The Kansas City Chiefs were all over the place in 2014. They started the season 7-3 before finishing 2-4. They had a top 10 rushing attack but just the 29th-ranked passing offense. They were one of the best pass defenses in the league but couldn't stop the run to save, well, their season. As a result, some big changes are expected in KC this offseason. The first might be a bit of a shocker.
Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star argues that the Chiefs should begin the offseason by cutting pass rusher Tamba Hali. At first glance, it's easy to think of Mellinger as crazy. Why cut a linebacker with 79.5 sacks in nine seasons? But dig a little bit deeper and Mellinger's argument begins to make more sense. After all, Hali finished with just six sacks this season, his lowest total since 2008.
"The Chiefs' best future is with the $9 million in cap space they'd get by releasing Hali instead of the good-but-no-longer-elite production they'd get by keeping him," Mellinger wrote.
One look at the roster and it does seem as if the 31-year-old Hali has become more of a luxury than a necessity. Justin Houston has emerged as the top pass-rusher for this Chiefs squad, leading the NFL with 22 sacks this season. The money saved by Hali's release could be used to re-sign the 25-year-old Houston this offseason. Linebacker Dee Ford, Kansas City's first-round pick from last season, is also ready to assume a larger role on defense next year.
"The Chiefs, if they are to maximize a shrinking window to push toward postseason success, will have to wear the consequences of an uncomfortable business decision - by cutting Tamba Hali," Mellinger wrote.
The main priority for the Chiefs this offseason should be upgrading what was a dreadful receiving corps in 2014. Cutting Hali along with Donnie Avery ($3.5 million) and A.J. Jenkins ($1.3 million) will help open up cap space to spend on the position. Young pass catchers such as Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin and Torrey Smith would all be welcome upgrades in KC.
It may not be easy to do and it may not be popular, but cutting Hali may be the first step toward getting the Chiefs back into the playoffs.
