Kansas
The Kansas City Chiefs Have 3 Big Contract Question Marks Looming
The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are presently the No. 1 seed within the AFC and are in a terrific place to push for the Tremendous Bowl title. Whereas the coaches and gamers are doing effectively on the precise soccer facet of issues, the entrance workplace has upcoming choices to arrange for.
A number of key gamers are both scheduled to be free brokers on the finish of this 12 months or solely have one 12 months remaining on their respective contracts. Because of this, the Chiefs must resolve what these gamers are value and probably attempt to come to an settlement to maintain them in Kansas Metropolis. Let’s check out three of them.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster this offseason on an incentive-based one-year deal, and he is enjoying his manner right into a extra important long-term deal. Smith-Schuster has caught 46 passes for 615 yards and two touchdowns by way of 9 video games, adequate to rank within the high 30 within the NFL in receptions and high 15 in yards. Does his success in Kansas Metropolis put him out of what the Chiefs are keen to pay, although?
When trying on the large receiver free agent market, Smith-Schuster is the very best one out there this coming offseason. Christian Kirk was the highest-paid large receiver on the open market final 12 months, and he obtained a four-year contract with a mean wage of $18 million. Smith-Schuster’s numbers can be higher than Kirk’s had been when he hit the market, however will groups across the league suppose it is a product of enjoying with the very best quarterback within the league?
The easiest way for the Chiefs to retain a participant they appear to love and who has expressed his want to stick with the group is to not let him hit the open market. If Smith-Schuster enters free company, some crew will provide him a contract that can be considered as an “overpay.” The Chiefs will not be comfy paying that quantity for his providers. To stop that from occurring, Kansas Metropolis ought to get an extension executed with Smith-Schuster earlier than the start of the brand new league 12 months. A deal someplace within the $13-17M vary appears honest for a participant of his caliber.
Orlando Brown Jr.
The largest offseason query for the Chiefs final 12 months will nonetheless be the most important query this 12 months: How will they deal with the Orlando Brown Jr. contract scenario?
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To say Brown has underperformed this season is someway an understatement. In line with Professional Soccer Focus, he has given up probably the most strain of any deal with within the NFL. Additionally, he’s within the backside 15% for strain fee allowed of gamers with at the very least 240 passing blocking snaps. It isn’t like he is been glorious within the run sport to compensate for his poor move safety, both. PFF has him graded because the fourth-best beginning offensive lineman on the Chiefs as a run blocker.
Brown wager on himself by not accepting the Chiefs’ long-term provide this offseason. Frankly, that appears like a poor choice for the time being. He’s solely 26 years previous and has proven a bent to enhance all year long, so his play might take a step up. Nonetheless, are the Chiefs keen to pay top-of-the-market cash to somebody who begins the season off poorly?
While you receives a commission at or close to the highest of your place, there’s an expectation of being your finest on a constant foundation. Brown hasn’t proven he can try this. The Chiefs know they’ve the franchise tag of their again pocket to permit them to maintain Brown round whereas looking for an answer. They could attempt to provide a mid-level deal that’s extra team-friendly due to how he has carried out over the beginning of this season. And not using a important enchancment, this almost certainly resolves within the Chiefs inserting the franchise tag on the left deal with and having an offseason stuffed with questions surrounding their future with him.
Chris Jones
Chris Jones shouldn’t be like Smith-Schuster or Brown, as he isn’t enjoying on an expiring deal, however this can be a pseudo-contract 12 months. His present contract runs by way of 2023, though the Chiefs might reduce him this offseason and save $20M in opposition to the cap. With how the star defensive lineman has performed this 12 months, although, the Chiefs ought to almost certainly look to get an extension executed.
Jones has been the league’s second-best inside defensive lineman for a few years however by no means fairly received the popularity he deserved due to Aaron Donald. This 12 months, Jones has been the very best defensive deal with within the league by way of 10 weeks. He’s high 10 in sacks and high 15 in quarterback pressures and is effectively on his technique to an All-Professional choice. He’s additionally a doable Defensive Participant of the 12 months candidate, boasting the seventh-best Vegas odds for the award as of the publishing of this text.
Jones is in the identical boat Tyreek Hill was in final 12 months. There’s a probability Jones will get traded for draft capital because the Chiefs proceed to get youthful, however he and Hill are totally different. Jones is the Chiefs’ defensive position. If he is now not right here, Kansas Metropolis has important query marks at an already weak place group. Hill was one of the vital crucial gamers on the offense, however sooner or later, his calls for had been now not value it to the Chiefs. They felt they may exchange his manufacturing otherwise.
The marketplace for defensive tackles is attention-grabbing as a result of Donald makes $10M greater than the next-closest participant. If Donald is the exception and never the rule, an inexpensive deal may be labored out between the Chiefs and Jones for round $22-25M a 12 months, protecting the stud move rusher in Kansas Metropolis for years to come back.
Kansas
2 arrested after stolen vehicle leads Kansas City Police on high-speed chase
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Two men who led police on a high-speed chase through Kansas City in a stolen vehicle have been charged in connection to another stolen vehicle.
Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records indicate that Trevon Perkins, 27, and Demont M. Vandunk, have been charged in connection to the armed robbery of a Corvette from a Kansas City detailer and a high-speed chase that followed.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department revealed that just after 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, emergency crews were called to a local parking lot with reports of an armed robbery. When they arrived, they found a local detailer who reported he had been working on a Corvette when it was stolen.
The victim told law enforcement officials that two men, later identified as Perkins and Vandunk, drove up in a black 2018 Camaro before they threatened to shoot him as they took his wallet, keys and belongings.
Investigators noted that Vandunk left the scene in the blue 2023 Corvette while Perkins returned to the Camaro and sped off. Later that night, the Camaro was spotted near E. 67th and Monroe Ave. However, when law enforcement officials attempted to pull the driver – Vandunk – over, he attempted to speed off and started a chase.
Law enforcement officials said they followed Vandunk and Perkins, who was in the passenger seat, down Meyer to Swope Pkwy. and onto Cleveland Ave. as they reached speeds of more than 100 mph. Vandunk lost control of the Camaro before it crashed into another vehicle near 40th and Cleveland.
KCPD said Vandunk and Perkins attempted to run but were quickly taken into custody. During the investigation, it was found that the Camaro had also been stolen out of Kansas City, Kansas. All of the property stolen in the earlier robbery was found and seized.
Vandunk was charged with accessory to robbery, armed criminal action and aggravated fleeing a stop. Perkins was charged with accessory to robbery and armed criminal action as a result. If convicted both could face up to life in prison.
As of Friday, Dec. 27, Perkins remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond. A bond review hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22.
Vandunk remains behind bars on a $75,000 bond as well. A bond review hearing for him has been set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday with a preliminary hearing also at 2 p.m. on Jan. 22. No further information has been released.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Kansas
Titans Could Land Chiefs Star Defender
The Tennessee Titans spent a whole lot of money last offseason, addressing both sides of the ball in a free-agent frenzy.
One of the Titans’ signees was linebacker Kenneth Murray, who was viewed as a rather questionable addition from the start.
Well, now here we are in late 2024, and the Murray acquisition is largely considered a disaster.
As a result, Tennessee could stand to add another inside linebacker heading into the offseason, so why not pursue Kansas City Chiefs star Nick Bolton?
Bolton is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL and has registered 106 tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, a couple of fumble recoveries and six passes defended this season.
However, due to the Chiefs’ rather tenuous financial situation, it may prove difficult for Kansas City to bring the experienced defender back into the fold.
That opens the door for the Titans, who are set to enter free agency with solid cap room and can certainly afford to add Bolton.
Remember: inside linebackers are no longer valued like they once were, so they don’t typically make big money on the open market. That means Tennessee may be able to land Bolton on a palatable multi-year deal, and that would be a significant boon to the Titans’ defense.
Bolton joined the professional ranks as a second-round pick of the Chiefs in 2021 and immediately established himself as a force, posting 112 tackles during his rookie campaign.
The following year, the 24-year-old was even better, racking up 180 tackles, a pair of sacks and two interceptions.
Bolton has also been a member of two Super Bowl-winning Kansas City squads, so he brings ample big-game experience to the table.
While offense is certainly a bigger issue for Tennessee, it needs to address its defense, as well, and Bolton would represent a major get.
Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
Kansas
'We'll prevail again this year': Kansas City illuminates City Hall Menorah, celebrating Hanukkah
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas alongside local Jewish leaders Thursday night illuminated the City Hall Menorah to celebrate Hanukkah.
“We are reminded that we all have beloved traditions and even share cultural themes and values in common,” said Neta Meltzer, the interim executive director for the American Jewish Committee. “We all share this community and each of our thriving is tied to, and dependent on the thriving of others.”
Across the globe, 15.7 million Jews are celebrating Hanukkah, known as the “Festival of Lights.” In Hebrew, Hanukkah translates to “dedication.” The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
In 164 BC, a group of Jewish fighters, Maccabees, at the command of Judah of Maccabees engaged in battle with the Greek army, which captured the city of Jerusalem in 200 BC.
Judah and his fighters took back the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. They attempted to re-light their menorah, a then oil-based candelabra, used in Jewish worship.
The fighters found there was only enough oil to hold light for one day. In a miracle, the menorah remained lit for eight days.
Jews commemorate ancestral efforts in the annual Hanukkah holiday, celebrating freedom from injustice.
“The Jews have absolutely become a resilient people. Certainly back in the times of Hanukkah but so many different times during our history,” explained Jay Lewis, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. “Now today and in the post-October 7th world, there is rising anti-semitism. Our resilience gets tested again and Hanukkah is a good reminder we are resilient, we are a strong people, and we prevailed many times and we’ll prevail again this year.”
The 2024 Menorah Lighting celebration at Kansas City’s City Hall has only taken place a handful of times. This year, it symbolizes the Jewish community’s presence in the Metro.
“We started it to make sure everybody knew they were welcome, from all faith communities in Kansas City. But certainly for our Jewish sisters and brothers, that you knew you always have a home here at City Hall,” Mayor Lucas told those in attendance.
For the first time since 2005, the first night of Hanukkah fell on Dec. 25, Christmas Day. Since 1900, the holiday’s first night has fallen on Christmas five times: 1910, 1921, 1959, 2005, and now 2024.
Judaism follows the 354-day-long lunar calendar, following the length of time it takes for the moon to revolve around the sun.
Hanukkah lasts eight nights. The shorter lunar calendar means each year, the holiday starts 11 days earlier and can begin as early as Thanksgiving.
“It’s a beautiful metaphor that Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are all right here at the same time. They’re all about light, warmth, and bringing more light into the world. The Jewish community feels totally integrated in the Kansas City Community,” added Lewis. “It’s not this way in every city. In Kansas City, we have multiple religions and cultures that can all be intertwined the way Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah are. The fact we can be inside City Hall having this kind of celebration, I don’t think it gets any better than that.”
Lewis says Jewish communities have remained safe in history during times of strife through their healthy relationship with elected officials and the government.
Thursday night’s display offered Marcee Levin, an Overland Park native, the chance to become more connected in her hometown.
“I just moved back home after being gone for 40 years,” Levin said. “This ceremony shows strength. Having city hall sponsor this shows the Jewish community in Kansas City is so strong and tight-knit.”
The first night of Hanukkah was Dec. 25 and the final night is Jan. 2. The 12-foot blue menorah located outside City Hall will illuminate a new candle each night of Hanukkah at 7 p.m.
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KSHB 41 reporter Ryan Gamboa covers Miami County in Kansas and Cass County in Missouri. Share your story idea with Ryan.
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