3 Difficult Roster Decisions the Chiefs Will Be Faced With in 2021

The Kansas City Chiefs are riding high after winning the Super Bowl in February. The goal is now to repeat and build a dynasty in Kansas City. 2020 looks promising, as the core of the team is back. However, tough decisions will have to be made in 2021 that could alter the future trajectory of the franchise.

3. Damien Williams

Kansas City Chiefs RB Damien Williams was the team's leading rusher in 2019. / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Kareem Hunt was the future at running back for the Chiefs before he was abruptly let go due to several off-the-field incidents, and the team scrambled to replace him. Damien Williams led the Chiefs in rushing last year with 498 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. Next was LeSean McCoy, whose tenure in KC appears to be over. Williams leaving after 2020 would leave the team barren at running back, and the Chiefs will have to decide if he is worth a multi-year deal, or if the plug-and-play model with several players works best.

2. Chris Jones After Franchise-Tag Season

Kansas City Chiefs DE Chris Jones is on the clock for an extension. / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Chris Jones has been elite during his four seasons with the Chiefs. He has 33 career sacks and made the Pro Bowl last season. Jones is playing on the franchise tag in 2020 at a value of $16.1 million. His annual figure could eclipse $20 million starting in 2021 at the same time Patrick Mahomes will need a new deal. Frank Clark is only on Year 2 of his five-year, $104 million deal, and his salary jumps to over $25 million in 2021. That money could have been Jones', but Clark possessing it should mean Jones' time is up.

1. Patrick Mahomes Mega Contract Extension

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is going to receive a record deal. / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

There would be a mutiny in Kansas City if the Chiefs did not offer Patrick Mahomes a record extension. The question is if the team wants to sign him to a new deal right away, or let him play 2021 on his fifth-year option. The only risk in waiting is him somehow feeling disrespected by the Chiefs, and thus deciding to listen to offers from around the league. Locking him up after the 2020 season avoids any drama and keeps the star in town. Lingering could lead to a similar situation as to what Dallas Cowboys fans are seeing with Dak Prescott.