The Chiefs are faced with plenty of tough decisions among their upcoming Unrestricted Free Agency class. Let's go one by one and see who we keepin'!
Allen Bailey
Gone. He's been a great contributor for the Chiefs and has been here even before the Andy Reid era, but his age and the contract he'd be asking for are not worth it. Thanks for everything Allen, but get your money somewhere else. We'll probably replace his snaps with an early draft pick.
Demetrius Harris
I've personally never been a fan of having Harris as our TE2, so I have been waiting for this offseason. Time to part ways with Dropmetrius Harris. He has the ability to make big plays in the passing game, but too many stupid mistakes and costly missed opportunities outweigh the positives. TE2 will be an upgrade no matter how they go about addressing it.
Dee Ford
Dee had a hell of a contract year in 2018. He brought down the QB 13 times and was nationally recognized as one of the best pass rushers throughout the entire season. The prior injury history originally had me as anti-long term contract for Dee, and I've eased up to it, but I would strongly prefer letting him earn it with another good year. The great part for the Chiefs is that it sounds like he would accept the Franchise Tag with optimism, which would give the Chiefs another year of judging whether the extended contract is worth it. I say we tag him, and let him prove once more that he's the elite pass rusher he showed in 2018.
Anthony Sherman
There's no way they let the Sausage leave. He has become a huge part of the team not only as a fullback, but as a special teamer too. He's presumably a leader in the locker room, and proves it by tending to walk out of the tunnel first alongside Pat. I'm sure something gets done, and I'd hope Sherman finishes his career as a Chief.
Spencer Ware
Spencer has been a great story and was a key part of transitioning from Jamaal Charles to Kareem Hunt in the 2015-2016 seasons, but it's time to close that book. His injury history along with his on field ability turns me off. He doesn't seem to have the same explosion and power he ran with when he first came on the scene as a Chief. I hope he finds work elsewhere, but there's no reason to re-sign him.
Orlando Scandrick
This one is easy. After getting benched prior to Week 16, it was pretty obvious Scandrick wouldn't re-sign.
Mitch Morse
Mitch has been an important piece of the offense since the day the Chiefs drafted him in 2015. He's played both G and C, and at his peak, has played at a pro bowl level. The issue is the three concussions he's suffered, the latest keeping him out 5 games in 2018. Veach hinted at this departure with the contract extension given to Austin Reiter, who filled in for Morse when he was out. It looks like they'll move on, but his ties to Mizzou and the love he's shown for the organization could result in an agreeable re-signing.
Jordan Devey
Unfortunately for Devey, his injury cut short a good season from the young IOL. He graded well on PFF's grading scale in the game he tore his pec. I could see something getting done, but the rise of his young OL teammates should probably result in a parting of ways.
DeAnthony Thomas
DAT has had a roller coaster career as a Chief. He was an important weapon in his 2014 rookie season. Since then, he's been demoted to gunner on punt and excelled, which led to him back on offense in certain situations. His multiple injuries have gotten in the way as well, and it's probably time to just move on. The WR/ST depth with Kemp and Dieter allows this to happen. He also was arrested for suspicion of marijuana possession on 01/27, which may make it easier to let him walk.
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen has done a lot as a veteran backup G for the 2018 Chiefs, and he is quoted as loving the city and loving the organization, but his age isn't where we need to be with our G depth. If he doesn't find anywhere to sign, don't be surprised if he's back in St. Joe at training camp.
Frank Zombo
Nah.
Charcandrick West
If good dance moves and a fun locker room presence were the only factors in deciding to sign a player, Charc would be getting the big bucks. Unfortunately, that stuff doesn't matter, and Charc's on field contribution does not warrant re-signing. The one thing he contributes in is pass protection, and he's even slipped in that. I love Charc, but he won't be start out on the roster in 2019. That doesn't mean he can't finish on it though.
Chris Conley
Conley was an athletic freak when the Chiefs drafted him in the later rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. He had the potential to be a real player, and that expectation heightened in his contract year when Pat Mahomes took over. With Alex Smith, the excuse for Conley was always "Alex isn't the type of QB to take advantage of what Conley is good at." The solution was supposed to be Mahomes, a QB who would take the risk at a jump ball more or a contested catch. Well it turns out that Conley just may not be an impressive WR. He's struggled in 2018 with drops and costly mistakes, including a couple game changing fumbles. With the emergence of DRob and Dieter, it wouldn't make sense to bring Conley back. They should replace him with a draft pick or a low risk Free Agency signing.
Steven Nelson
I am probably more on the fence about Nelson than any other UFA. He plays at a high level at times, showing an ability to cover man to man and make plays, but there are other times where he gets absolutely grilled. According to PFF, his best career performances have come in the Slot CB position. Kendall Fuller, the future at CB1 for the Chiefs, is also at his best when in the slot. The Chiefs tended to move Fuller in when going into a Nickel formation, leaving Nelson on the outside. If Nelson doesn't have a spot at the position he plays the best in, then he should probably sign elsewhere. Plus his contract offers might be more than the Chiefs would want to pay him anyways. We'll most likely replace his snaps in the draft.
Kelvin Benjamin
Save the easiest for last. No way. If Benjamin can't even get on the active roster for the playoff games, then there's no reason to move forward with him.
