Tamba Hali, an unsung hero on the Chiefs' stingy 2015 defense, is headed for free agency.
The Kansas City Star reported that the Chiefs and Hali did not reach a deal on a contract extension by Friday, voiding his contract. The five-time Pro Bowl linebacker had already agreed to a $3 million pay cut before last season to give the team more payroll flexibility.
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Although Hali could still sign with the Chiefs, it would have made more sense for the team to sign him before his contract voided.
Hali has been overshadowed by teammates like Marcus Peters and fellow linebacker Justin Houston, but he's been very productive since being drafted out of Penn State as the 20th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Although Hali totaled only 12.5 sacks the past two years — down from an average of almost 12 per season the four years before that — he still played a key role in 2015 putting pressure on the quarterback.
ArrowheadPride.com even named Hali the Chiefs' midseason MVP last season, "partially because of his play and partially because of what he means to his team. Tamba is the consummate Chief, restructuring his contract to stay with the team, mentoring Houston and Dee Ford, and giving absolutely everything he has on every play."
Hali, according to the Star, said after last season he would require knee surgery. He has fought knee issues the past two seasons.