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2016 NFL free agency: Who signs Husain Abdullah?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Husain Abdullah (39) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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Where will Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah end up in NFL free agency?

Teams in need of secondary help this offseason are in luck, as safety is one of the deepest positions of the 2016 NFL free agency period with the likes of Eric Berry (who received a non-exclusive franchise tag), Eric Weddle and George Iloka. There are a few more options deeper down the list who could still provide an upgrade for many rosters without breaking the bank, including Husain Abdullah of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Vitals

Age: 30
Notable stat: 6 career interceptions
All-Pro teams: 0
Pro Bowls: 0

Contract comparison

After playing four years with the Minnesota Vikings and taking a year off from football, Abdullah developed into an important piece of the Chiefs’ defense over the past three years. Abdullah started all 16 games in 2014 and was still productive last year despite being limited to 11 appearances due to multiple injuries, including a concussion.

One of Abdullah’s best traits is his versatility, which could make him a good fit on a number of teams across the NFL. Abdullah lined up in the box quite often with Kansas City in a dime package but is also quite reliable in pass coverage.

At 30 years old, Abdullah shouldn’t be expected to get a huge or lengthy contract, especially in a crowded market for safeties. However, Abdullah could be a solid starter on a number of teams and is, at worst, a nice role player to have. Expect Abdullah to get something close to starter money and maybe eclipse the $4 million AAV contract Andrew Sendejo received from Minnesota.

Estimate: 2 years/$8 million/$5 million guaranteed

Will he stay?

Kansas City is a good fit for Abdullah, and it appears the team has some interest in retaining him. While it wouldn’t be a shock for Abdullah to head elsewhere, staying in Kansas City is his most likely destination for 2016 and beyond.

The Chiefs line up in the dime package a lot under defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, and do a good job of making use of Abdullah’s versatile skill set. While Kansas City has already spent a chunk of money at the safety position by tagging Berry, it would be hard for it to replace what Abdullah brings.

Kansas City doesn’t have a great cap situation with around $18 million available and plenty of other free agents to address, but Abdullah should be one of the team’s priorities.

If he leaves…

The Chiefs may decide to prioritize some other free agents, in which case Abdullah should have a few suitors in the market for a mid-level safety.

A pair of contenders with an immediate need at safety are the Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers, making Abdullah a good short-term fit. The Arizona Cardinals could also benefit from signing Abdullah, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will also be looking for safety help if they miss out on the top tier of free agents.

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