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Coming off a successful 11-win season with the franchise’s first playoff victory in 22 years, the Kansas City Chiefs have a challenging offseason ahead with free agency and the draft approaching. According to Spotrac, the Chiefs entered free agency with 21 players without a contract, seven of them being defensive starters and two non-starters who saw plenty of snaps on defense.
Kansas City’s defense has been one of the most dominant in the NFL since 2011, thanks to a strong front seven, primarily led by outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston. While the Chiefs want to keep the defense intact, the offensive side of the football has plenty of room for improvement to provide balance for the team.
General manager John Dorsey will make the necessary moves to help the Andy Reid and his coaching staff to succeed in 2016. But some moves may surprise you this offseason.
5. Eric Berry, Jaye Howard And Sean Smith Will Return In 2016
Credit: Getty Images5. Eric Berry, Jaye Howard And Sean Smith Will Return In 2016
In 2013, Dorsey re-signed Dustin Colquitt and Dwayne Bowe while using the franchise tag on Branden Albert, managing to keep the top three players without contracts on the team that offseason. Dorsey used the franchise tag on Berry on Tuesday and is expected to sign him to a long-term deal. Expect the GM to bring back Jaye Howard and Sean Smith for the 2016 season.
4. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson Will Also Return
Credit: Getty Images4. Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson Will Also Return
Hali led the league in quarterback pressures with 50, per Pro Football Focus. Derrick Johnson has been an instrumental part of this defense over the last six years. Hali took a pay cut in 2015, and Johnson told The Kansas City Star he's willing to return for less money. Dorsey should be able to re-sign both at minimal cost.
3. Chase Daniel Will Remain As Alex Smith's Backup
Credit: Getty Images3. Chase Daniel Will Remain As Alex Smith's Backup
With former offensive coordinator Doug Pederson going to Philadelphia as the new head coach, many speculated that Chase Daniel would follow with his first realistic opportunity to be a starting quarterback. But with the Eagles re-signing Sam Bradford, that opportunity might be closed. Daniel re-signing with the Chiefs is a likely option.
2. Percy Harvin Will Be Added
Credit: Getty Images2. Percy Harvin Will Be Added
Percy Harvin has been extremely quiet the past three years, playing for three different teams. In his first four years in the league, two under then-Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress, Harvin was a productive wideout, something Kansas City needs. Childress, the new Chiefs co-offensive coordinator, could use Harvin for his offense this season. A reunion in Kansas City could help revive the receiver’s career.
1. Jamaal Charles Will Not Participate In Offseason Practices
Credit: Getty Images1. Jamaal Charles Will Not Participate In Offseason Practices
After suffering an ACL tear in his left knee early in 2011, Charles had a low-key 2012 offseason by not practicing in OTAs and minicamp. Despite remaining on the sidelines for practices, it translated into a 1,500-yard season in 2012. Expect Charles, who tore his ACL in his right knee last year, to have a similar approach this offseason, skipping practice to continue recovering.
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