Chiefs free agent Ron Parker expected to look for $6 million per year

Last week I wrote that I want the Kansas City Chiefs to bring free-agent-to-be Ron Parker back because of the versatility he provides in the secondary with experience at both safety and cornerback. And with the Eric Berry situation up in the air, I thought it was important that the Chiefs brought Parker back -- if the price is right.

That last part is important because Parker is the type of player who could cash in nicely in the right free agent market. According to the Star's Terez Paylor, who has an excellent free agent story on Parker you should read, Parker will be seeking $6 million per year over four or five years.

That seems a little rich for the Chiefs blood, who still have to worry about getting Justin Houston under the franchise tag or a long-term contract and possibly sign Rodney Hudson to an extension while Alex Smith's cap number rises in 2015. In my head, my "if the price is right" number was about $4 million per year. If Parker can get more than that from someone else, more power to him. He has earned it.

What he did for the Chiefs in 2014 was help eliminate the big plays that were such a problem in 2013. He did a nice job at safety in that regard, which was probably the biggest improvement in the Chiefs defense last season. That shouldn't be overlooked.

One reason I'm hesitant to invest too much in the secondary is because the real strength of the Chiefs defense comes from their pass rush. They have invested and will invest heavily in the pass rush with Justin Houston, Dee Ford and perhaps Tamba Hali if he stays in Kansas City next season. That strong pass rush allows the Chiefs to go a little cheaper in the secondary and still perform at a high level.