Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali Could Be A Potential Cap Casualty?

Chiefs OLB Tamba Hali recently mentioned that he would love to be back in Kansas City next year, but admitted he doesn’t “know what’s going to happen next year.”

“I’ve been here nine years … I don’t know what’s going to happen next year,” Hali, 31, via Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star. “I’d love to be here. But again, I can’t really worry about it. I’m a football player and I love playing the game, so if they want me here, I’ll still be here (playing) at a high level.”

Last year, the Chiefs used their first-round pick on Dee Ford and they will have to offer impending free agent OLB Justin Houston some major money to convince him to sign a long-term contract.

Hali has been an effective player in recent years, but he has a cap figure of $9 million for the 2015 season, which could prompt the Chiefs to consider releasing him and take the cap savings.

Releasing Hali would be similar to the moves made by the Bears and Cowboys last year when they parted ways with Julius Peppers and DeMarcus Ware.

It’s not out of the question that Hali could find similar interest if he were to be available.

As of now, the Chiefs aren’t projected to have much in terms of cap space. Dwayne Bowe is another play to keep an eye on as he is coming off of a disappointing season and represents some of the easiest cap relief for Kansas City.

Hali admitted that he has contemplated retirement in recent years.

“You get three months off and then you want to start playing football again, that’s how it works,” Hali said. “I can’t make a decision today and say I’m done … of course, it’s draining, mentally, physically … you put so much in and you want so much out of it, but it never pans out that way.

“I question it sometimes, whether I want to continue to play.”

Hali, 31, will be entering the final year of his five-year, $57.5 million contract that included $35 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $6.75 million to go along with a $2 million roster bonus for the 2015 season and his cap figure sits at $11.9 million.

This year, Hali appeared in all 16 games for the Chiefs and recorded 59 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and a recovery. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 13 outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense out of 46 qualifying players.