A Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro player was named a possible replacement for the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team recently cut Pressley Harvin. The Chiefs have had to make a few roster decisions in the two weeks since the Super Bowl ended because of their salary cap situation for 2024.
The Kansas City Chiefs have to be cautious with spending
Kansas City Chiefs, Chris Jones
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) warms up before Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs are expected to apply the franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed if they cannot agree to terms for an extension by March 5. The Chiefs must weigh their decision on Sneed with a long-term contract for defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Last week, the Chiefs made one decision that dooms one key player for the threepeat. The team signed former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza. Araiza’s signing means the Chiefs are not expected to have Tommy Townsend return in 2024.
Tommy Townsend was linked to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 31, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) celebrates with holder Tommy Townsend (5) after kicking a field goal against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Curt Popejoy with the Steelers Wire linked Townsend as a replacement for Harvin next season:Ezoic
:We’ve talked about potential replacements available via the draft or free agency but specifically, Townsend might be just what the team needs if he can recapture his former glory.
The signing of Arazia was as much financial as it was anything else. Townsend had a down year but hardly a bad season. Realistically, it is all about if the Steelers want to pay what Townsend will demand in a contract as one of the best punters in the league. Six punters are set to make at least $3 million in 2024 and I’m sure Townsend wants to make it seven.”
Townsend is a decorated punter
Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) during a press conference before Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Townsend earned All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for the 2022 season. The Steelers, who will be expected to punt a lot until they fix their quarterback situation, should consider signing an elite punter like Townsend.