Talks on a long-term deal between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyreek Hill had already begun during the offseason, but that was before allegations first arose of him possibly doing harm to his child.
Hill will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2019 NFL season and the talks of a new contract had reportedly hit a snag that had nothing to do with his off-the-field issues.
“Here’s what Jay Glazer wrote in a mailbag for TheAthletic.com, several weeks after he called the shot of the offseason by predicting that Odell Beckham could be traded: “[T]here were questions in Kansas City about whether they could re-sign Tyreek Hill. I heard some rumblings at the start of free agency that his name was being thrown about in trade talks, but at the time thought it had to do with his contract more than anything else.”
The Chiefs already have a wildcard in place with the drafting of Mecole Hardman in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. It was assumed at the time that the Chiefs traded up to get him because of the contract situation with Hill.
Andy Reid has gone on record as stating that he believes Hardman could have the same impact as Hill has had.
“He’s got that same explosive power,” Reid said of Hardman in May, regarding comparisons to Hill and DeSean Jackson, whom Reid coached in Philadelphia (and also drafted in round two). “Now, DeSean was probably a little bit further along then Tyreek was at the position — [Hardman] is probably closer to where Tyreek was coming out as a wide receiver. DeSean was a phenomenal route runner coming out. You’ve seen the growth with Tyreek, and I think you’ll see it with this kid. But he catches well, he’s got great, secure, hands, and he can run like a son of a gun.”
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After the announcement that he would not be fined or suspended by the league, contract negotiations are expected to resume, but that does not mean that both sides will come to an agreement.
