Chiefs Free Agency: Projecting Contract Offers for Kansas City
The Kansas City Chiefs are just a few pieces away from returning to the postseason. With a couple of wide receivers and reliable pass-blockers, the Chiefs would return to the postseason and become a threat to the rest of the league.
The Chiefs proved they can compete with the rest of the NFL when they defeated the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks earlier this year, the two teams who will play in this season's Super Bowl. But the team was inconsistent throughout the season, preventing it from reaching its potential.
General manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid must come away with a couple of signings in free agency to help the Chiefs improve before going into the draft just a piece or two away from being a complete football team.
Here are some key players the Chiefs will attempt to re-sign or try to add to their team for 2015.
Justin Houston, OLB, Chiefs
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Justin Houston will likely return to Kansas City for the 2015 season, but it is uncertain if it will be under the franchise tag or if he plays with a new contract.
Houston skyrocketed his level of play in 2014 with a league-leading and franchise-record 22 sacks. As the most valuable defensive player without a contract, Houston benefitted from not signing a new deal before the season.
His 22 sacks allow him and his agent to demand a lot of money from the Chiefs or any team interested in bringing him in.
But expect Houston to play for the Chiefs in 2015.
Contract offer prediction: six years, $90 million
Rodney Hudson, C, Chiefs
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Rodney Hudson is one of the league's most underrated centers and was the only viable pass-blocker for Alex Smith this past season. Given that pass-blocking is a glaring weakness for Kansas City, the team must keep its best offensive lineman in Hudson.
The price for Hudson becomes interesting. While Hudson is underrated in the eyes of fans, Dorsey ultimately decides the terms when it comes to a new deal.
If Dorsey also sees Hudson is underrated and deserves more credit, then Hudson has a big paycheck coming his way. If not, Hudson may not earn as much.
With Hudson's contract now up, he is coming off his best year and holds a lot of value—especially to the Chiefs. He is likely due for a raise.
Contract offer prediction: four years, $23 million
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles
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What if the Chiefs tried to go after some of the players with whom Reid and Dorsey are familiar from their past jobs in Green Bay and Philadelphia? While unrealistic to expect all of the players on this list to join the Chiefs, it is common for past connections to reconnect in the NFL.
Jeremy Maclin returned for a one-year deal with the Eagles with a base salary of $1.75 million. After the best season of his career, he is projected to earn roughly top-10 money at the wide receiver position.
In 2014, Maclin set career highs in receptions with 85, receiving yards with 1,318 and tied a career high with 10 touchdowns, the same amount he had back in 2010. Reid drafted Maclin in Phialdelphia out of Missouri in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
Contract offer prediction: five years, $55 million
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Randall Cobb, WR, Packers
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Dorsey served as a director of college scouting with the Green Bay Packers while Randall Cobb was drafted. Cobb started off dominating as a special teams player while making big contributions on offense.
This year, however, was the biggest year in Cobb's four years in Green Bay. The former Kentucky Wildcat snagged 96 passes for 1,287 yards and a dozen touchdowns, the most he has had in all three categories in a single season.
Cobb could stay and continue to work with Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson, unless he wants to be labeled as the No. 1 receiver and add more productivity elsewhere.
If he plays for the Chiefs, Cobb will have plenty of passes thrown in his direction each game. He would very likely get a lot of the receiving load in Kansas City due to the lack of support and depth at the position.
Contract offer prediction: five years, $60 million
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Packers
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Bryan Bulaga was another player drafted while Dorsey was with Green Bay's front office. Since picking him out of Iowa, the Packers have been pleased with Bulaga's production as a pass-blocker.
Bulaga has surrendered 3.5 sacks per year on average through the last three seasons, according to STATS LLC. With Kansas City's lack of talent at the offensive line, there is no doubt that Dorsey and Reid would be open to the idea of bringing Bulaga to the Chiefs.
Bulaga had a base salary below $1 million in his first four years, while his base in 2014 was $2.56 million. He is seeking a big deal and the Chiefs will have to pay up if they want him wearing red and gold in 2015 and beyond.
Contract offer prediction: four years, $50 million
Brandon Flowers, CB, Chargers
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Kansas City's defense was pretty good for the most part. At the same time, the secondary missed Brandon Flowers after having to let him go last year.
Through 14 games, Flowers had three picks and 10 passes defended, improving from last year's totals in those categories. He also finished with 52 tackles.
The Chiefs know Flowers was a loss. Perhaps he was worth keeping. Could the Chiefs try to bring him back? It wouldn't be the first time it has happened in sports.
Flowers made just $3 million with the San Diego Chargers this past season. The Chiefs could snag him for a smaller price than what they were paying him before.
Contract offer prediction: three years, $14 million
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