Five Top Positions The Chiefs Need To Fix This Offseason
There comes a point in every team’s history when positions on the field begin to fail. As players get older or contracts run out, holes in the roster are now present. This reality is here for KC, even for teams as successful as the Chiefs in recent years. There are positions on this team that need fixing, which is the hard truth here. That being said, let’s take a look at five positions that need the most adjustments this offseason.
1.) Edge Rusher
The edge rusher position for the Chiefs should be priority number one. With all the rumors and speculation around Frank Clark, maybe it is time to move on. The conversations about paying Clark too much Clark not producing should make this easy to decide on. If Clark is cut or released, the Chiefs will save $12.7 million in cap space. A contract restructure is a possibility, but that would create cap issues later down the line.
The reason this position is a must fix the lack of production. In 2021, the Chiefs pass rush racked up 31 sacks, the fourth-lowest in the league. To make matters worse, only the Detroit Lions (30), Philadelphia Eagles (29), and Atlanta Falcons (18) had fewer. Kansas City requires a primetime performer at defensive end. It needs to happen, whether that comes via the trade market, free agency, or the draft.
2.) Cornerback
The cornerback position in KC is tough to judge, but it needs fixing. KC needs to be in the market for a cornerback or two with a few free agents at the position. There is no depth with Charvarious Ward and Mike Hughes being the free agents. While the Chiefs still have L’Jarius Sneed, they need more.
Historically, Brett Veach has not invested much into the position to get a premium player. However, the Chiefs are notorious for finding under-the-radar players via free agency or the draft. This should be the approach here again because it works pretty simply. If KC went out and got a veteran CB looking for a fresh start, KC would benefit greatly. There are also high-value draft picks that could fall to the Chiefs, giving them an option for a fresh, young player who could make an immediate impact.
Whatever route KC takes to fix the cornerback position needs to happen. A lack of depth and, quite frankly, production is why this needs to happen. Go out and find that next guy or set of players to revamp that Chiefs’ cornerback room.
3.) Safety
With the status of Tyrann Mathieu still up in the air, KC needs to be looking and ready to replace that position. Mathieu is a huge piece of this team, not just on defense. Mathieu is a true leader, and if KC wants their defense not to suffer greatly, they need their next big leader. If most of the Chiefs’ money does not go to the positions above, then the safety position is it.
I have mentioned names like Jessie Bates III or even a Jordan Whitehead in free agency. I do not think the Chiefs should look for their prime guy in the draft. If they want to find something close to a replacement for Mathieu, it’s in free agency. The safety position without Mathieu hurt the Chiefs in a few games this past season. Unless Mathieu returns, start shopping for the next guy, or this defense will suffer secondary.
Most people would disagree that the wide receiver position needs fixing. However, Kansas City has missed having a Sammy Watkins-type player. A wide receiver makes those big midfield catches to relieve pressure off Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. That type of player benefits this Chiefs offense more than most people realize.
The draft features a deep selection of wide receivers this year. The free-agent market holds options that fit this mold as well. If the Dallas Cowboys release Amari Cooper, he could be a viable option should the price tag not be too steep. Other options include guys like JuJu Smith-Schuster, or even big names like Odell Beckham Jr are out there as well.
Either way, KC should be big players in the wide receiver market this offseason. They need to find that midfield guy to help out Patrick Mahomes. Will Veach swing the bat and hit a home run for a receiver or play the market for under-the-table star talent? Either way, a move might need to happen to bolster an already dynamic Chiefs offense.
5.) Linebacker Three
With the release of Anthony Hitchens, KC is now lacking depth at linebacker. KC has been blessed with their draft picks in Nick Bolton and Willie Gay. The only other linebacker on the depth chart is Darius Harris. While this is not a huge issue, it is still worth looking at if I am Brett Veach and company.
Finding depth to back up Bolton and Gay would be ideal. Again, please do not make this your top priority, but it needs to be considered. Cheap, veteran contracts and nothing crazy money-wise is the path to take here for KC. Look for KC to believe in their young core of Bolton and Gay fully.
Which positions do you think the Chiefs should fix this offseason? Leave a comment below and join the discussion!
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