Who signs outside linebacker Tamba Hali in 2016 NFL free agency?
The Kansas City Chiefs won a playoff game for the first time in 22 years this January, finally giving Tamba Hali a taste of postseason success. After being drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by Kansas City, Hali had toiled on some terrible teams and been disappointed in the playoffs. Now, with his contract up, will Hali come back for another run with the Chiefs?
Vitals
Age: 32
Notable stat: 86 career sacks
All-Pro teams: 2 (2011, 2013)
Pro Bowls: 6 (2010-15)
Contract comparison
This is a very hard situation to compare given Hali’s actions last year. Hali was supposed to make $9 million in the final year of his deal but willingly took a $7 million pay cut to help the Chiefs sign Jeremy Maclin, among others. Hali has stated that he wants to finish his career in Kansas City, knowing he could make infinitely more money elsewhere.
At 32 years old, Hali is still a very productive player. He had 6.5 sacks this season despite dealing with bad knees and continues to rank as one of the top linebackers in terms of quarterback pressures. General manager John Dorsey will likely extend an offer to Hali, who if not signed to a new deal by March 3, automatically has a $3 million cap hit for the Chiefs, even if he leaves.
Estimate: 2 years/$10 million/$4.5 million guaranteed
Will he stay?
Kansas City has been home for Hali over the last 10 years, and it appears he won’t be going anywhere. Hali has voiced that if he is not playing with the Chiefs, he would likely consider retirement as a strong option. It owuld be shocking if Kansas City offered any kind of a long-term deal, considering both his age and balky knees.
If he leaves…
Some teams will come calling because he can still get after the quarterback at a high level. The Cleveland Browns desperately need a pass-rusher off the edge to compliment Paul Kruger and Hali would be a nice fit. Another possible destination would be the San Diego Chargers, who play a 3-4 defense and have no ability to hit the signal-caller.