Cut Frenzy by The Chiefs

The reductions continue as Chiefs attempt to get below the salary cap by Tuesday. Joe Mays had signed to a two year, 6 million contract last year. Mays would have been very expensive for a team close to the salary cap. Mays would have counted for 3.7 million against the cap for this season. This move leaves them needing about 2.8 million to be below the salary cap according to the Kansas City Star.

Yesterday, the team cut defensive linebacker, Vance Walker. Walker had been one of very few free agents signed to the team last offseason; however, he did not see any significant playing time. His cap number for this year was 3.75 million. Cutting Walker will save the Chiefs 1.75 million against the salary cap. The team has around 1.1 million more to reach the NFL requirement by Tuesday.

The cuts have been center stage but the team actually has retained, extended, or been rumored to restructure some contracts. The Chiefs retained wide receiver Junior Hemingway. Hemingway was a stand out on special teams this past season. The team tendered Hemingway to a oneyear league minimum deal. Terez Paylor of The Kansas City Star reported this news first.

Yesterday the Chiefs agreed to a three year deal with Inside Linebacker Josh Mauga to a three year deal worth about 8 million dollars. He stepped up for the team in relief of an injured Derrick Johnson. Mauga’s familiarity with defensive coordinator, Bob Sutton’s scheme proved beneficial to the team.

Linebacker Dezman Moses and Tight End Demetrius Harris were tendered for a year.

There are rumors that Outside Linebacker Tamba Hali is working on a restructured contract with the team. He is due to make 6.75 million this year under the salary cap. The team no doubt wants to lower that number so they may make some strides in free agency, which begins on Tuesday.

Mutual interest exists between wide receiver Jason Avant and the team for a new deal. Avant was a lifeline at times last year for Alex Smith. Certainly why the team wants him to return.