Kansas City lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs for the second year in a row in January 2017. The NFL off-season can always be troublesome to some fans. It can be like this due to the potential loss of some key players that fans have grown to love over the seasons. This off-season is no different for the Chiefs having, already lost a key contributor, with Director of Football Operations Chris Ballard going to the Indianapolis Colts. Ballard might not be a player, but he showed potential towards being a General Manager and could scout talent well.
Kansas City Chiefs Biggest Off-Season Questions
What to do with Eric Berry?
Pay the man! That’s all that can be said about Eric Berry’s future with the Chiefs. Berry and the Chiefs front office were not able to work out a deal during the 2016 off-season, but this off-season seems more promising. Berry played under the franchise tag in 2016 and showed that he is worth every penny. Since being drafted by the Chiefs in 2010, Berry has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times. The Comeback Player of the Year winner in 2015 has proven that he is a top safety in the NFL and deserves a big contract.
Where does that leave Dontari Poe?
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Dontari Poe in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Memphis. Poe would be selected to the Pro Bowl twice in 2013 and 2014. Giving both Poe and Berry good contracts might be difficult to do with the Chiefs current cap space. The nose tackle might be shown the door by the Chiefs due to injuries and drop off in play.
In fact, it seems kind of weird to say, but Poe has almost been more of a threat on offense in 2016 then he was on defense. Poe only recorded 27 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2016. However, he threw for a touchdown and rushed for a touchdown in 2016. This gives him more touchdowns then sacks.
The Uncertainty of Jamaal Charles
Have NFL fans seen the last of Jamaal Charles? Kansas City fans are left wondering what to do with their one-time star running back. The former Texas runner will be a seven million dollar cap hit to the Chiefs. This seems a little excessive to Kansas City since he barely saw the field in 2016.
Charles is now 30 years old as well which is not an ideal age when it comes to running backs. Kansas City must decide if they want to cut Charles or possibly restructure his contract. Restructure is possible due to a 2016 season that Charles barely played in. Many people might have forgotten that Charles even played last season.
Question mark at Quarterback
Andy Reid has stated that Alex Smith is still the Chiefs’ starting quarterback. Alex Smith is due almost $17 million in 2017. Backup Nick Foles is due $10.75 million. This is a lot of money for these two quarterbacks. Kansas City must decide if they really want to keep Foles around with Smith starting or if it’s time to cut him as well. Third-string quarterback Tyler Bray is only due a little over $1 million. Is he ready to be second string? That’s a question the Chiefs will have to ask this off-season.
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