Kansas City Chiefs salary cap issues will plague them

Chiefs leadership will have major decisions to make going into the offseason

Kansas City Chiefs fans can expect some new faces on the field next season thanks to a salary cap issue that will damage the team’s depth chart across the board.

Currently sitting $9 million over the salary cap for next season Chiefs general manager Brett Veach will have to trim salary to place a formidable team on the field. That doesn’t even account for the free agents he projects to lose this offseason if their salary cap issues aren’t resolved soon.

One major piece that will help Veach in his quest to clear at least $9 million is moving veteran quarterback Alex Smith to pave way for first-round pick Patrick Mahomes II. Entering the final year of his contract Smith carries a $20.6 million cap hit with only $3.6 million in dead cap if they cut him.

Kansas City should be able to swing a trade involving the 33-year-old quarterback, who started this season looking like an MVP candidate. Jacksonville, Cleveland, and both the teams in New York would appreciate a quarterback such as Smith steering the ship.

Inside linebacker Derrick Johnson may also be shown the door with a cap hit over $10 million going into his 14th NFL season. The club can save about 80% of that money if they release him, but a minor trade could be swung with Johnson as well.

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If the Chiefs can make those two moves happen it’ll open the door to address their free agents. Bennie Logan will receive the most attention in the extension category after signing a one-year deal worth $8 million to reunite with Andy Reid.