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Within an hour of the 2014 NFL free agency period, the Kansas City Chiefs lost five starting-caliber players, each of whom signed multi-year deals with new teams. The biggest contract was Branden Albert, who got $46 million from the Dolphins.
We don't know the contract numbers for Schwartz yet but the contracts of Albert, Jon Asamoah, Tyson Jackson and Dexter McCluster combine for 18 years and about $105 million. Schwartz's deal will bump that number even higher.
So, yeah. Free agency is expensive and the Chiefs don't have a lot of money to play with.
Geoff Schwartz to the Giants
Contract: Unknown
We thought for a while the Chiefs would be able to keep him. By free agency eve, it became clear he was moving on.
Dexter McCluster to the Titans
Contract: 3 years, $12 million ($4.5 million guaranteed)
The Chiefs will be looking to replace McCluster's role as a punt returner and a slot receiver. I argued way back when that his value was higher to the Chiefs than others. But $4 million is pushing it when the Chiefs have such little cap space. Weston Dressler seems like the obvious replacement ... but he's never played in the NFL.
Jon Asamoah to the Falcons
Contract: 5 years, $22.5 million (reported as $4.5 million per year, then later a 5-year deal)
We knew he was leaving after Geoff Schwartz replaced him midway through the season. With Schwartz also leaving, the Chiefs will need both a starting guard and more depth. Rishaw Johnson and Rok Watkins are in-house candidates at the moment.
Tyson Jackson to the Falcons
Contract: 5 years, $25 million
I wanted Jackson back but that contract is jaw-dropping. Way more than I figured the asking price would be. This is one I'm content to leave alone given the money involved. The Chiefs will replace Jackson with someone in-house or a free agent or draft pick (so basically from anywhere).
Branden Albert to the Dolphins
Contract: 5 years, $46 million ($25 million guaranteed)
We all know this was coming. Everyone said it was $10 million per year but it came out slightly less than that. The Chiefs will replace Albert with Eric Fisher and Donald Stephenson.