Tamba Hali Willing To Take A Pay Cut To Be Back With Chiefs Next Year

Chiefs veteran OLB Tamba Hali said that he would like be back with the Chiefs next season and implied that he would be respective to taking a pay cut next year.

“At this stage of my career, it isn’t about money,” Hali said during an interview with 610 Sports Radio, via the Kansas City Star. “The Kansas City Chiefs have taken care of me, financially. I have some good people in my corner that have positioned me to be able to live a lifestyle a lot of people won’t be able to live. So I’m not one of those guys who gets all bent out of shape over money. I love playing the game, I want to win a championship in Kansas City.

“If money is going to be a hindrance in doing that, we’ll find a way … we’ve got to get Justin (Houston) paid and get our guys, Dee Ford, ready to be playing at a higher level … but we’ve got to get Houston paid, I’m optimistic about that … that’s something we’ve got to get done.”

This would be great news for the Chiefs who will need to lock up Justin Houston to massive contract extension while finding some upgrades at receiver and to their offensive line.

Hali, 31, is 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.