The Kansas City Chiefs knew they wouldn’t be able to retain all their free agents, but they’d be remiss if they didn’t try. A big victory was won on opening day of action when they managed to secure the return of defensive end Jaye Howard.
DE Jaye Howard signs with Chiefs, two years up to $12 million, per source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 10, 2016
Here is a rundown of the player the Chiefs are getting back and what he means to their system.
“Dontari Poe may be the focal point of the defensive line, but much of the Chiefs’ recent success should be attributed to the emergence of Jaye Howard. The defensive end has established himself as a quality all-around player with a mix of size and quickness that enable him to stop the run and generate pressure on the pocket. He finished with a career-high 5.5 sacks in 2015 and rated at the top among run defenders. He’s entering his prime and should have as good or even better seasons ahead.”
Keeping him and Poe together was an understandable goal for the Chiefs as it enables them to keep the linebackers free on the edges. The pass rush is of course their trade mark but none of it happens without Howard being such a big and strong presence against the ground game.
GRADE: A
Many though the Chiefs wouldn’t be able to retain Howard. So to get him back at $6 million per season is not only a win, but in context it is a steal. Chances are he could’ve gotten more money on the market after what Malik Jackson signed for. It’s clear he wanted to come back and was willing to take a discount. The short-term deal is a compromise that will allow him to seek another contract while he’s still under 30-years old.