At one point this offseason the Chiefs had $177 of salary cap space. That may be the only time in the history of sports where my checking account had a larger value than that of a professional sports franchise. A little wiggle from Sammy Watkins and Frank Clark allowed us to clear a couple of million before the draft to sign our rookies, and then all of a sudden in a 10 day stretch in July the Chiefs managed to sign Patrick “Money” Mahomes to a 10 years $477 million extension and then a week later give Chris Jones a 4 year $85 million deal. To recap the Chiefs had $177, not even enough to cover 2 MINUTES of PM15s new deal, and somehow signed the two most important pieces on their roster to long term deals. Either Brett Veach is a freaking genius or the salary cap is fictional. The Chiefs are playing with Monopoly money while the rest of NFL is trying to figure out how to get in on the game.
Before the two blockbuster signings the front office brass had quietly put together a solid offseason by mostly retaining what already in place, team friendly and affordable deals to keep Mike Pennel, Brashaud Breeland, Chad Henne, and DeMarcus Robinson. They also found depth from F.A. signing Mike Remmers, Antonio Hamilton, Ricky Seals-Jones, Taco Charleton and PM15 old teammate DeAndre Washington. In the last week they have also added former Pro Bowler Kelchi Osemele and safety Tedric Thompson. None of those names may make you jump for excitement but the proposition that those names are there for depth should make you smile for the fact that the Chiefs may have the best 53 man roster in all the NFL.
To go along with those name the Chiefs put together, in this writers opinion, an exceptional draft. They were able to draft the biggest all purpose threat in Clyde Edwards-Helair and they best coverage linebacker with Willie Gay Jr. in the 2020 draft both pieces come from the heart of the SEC so they are as ready as any rookies to step on the field week one contribute in our title defense. More offensive line depth and versatility in 3rd rounder Lucas Niang. Added secondary help with L’Jarious Sneed and BoPete Keyes in the 4th and 7th rounds. To round out this years draft was Michigan DE Mike Danna, it’s quite obvious in today’s NFL you can not have too many pass rushers. The top 3 picks I can see immediately stepping in and being impactful if any of the other 3 can contribute in rotations or on special teams this could be a special draft class that is super beneficial in the next 3 or 4 years.
At one point the Chiefs would be returning 20 of the 22 starters on offense and defense that number has since dropped to 18 with Damien William and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif opting out for differing reasons, Williams to be with his mother while she battles stage 4 cancer and the Canadian doctor choosing to stay and fight the Covid-19 battle north of border in a long term care facility. Our hats our off with both of these young men and our prayers are with them as well.
The motto for this offseason has been #RunItBack and the Chiefs have made it clear that the 2019 season and it’s Super Bowl our behind them. It’s time to go out and get a second one in 2020 and they have put the pieces to get that done. This roster is built to be fun and exciting on offense and gritty and very workmanlike on the defensive side. I think it has the capabilities to be top 5 on both sides of the ball but as we always know that things can change in the blink of an eye. So fingers are crossed and prayers sent up that this ball club can stay healthy. If so this team has everything needed to go back to back!
** After writing this article Lucas Niang has opted out of the 2020 NFL season.
I’m excited to review today’s selected roaster, Splitlog Coffee Company, they come from just across the state line in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of KCK. My employer Slap’s BBQ and Splitlog are neighbors and have been key in the revitalization of this historic neighborhood. Splitlog has been operating as a coffee shop for a few years now but just this past spring started roasting their own beans and it’s my true pleasure to review single origin Nicaraguan.
Right as I open the bag I can grasp the toasted notes of this medium roast beauty. I slight corn like sweetness fills the nostrils followed by some earthy morning dew hints with a surprising anise finish let me in on the complexity that I’m about to indulge in. A caramel like silkiness envelopes the mouth with bold sweetness agave nectar and Tahitian vanilla. Though I try to avoid bag descriptors I can agree with the fact this mellow. With as much as I got from the nose I was pleasantly surprised how mellow the under notes of this brew truly are. This is one of those curl up all day and read a book coffees. Subtly complex but not pretentious. You know you’re drinking something of value when you take a sip. This is definitely one I will go across the street and request again and also keep on hand to share with family and friends. Strong showing from Splitlog. I can’t wait to try more of their offerings.
Check out Splitlog Coffee Company
https://www.splitlogcoffee.com
Sunday I’ll be on The Full Monte Sports Show https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=YUfra2mnB30
Chiefs Coffee Corner 