Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 1575 Common Goals
Undoubtedly, everyone has their own ideas, and everyone's ideas are different.

Definitions of sacrifice, self-worth, salary expectations, one's position on the team, self-worth, and the significance of a championship, etc.

They are all different.

It is conceivable that every offseason, the rugby team faces the clash of different ideas from 53 players, and knowing how to strike a balance and control the overall situation is an art.

The same applies now. Chris Jones' contract is right in front of Kelsey, and the difference in quality is obvious. How is Kelsey supposed to position himself?
However, Vicki wasn't worried; he was able to reach an agreement with Chris Jones in the end, which must have been a well-considered decision.

In an era where passing is king, the value of both offensive and defensive forwards has indeed been steadily increasing, and is being refreshed every year.

Frankly, compared to the highest salary for a defensive forward in the league, Chris Jones is still not enough. Other defensive forwards often aim for the highest salary when re-signing during the offseason, either breaking the record to become the highest in the league or tying the record to prove their status.

But Chris Jones didn't.

Not only did he not make it, he couldn't even crack the top five. Names like Miles Garrett, Aaron Donald, Cameron Jordan, DeForest Buckner, and many others were still ahead of Chris Jones.

In Vicki's view, Chris Jones's demands were reasonable, or at least within reasonable limits.

Last season, Vicki activated Chris Jones' fifth-year option, attempting to assess Jones' performance amidst a rebuilding defensive structure. Jones ultimately delivered a flawless performance; therefore, this contract secured the Kansas City Chiefs' new defensive leader.

They entered Kansas City through the draft, inherited the defensive lineage in Kansas City, grew into spiritual leaders, and formed the young core of the Kansas City Chiefs' future hope.

worth!

Step by step, Vic completed his contract extension at a leisurely pace, gradually outlining the framework of the Kansas City Chiefs' starting lineup for the next five years.

Vicki is very satisfied with the results before him, especially after Watt joined the team, the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty has set sail and continues to move forward.

However, that's still not all.

Although the contracts of Levi and Mahomes will not take effect until next year, at which time the salary cap will face severe pressure, the pressure of the hard salary cap is actually present every year, and this year is no exception. Watt's signing and Kelsey's and Chris Jones' contract extensions are all constantly challenging the salary cap ceiling.

Therefore, whether they like it or not, the Kansas City Chiefs still need to lay off employees, make trades, and restructure contracts to meet the salary cap requirements before the deadline.

Moreover, the historical peak of "four consecutive championships" seems very challenging and tempting, but not everyone is interested in it.

Some people care about winning championships, some care about historical records, and some care about personal value.

Anyway, he's already tasted the flavor of being a Super Bowl champion. No matter how hard he tries or how much he fights, in the end all the glory and honor belong to Li Wei. Look at those sponsors lining up with checkbooks, hoping to win Li Wei's favor, and then look at himself, ignored by everyone. The difference is obvious.

Instead of staying in Kansas City to pursue a vague "four-peat," it would be better to work hard and chase a big contract to realize one's value.

This idea certainly has a considerable following. Fans may find it hard to understand why someone would be willing to give up a championship and walk away, but as Li Wei said—

Competitive sports are not just about winning, losing, and winning championships.

While this isn't exactly what Li Wei meant, from a certain perspective, it's true. Competitive sports are also part of real life, and professional athletes are ordinary people who need checks to make ends meet. Perhaps Kelsey doesn't care about that small amount of money, but not everyone does. A championship is very important; but checks are equally important.

Therefore, negotiations between teams and players may take on more possible directions.

In the end, some people turned away, just like Alex Smith did two years ago.

In fact, the first player to turn around and say goodbye had some connection with Alex Smith.

Two years ago, Alex Smith left for the Washington Football Team, and in return, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired cornerback Kendall Fowler from the Washington Football Team.

Fowler, who was frustrated with his time with the Washington football team, shone brightly after joining the Kansas City Chiefs. He not only helped the team win the Super Bowl twice, but he also proved his ability. He may not be the top cornerback in the league, but he can still do his job.

Now, Fowler turns around again—

He returned to the Washington football team.

Just like two years ago, after going around in circles, Fowler returned to where his professional career began; but things were different this time, because the Washington football team welcomed Fowler back with great fanfare, sincerely offering him a four-year, $40 million contract.

Fowler thought his "betrayal" would not be accepted by his teammates, because another former Washington football player, Brilland, could not understand it and even argued with Fowler about it; but he never expected that when he left, Levi, along with Mahomes, Kelsey and a group of others, came to see him off.

Seeing Fowler packing up his locker in the locker room, preparing to leave quietly, Levi and the others blocked the doorway and stopped him. "You're not going to be disloyal and leave without saying goodbye, are you? After all, we've fought side by side for two seasons. I thought we had some chemistry."

Fowler's eyes welled up with tears; he almost lost face.

Fowler was just the first.

Linebacker Regland, who joined the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 season, was transferred to the Detroit Lions.

Jordan Lucas, who has served as a rotation safety for the past two seasons, went to the Chicago Bears to join head coach Nagy.

Legendary veteran defensive end Terrell Suggs, who joined the team this season but whose playing time was strictly limited due to injuries, has now fulfilled his wish and announced his retirement.

Etc., etc.

Thanks to Vicki's overall strategy, the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason work proceeded smoothly without any major disruptions, only involving rotations and adjustments in some positions. In contrast, Watt's arrival was the biggest surprise, and the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive frontline performance next season is definitely something to look forward to.

On paper, the Kansas City Chiefs have even improved upon their performance from last season. Instead of becoming a dumping ground for players, they've united as one, further strengthening their team. With everyone focused and full of belief, they've already set their sights on a four-peat.

Low-key, yet not timid.
To be precise, the Kansas City Chiefs showed ambition early on, proving themselves to be on par with any team in the league, and even holding their own against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

but!

To be fair, the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive second line, which was already a problem last season, has not been improved this offseason, especially with the loss of Fowler and Regland. Is Vicki Pochettino going to put all his energy on the offensive group led by Levi and Mahomes?
It was amidst this fervor that the free market buzzed with activity, and at the same time, another year of rookie training camps slowly began.

(End of this chapter)