Quote:
Originally Posted by O.city
It doesn't necessarily have to be offensive weapons per say, though. All those guys they'll cut will need to have replacements added and they'll need a starter or three on defense.
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There's really not any high priced DT's, outside of maybe Logan (who the Chiefs will likely retain if he plays well) or Poe. The rest kind of look like mid-level guys.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agen...ensive-tackle/
There aren't any inside linebackers that will command much money, if anything over Vet Min
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agen...de-linebacker/
The best of the OLB's (Melvin Gordon, Vontaze Burfict) will likley be re-signed by their current teams. The rest of the list (outside of Aldon Smith, someone I think the Chiefs would absolutely avoid) is pretty meh and certainly not deserving of a huge deal.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agen...de-linebacker/
Quote:
Originally Posted by O.city
Using Mahomes cheap years to load up the defense so they don't have to put so much pressure in him early is another big factor.
They traded up for Mahomes can get out from under Smith next years gaining a lot of money to lock up some more of their young core.
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The Chiefs traded up for Mahomes because they want a QB for the next 12-15 years, not necessarily to save cap space.
Furthermore, the Chiefs have really pretty much busted on their high priced Free Agent acquisitions (re-siging Bowe, Maclin, Vance Walker, Dunta Robinson, Anthony Fasano, etc.) with the lone exception of Sean Smith, whom they let walk at the right time.
If they do cut Smith next year, they'll just use that money to extend Ford and Peters and maybe bring back Logan, then rollover the rest into 2019, which is probably the best move considering all of the uncertainty surrounding the 2021 CBA.