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Tamba Hali goes off on twitter about lack of playing time, asks if still needed in Kansas City

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There’s trouble in paradise as the once KC sack master is furious with his role with the Chiefs.

Not so long ago, Tamba Hali was one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers. He and Justin Houston made up one of the fiercest pass rush duos in the NFL. Just off his 11th NFL season at age 33, he is not happy AT ALL about his dwindling playing time. In particular getting just 7 snaps in the team’s playoff loss to the Steelers.

He let everyone know how he feels in a long Twitter rant Saturday.

The logical question at this point is what Hali plans to do about it. Does he no longer want to play for the Chiefs? Are these statements about his desire to be released? He says that is not the case.

Last season for the first time in his career, Hali wasn’t the full time starter. The 5-time Pro Bowler appeared in all 16 games, but started just two. Even with Justin Houston missing most of the season, the team opted for Dee Ford and roomie Frank Zombo at the outside linebacker positions.

It’s a difficult situation he and the Chiefs are in. They’re facing the cold, hard reality that most NFL veterans face as their career’s approach the end. Hali still believes he can play at a high level. And the Chiefs have little choice but to keep him in the roster because even with a cap figure of $8.5 million, he leaves behind $8.9 million in dead money if he’s cut. He knows that. He is angry and has nothing to lose by venting his frustrations in the hopes that the coaches will see clear to getting him in the game more.

The AFC West is the home of the most elite pass rushing duos top to bottom. But a changing of the guards is happening.