Chiefs' latest move raises big question about starter's future
It’s going to be really interesting to see where things go from here.
The Kansas City Chiefs stole a player from the rival Los Angeles Chargers, but that's not the biggest takeaway when it comes to examining the move.
The question of starting linebacker Willie Gay's future is what attracts the most attention.
Per The Score's Jordan Schultz, the Chiefs signed Drue Tranquill to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million on Friday. The Athletic's Nate Taylor later clarified that the deal has a base value of $3 million and it maxes out at $5 million after incentives.
That's obviously not starter money, in the grand scheme of things, so what gives when it comes to Gay's future?
It's the fact that, according to Schultz, Tranquill turned down offers from five other teams. And, he's coming off a career year in which he recorded career-highs across the board. Tranquill set new marks in total tackles (144), solo tackles (95), sacks (1.0), interceptions (1), pass deflections (4), tackles for loss (10), and QB hits (8).
Why on earth would Tranquill, who's coming off a career year, leave a place where he played the entire season and pass up five other suitors just to come in and either compete for a starting job or man a backup role? It makes so much more sense for Tranquill to go somewhere with a clear opening for a starting role. Especially after the season he had in 2022.
The Chiefs obviously aren't bringing in anyone to replace stud LB Nick Bolton. So, the focus shifts to Gay. The team did lose Darius Harris, but Leo Chenal is still there to help fill that role, as well.
2023 is the last year of Gay's rookie deal. So, the Chiefs aren't locked into any kind of investment with the fourth-year linebacker. They could easily decide Tranquill is a better player/fit in 2023 and go their separate ways with Gay after the season.
The first thought that comes to mind is Tranquill is used as a dime linebacker in certain situations. But, again, unless the other offers he received were just awful, it doesn't make sense for him to pass up multiple opportunities for a competing role.
It's an interesting move by the Chiefs. The NFL is all about bringing in competition and getting the best out of everyone. But, when looking at the full context of this situation, it's easy to see why this could be the beginning of the end for Willie Gay in Kansas City.
