Here's another big reason why the Chiefs should re-sign Tamba Hali
 

Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali asked me not to repeat it. Not yet, anyway.

It was early December, and I was interviewing Hali for a Sunday story about his background, contract situation and ability to stay quiet through adverse conditions. Toward the end of the conversation, he mentioned that he had been injured all season.

How badly?

He pointed to his right shoulder, which he said had a tear in it. Then to his left shoulder, which he said had a partial tear in it, too. Then to a foot, which also had a torn muscle in it.

Hali led the AFC with 14 1/2 sacks with two torn shoulders and a tear in a foot. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last night and will replace one of two Pittsburgh linebackers. On that Friday afternoon, he asked me to withhold the specifics of his injuries so that opponents wouldn't target those body parts during games.

But that says an awful lot about Hali, the Chiefs' only legitimate pass-rusher and a player who has been a model citizen in the organization since Scott Pioli and Todd Haley took over. Hali doesn't complain or question coaches; he does his work mostly in silence and in a way that tends to inspire his teammates.

Now, it's also clear that was playing through several severe injuries because he realized his value to the team.

“People are pointing their fingers to me,” he said that day. “ 'You're the rusher. You're the rusher.' ”

Hali's contract, which he signed after being a first-round pick in 2006, expired after the 2010 season. He is, in effect a free agent, and as of recently, the team and Hali's agent weren't close to a new deal. That can, of course, change quickly, but Hali's side wouldn't be surprised if he is tagged as Kansas City's franchise player, assuming that survives a new collective bargaining agreement. That would essentially extend Hali for one year and pay him the average of the league's top-five salaries at his position. It would be a short-term fix, but players aren't typically satisfied with being franchised.

Hali said that day in December that he wants to remain in Kansas City; that he likes the defense, enjoys his teammates, and respects Haley.

The Chiefs might draft another pass rusher in April's draft, but the team has to realize that today's NFL teams need at least two players who can pressure the quarterback, and perhaps more than that, this team needs players who are willing to do things the Chiefs' way, won't question authority, and will play through pain. Even severe pain.

It's doubtful the Chiefs will let him get away, but the longer this negotiation plays out, the future becomes murkier for a player that seems to exemplify precisely what this team is looking for.

http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/1652

If Clark, Pioli, and Haley let Tamba walk... I will personally burn Arrowhead down.

What a puss @JayCavacutler

dude is a animal....thank god (in hindsight) we switched to a 3-4...

Dang. Maybe they do it differently in Gbanga, but I'm not sure it's the greatest strategy in the world to discuss your many and varied injuries during contract negotiations. He might not even pass the physical.

It seems as though Hali has played injured since the very beginning. I blame Herm.

FAX

Didn't Peterson tweet something about Hali not being an outside LB?

Might want to skip Hawaii, Tamba.

Was there any doubt we need this guy? :eek:

I didn't even need to read the article.....

I am very surprised they let his contract expire. They extended DJ's?

I bet a team like the pats would love to have Hali. He could break the bank as a FA.

Definitely a keeper, dude is nails.

yessur

DeMarcus Ware - 6 years 78 million, 40 mil guaranteed.
Peppers - 6 years, 91.5 million. 42 mil guaranteed.

no idea, but it does take 2 sides to sign a contract....maybe he's being greedy?

His agent has said that everyone agreed to wait until after the season was over to start negotiations.

For Tamba, waiting til the season was over is probably a good move. Increase value with total sacks on the season, plus a probowl appearance. I imagine he will require a lot of money to stay in KC, but also hope and pray that the team is willing to give him the money he deserves.

They better re-sign him. We need an additional pass rusher. Not a different one. And I don't want to have to go out and buy a new Chiefs jersey. I like my #91 just fine.

Not worried at all. He will resign and get paid well from Mr. Hunt. Maybe they are looking at a front loaded contract like Cassel's? Maybe but i know i am not sweating this one in the least

That wouldn't be the patriot way. Franchise him and trade him would be the most likely move.

Is it just me or does Tamba seem to fight injuries every year?

Yeah we obviously need him, this article doesn't do any further convincing. I seriously doubt they let him walk. I'd say it's maybe a 10% chance.

we better pay that man! Tamba needs to be a Chief for at least 5 more years.

this.

I'm a little surprised that they rushed to resign DJ and not Hali. Charles, yea...I understand that would be a top priority, but a close second would be to take care of your stud pass rusher.

If he is not re signed I will not pour any more of my money into Arrowhead every again.

Carl Peterson? If you're referring to the same account that claimed he'd write a book about the final five years (or something among those lines) in Kansas City, I don't think that was really him. That account no longer exists. Just a guess..

If anyone has earned a big contract, its Tamba Hali.

Guy has been a constant, no-quit player during some of the absolute WORST seasons in Chiefs history. When a guy goes 110% when midway through the season there is nothing left to play for but pride, you lock him down.

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after losing Jared Allen, uhh yeah. They'd better sign him.

I have a question for you really intelligent guys regarding video stuff and things.

Whenever a youtube video is posted ... either here or elsewhere ... and I click on that puppy, it gives me an error. Then I can click on the little youtube logo deal and watch it there. Is there a setting or something on Firefox that is preventing this? I've been experiencing this issue for awhile and it has finally become sort of irritating. Anybody know what the deal is?

If you don't know that, do you know why Europe has been experiencing an outbreak of midget crime? That's a little troubling, as well.

FAX

Since that trade has hurt us so much.

Not enough foot stools to go around and they're sick and tired of being used.

I seriously doubt they pull a Carl Peterson and let our best pass rusher go.

You're a damn liar.

Might be one of the 10 toughest players in the NFL.

I will make him an epic tribute this offseason.

It would be foolish not to re-sign Hali. He is an amazing player and a thrill to watch.

The cool thing about Hali is that he is focused on being a better player for pride and competitive reasons more so than money as a factor for motivation.

This kid could be given a huge payday and not have it be a distraction to his continued improvement.

do you use the ad block add on? i think that messes with it sometimes.

By John Clayton
ESPN.com http://a.espncdn.com/i/columnists/Clayton_John_35.jpg

Agent for Tamba Hali negotiating with Raiders

OAKLAND - Kansas City Chiefs free agent Tamba Hali is in contract negotiations today with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. "I've always wanted to be a Raider," Hali told ESPN this morning.




jk

Maybe pop-up or ad blocker software is messing it up Fax.

I presume you have Flash player installed. Or re-install it. Just type the word in google, you will get the download site.

Hali withdrew from the Pro Bowl.

Pretty amazing.

He does.

He's a warrior, but you'd like to see him make it through one season relatively injury free, wouldn't ya?

He isn't going anywhere i am pretty sure they would at least use the franchise tag on him.
Like Philly with Vick if nothing long term gets done.

May you die of a hot poker to the butthole

That's a dailey activity in Raider Nation, unless known as the penal system.