The Kansas City Chiefs allowed their star outside linebacker Tamba Hali's contract to expire which means he will head to free agency. Hali has been one of the primary players that not only contributed to this productive defense but he has been one of the leaders of this football team. At 32 years old Hali may not be as productive as he once was, but he is still a Pro Bowl-quality football player.
In 2015 Hali started in 14 games and recorded 48 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 pass defense and 2 forced fumbles. Hali has spent his entire career with the Kansas City Chiefs and has earned 553 combined tackles, 86 sacks, a safety, 13 pass defenses, 2 interceptions and 32 forced fumbles during his tenure with the franchise.
Prior to the 2015 season Hali agreed to a $3 million pay cut so he could help the Chiefs retain some of their free agents. There will be plenty of franchises that could use the production Hali brings to the table so he should not lack any suitors during this free agency period.
The Arizona Cardinals could be the front runners for Hali as he will likely look to sign with a team that is a playoff contender. The Cardinals' depth amongst their linebackers is questionable at best as their most productive pass rushers have been Markus Golden, Dwight Freeny and Alex Okafor. With Freeny's contract expiring and LaMarr Woodley set to become a free agent once again, the Cardinals would be smart to target a veteran linebacker such as Hali who could get them the production this defense is severely lacking.
The Chiefs are currently busy trying to resign cornerback Sean Smith, inside linebacker Derrick Johnson, defensive tackle Jay Howard and running back Charcandrick West. They also need to reach a long-term contract extension with safety Eric Berry as he was slated to be their biggest free agent in 2016 until he was hit with the franchise tag. Johnson and Hali have been the heart and soul of this defensive unit, however it appears that their time might finally be up in Kansas City. If these veteran pass rushers don't return, expect the Chiefs to select several linebackers in the 2016 NFL Draft.
