INDIANAPOLIS – Pending unrestricted free agent linebacker Josh Mauga overcame odds in 2014 to become a starter for the Chiefs.
And the Chiefs apparently hope to bring him back.
Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs inside linebacker Josh Mauga (90) defends against St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs met with Mauga’s agent during the NFL Scouting Combine and expressed interest in re-signing the fifth-year pro, a source familiar with the situation confirmed with ChiefsDigest.com.
The Chiefs originally signed Mauga on July 24, 2014 to a one-year deal that paid a base salary of $645,000.
He quickly emerged on the depth chart during training camp behind projected starting left inside linebacker Joe Mays.
The 6-1, 245-pound Mauga started the season in place of Mays after Mays underwent wrist surgery to repair torn ligaments suffered during the second preseason game.
Mauga ended up starting all 16 regular-season games and led the team with a career-high 103 tackles (82 solo). He added a half sack, three passes defensed and six quarterback hurries.
Mauga originally entered the NFL in 2009 as an undrafted free agent out of Nevada with the Jets. His final two seasons with the Jets were spent on injured reserve before he signed with the Chiefs.
The native of Fallon, Nev., would offer immediate veteran depth in the event of a signed deal with the Chiefs.
Mauga, who turns 28 in June, knows Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s defensive scheme from his time with the New York Jets where Sutton previously coached linebackers.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ current projected starters at inside linebacker are veterans Derrick Johnson and Mays.
Johnson turns 33 in November and is returning from an Achilles injury that caused him to miss the entire 2014 season, while Mays turns 30 in July.
Johnson and Mays enter the final year of their respective contracts.
