With the re-signing of Josh Mauga, it’s a good time to take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs inside linebackers. There is now some depth there but still questions to be answered all around.
There’s the Derrick Johnson question. Will he return as the guy? Will he stay healthy? I believe / hope the answer to both of those is yes.
What does Tamba have left? It’s complicated
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- A good answer to a question we get often: How much does Tamba have left?
- Also: Tamba’s reaction to Dorsey’s firing
There’s the Ramik Wilson / Josh Mauga battle. Mauga was just signed and hasn’t practiced so we’re operating with some assumptions that he is the same guy as the one that started 30 games for the Chiefs in 2014 and 2015. He missed all of last season with a hip injury so, if healthy, can Mauga challenge Wilson for this position? This strongside linebacker won’t play every snap like DJ but they have a role in improving that run defense.
There’s the depth question. Who can step up and push one of these guys above? You’re talking about Justin March, Terrance Smith and rookie Ukeme Eligwe. I’ll throw DJ Alexander and Frank Zombo in there although we know who they are more than the others (DJ Alexander on special teams, Zombo as the vet that can play inside and out in a pinch).
I do feel better about the position with Mauga back. The Chiefs suffered through multiple injuries at that position last year (including Mauga) so the more depth the better.