Chiefs can keep Eric Fisher with fifth year option or contract extension

A few weeks ago I looked at the Kansas City Chiefs post-free agency needs. I included offensive tackle as one of my needs because Eric Fisher is heading into the final year of his contract. I thought it was questionable whether the Chiefs would pick up Fisher's estimated $12 million fifth-year option for 2017.

As it turns out, it's not all that questionable. It sure sounds like the Chiefs are going to find a way to keep Fisher, whether that's through the option or an extension.

"We have had very positive discussions with regards to his option here," Chiefs GM John Dorsey told reporters this week. "And we have plenty of time here, you guys."

The Chiefs have to decide on the option by May 2 of this year. It's guaranteed but only for injury which means the Chiefs are only on the hook if Fisher is injured and can't play in 2017. That's unlikely so picking up the option shouldn't be that big of a decision ... they should go ahead and do it.

$12 million is still a lot of money. That's elite tackle money. Those who have been reading Arrowhead Pride closely know that I think the Chiefs should probably consider giving Fisher an extension instead of that option. An extension would presumably be cheaper than $12 million. So I asked Dorsey if an extension with Fisher was in the works.

"Yes it is," Dorsey said. "That’s part of the discussion there."

Dorsey went on to say that they have discussions about a lot of things, extension and option. I vote extension because the I'd rather pay Fisher, someone the Chiefs know well and have four years invested into, than go out and devote another first round pick to a tackle.