National media outlet predicts Chiefs will sign a free agent that would mean saying goodbye to a key player
Pro Football Network predicted on Thursday that the Kansas City Chiefs will make a free agent signing this offseason that would likely mean saying goodbye to a key player. PFN predicted that Kansas City will sign veteran edge rusher Arden Key in free agency. From PFN: After winning their second Super Bowl in four years, […]
Pro Football Network predicted on Thursday that the Kansas City Chiefs will make a free agent signing this offseason that would likely mean saying goodbye to a key player.
PFN predicted that Kansas City will sign veteran edge rusher Arden Key in free agency.
After winning their second Super Bowl in four years, the Chiefs hardly need to make sweeping changes to their roster. While they could stand to add another wide receiver, Kansas City might have to look to the draft or the trade market to find another pass catcher.
Instead, the Chiefs could use free agency to make small tweaks to its defense. With their secondary largely set, K.C. might try to buoy its defensive line — and Arden Key would be a solid fit as a rotational pass rusher. Key can’t be relied upon as a starter, but he’s a bully as a pass rusher and can line up inside or outside.
Pro Football Network noted that Key can't be relied on as a starter, but if the Chiefs sign the former third-round pick, it probably means they've moved on from defensive lineman Frank Clark.
Kansas City could save $21 million in cap space if they release Clark this spring.
Key, meanwhile, is projected to earn around $11 million next season.
Clark has 9.5 sacks over the last two seasons while Key has 11 sacks. I still think Clark's the better player, but the Chiefs could get similar production from Key while saving a total of $10 million.
Kansas City fans might not be ready to say goodbye to Clark, but this is a move that would just make good business sense for the Chiefs.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
