Josh Mauga, Chiefs Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

In his first season with the Kansas City Chiefs, linebacker Josh Mauga put up the best numbers of his career. The 27-year-old has reportedly been rewarded for his efforts with a contract extension. 

Continue for updates. 

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ESPN: Chiefs To Re-Sign Mauga

Friday, March 6

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Mauga's new deal with the Chiefs will be worth nearly $8 million over three years:

Mauga has been an under-the-radar success story. He came out of the University of Nevada as an undrafted free agent in 2009 after signing with the New York Jets, didn't appear in a game until 2010 and didn't play in 2013. 

The Chiefs signed Mauga in July 2014 to provide depth at linebacker. He wound up starting all 16 games, recording 103 combined tackles and three passes defended. 

Last November, Mauga told Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star that his past is always a motivating factor when he's on the field.

“No question, I’m always going to have a chip on my shoulder,” Mauga said. “I’ve got to work the hardest. I’ve never had things handed to me. I wasn’t drafted. I’ve got to go out there and work for that starting spot.”

Mauga admitted in the same article that his success in 2014 was "was never in my vision." There are limitations to his game, as ESPN cited Pro Football Focus stats in noting the veteran was second among inside linebackers with 21 missed tackles last year.

Even though that is an area Mauga has to correct if he wants to remain a starter over the duration of his contract, the Chiefs got more than they could have hoped for after pulling Mauga off the scrap heap last year. He doesn't cost a lot and adds some value on the field. 

Considering the Chiefs have other things to worry about, like hopefully locking Justin Houston up to a long-term deal instead of letting him play out one year on a franchise tender, Mauga's deal relieves some concerns for Andy Reid's defense.