Five Biggest Free Agency Moves: Kansas City Chiefs
With free agency now into its fifth week as April’s Draft draws closer, it’s time to start reviewing which teams filled some needs and who got weaker. Here are the five biggest free agency moves for each team so far.
The Chiefs won the AFC West title last season thanks to a 12–4 record, but lost to Pittsburgh in the Divisional round of the playoffs. Kansas City has been a model of consistency under Andy Reid, but they must now figure out how to take the next step after retaining much of last year’s roster. Here are Kansas City’s five biggest free agency moves:
1 — Locking up Eric Berry
After playing under the franchise tag last season and being tagged again this off-season, Eric Berry finally got a long-term deal after signing a six year, $78 million contract that makes him the league’s highest paid safety. Berry’s big plays delivered two victories for the Chiefs last season, and he is also the teams emotional leader after overcoming Hodgkin’s Lymphoma a couple of years ago. The five-time Pro Bowler anchors an impressive young secondary alongside cornerback Marcus Peters and had four interceptions (two pick sixes) along with nine pass breakups and a forced fumble.
2 — Releasing Jamaal Charles
After multiple injuries over the past few years, Jamaal Charles’ time as the face of the franchise is over. The Chiefs focused more on the aerial attack last year and have Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West in the backfield. Charles would’ve counted for around $7 million against the cap, and Kansas City could easily find his long-term replacement in a loaded running back draft class.
3 — Reshuffling the defensive line
The Chiefs let the inconsistent Dontari Poe, their first round pick in 2012, leave in free agency. To replace Poe at defensive tackle Kansas City signed former Eagle Bennie Logan to a one year, $8 million deal. Logan had 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season, but has missed five games over the last two years due to injuries. The Chiefs also bring back Jarvis Jenkins on a one year contract. Kansas City signed Jenkins mid-season last year for depth.
4 — Extending Daniel Sorensen
As well as bringing back Eric Berry, the Chiefs also extended fellow safety Daniel Sorensen to a four year, $16 million deal. Sorensen is a key player in dime sub-packages and is also a key special teams contributor. Sorensen had a career year last season with 63 tackles, six pass breakups, three interceptions (including a pick six), two forced fumbles and a sack.
5 — Restructuring Derrick Johnson
The Chiefs restructured veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson’s contract for some cap relief, bringing his cap hit down by $4 million. Despite heading into his 13th season, Johnson is still a productive player. He started all 13 games he played in last year and had 90 tackles with a sack and three pass breakups, along with a pick six.
