-year-old Travis Kelce is now without a doubt the full time starter. No one is expecting him to become the next Tony Gonzales, but he has a big responsibility ahead of him.
Without a doubt, the biggest priority for the Chiefs and general manager John Dorsey this offseason is Justin Houston. Houston is arguably the best defensive player in the entire National Football League having accumulated 43 sacks over the last three seasons including a league-high 22 sacks last season. It's most likely the Chiefs will lock Houston up long-term, but if they have to, they will use the franchise tag securing him on the roster for another season.
Now here's where things get tricky. Like every other NFL team, the Chiefs have salary cap restrictions and guidelines to follow. By releasing Donnie Avery, A. J. Jenkins and Fasano, the Chiefs were able to clear up $7.8 million in cap space. That may not seem like a lot, but the Chiefs may even choose to release Tamba Hali, which would save an extra $9 million in cap space. There's also a chance the Chiefs will release backup quarterback Chase Daniel.
At first glance, it may seem crazy to cut Hali. He is one of the best all around linebackers in the game, and he is still just 31 years old. But, he only has one year remaining on his contract. After next season, Hali is going to get a huge payday on the open market, deservedly so. The odds of a team trading for Hali this offseason with just one year remaining is slim. Saving $9 million now and adjusting to life without him could be wise.
And then there's Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was once a solid top 10 wide receiver, but his production has been declining over the last three seasons. Bowe has been inconsistent, and he just doesn't seem to be on the same page with quarterback Alex Smith. If the Chiefs release Bowe they would save about $5 million towards the cap.
The Chiefs aren't just clearing up space so they can re-sign their star linebacker, but they know improving the wide receiver position is a must. According to reports, Philadelphia Eagles wide out Jeremy Maclin would "consider" reuniting with former head coach Andy Reid.
There's absolutely no doubt that the Chiefs need wide receiver help. Last season the Chiefs failed to throw a single touchdown pass to any wide receiver for the entire season. Of course the Chiefs are a more run oriented team thanks to Jamaal Charles, but they need a reliable deep ball threat who can find the end zone.
Maclin would be a great addition for the Eagles lining up on the outside. Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas have expiring contracts, but they will most likely get franchise tagged. Other notable free agent wide receivers include Randall Cobb and Torrey Smith.
The NFL free agent and trading period begins on Tuesday, March 10 at 4 p.m. EST. Monday, March 2 at 4 p.m. EST is the last day for teams to use the franchise tag.
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