3 More Ways Chiefs Can Clear Cap Space After Restructuring Sammy Watkins' Contract

The Kansas City Chiefs are already returning most of their core that helped the team capture its second Super Bowl title in franchise history. However, that doesn't mean that general manager Brett Veach should stop improving his roster.

On Friday, the Chiefs finally restructured the contract of wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who was previously slated to come with a $20 million hit against the cap in 2020. The move created $5 million in cap room, which is just about the amount needed for KC to pay its incoming draft class.

Still, a perennial contender like the Chiefs should always be looking to add more talent. To do that, they'll need to clear more cap space. Here are three moves that Veach should consider.

3. Reshuffle Eric Fisher's Contract

Chiefs offensive lineman Eric Fisher / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

No, former No. 1 overall picks are not immune to having their contracts restructured. Pro Football Focus gave Fisher a 64.3 grade for his performance last season. That's the very definition of average production, and the 29-year-old's pedestrian showing in 2019 was capped by him getting torched by 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa in the Super Bowl. Fisher holds a $14.98 million cap hit for the 2020 season. That's far too expensive for a player fresh off his worst season as a pro.

2. Release Damien Wilson

Chiefs LB Damien Wilson / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

We hate calling for players' jobs, but Wilson started 16 games on the worst-graded linebacking core in the entire NFL. He played 64% of the team's defensive snaps, but only managed 52 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. The Chiefs would save over $5 million by cutting the 26-year-old linebacker, and it really seems like a no-brainer.

1. Restructure Anthony Hitchens' Contract

Chiefs linebacker Anthony Hitchens / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

If the Chiefs go the entire offseason without tinkering with Hitchens' contract, fans have every right to ask questions. His five-year, $45 million contract is one thing, but the 27-year-old also has a $12.96 million cap hit for the 2020 season. That's a joke considering that Hitchens did hardly anything last season in the middle of KC's defense, posting just 51 solo tackles.