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A look ahead at the Chiefs offseason – Free Agency

By Ben Almquist

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Offensive Line:  What was once the most obvious and glaring hole on this roster has actually found a bit of stability towards the end of the year.  While many will quickly assume the Chiefs would go OL early and often this offseason, I don’t know that this will be the case.  Remember, this team is getting back Ben Grubbs and Paul Fanaika next season.  That’s a starting guard and a guy who will likely be our top backup.  Jah Reid has also been re-signed, and I have Jeff Allen as one of the more likely players to get a new deal after this season.

Options: Right Tackle and Right Guard are really the only spots I could see the Chiefs looking for, and at this point even that may be a stretch.

The Chiefs could add a major anchor to their OL by signing Mitchell Schwartz. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs could add a major anchor to their OL by signing Mitchell Schwartz. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Mitchell Schwartz (RT, Browns) – The Browns may be set up for an OL exodus this offseason…and it’s Mitchell Schwartz they are focused on retaining.  That’s a big deal when you’re talking about guys like Joe Thomas and Alex Mack in the same group possibly leaving.  Schwartz won’t be cheap, but he could help solidify the right side of the Offensive Line for 3-5 years.
  2. Brandon Brooks (RG, Texans) – The Titans Offensive Line struggled this season, but Brandon Brooks was one of the few guys they could count on.  Brooks is a classic road grader, but also stands up well against the pass rush.  Signing him would take a ton of pressure off of Alex Smith.
  3. Don Barclay (RT, Packers) – If the Chiefs go the route I think they will (re-signing Jeff Allen and putting him at RT), then they will be more in the market for a backup tackle than anything.  That’s where a guy like Barclay fits in.  Barclay is strictly a Right Tackle, which gives him a little less value, but he’s a guy who can be plugged in immediately to play.

Defensive Line:  The Chiefs seem to be almost over-stocked along the defensive front.  Of course, a lot here depends on what the team decides to do with Jaye Howard, Mike DeVito, and Dontari Poe.  It isn’t that big of a stretch to think that all three will be re-signed to new contracts, though Jaye Howard seems like a strong candidate to get a big deal somewhere else.  There is also decent depth to this team with Nick Williams, David King, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches.

There is a tremendous mix of veteran talent and young potential available to the roster.  But, if the Chiefs do decide to let one or more of those veterans walk, they will certainly be in the market for a bit of help.  The good news?  This market is packed with talent.

Options: It’s hard to predict now, but if DeVito and Howard are allowed to leave, look for a veteran signing.

Damon Harrison (DT, Jets)

– Damon Harrison is one of the absolute best run stuffers in the NFL.  Some may point out that with Sheldon Richardson and Mo Wilkerson on either side of him, teams have no choice but to run at him which picks up his numbers.  Well, the same would be true in Kansas City with Bailey and Poe in house, so no real issue there.

Well why wouldn’t you want to add a guy like Curry? Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Well why wouldn’t you want to add a guy like Curry? Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Vinny Curry (DE, Eagles) – A lot of folks feel like Vinny Curry was a Pro Bowl snub this year.  Curry is a versatile lineman who can play from any spot in the 3-4 or 4-3 look.  He is already a hot commodity with rumors circulating that the Eagles want him back, but he was also a guy that there was some interest in at the trade deadline.
  • Jared Crick (DE, Texans) – Crick could probably be a full time starter on any other defensive line in the league…but when your team has JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney on the roster, it’s tough to get that call.  However, Crick is a versatile guy that plays well against both the run and the pass.  Crick has also stepped in nicely many times for the oft injured Clowney.
  • Phil Taylor (DT, Free Agent) – A stout force against the run, Taylor saw his time end in Cleveland on an injury settlement, but his fate was really sealed when the team changed defensive philosophies and decided to get Danny Shelton to be their point man in the defense.  Taylor sat out this season but attended a number of tryouts in an attempt to keep his name fresh for a new contract this offseason.

    • Kendall Reyes (DE, Chargers)

    – Reyes never became the dominant force the Chargers had hoped for, but he is an athletic and versatile defender that can make a lot of big plays from the 3-4 Defensive End spot.  He’s still more potential than production at this point, but the Chargers have shown a lot of ineptitude when it comes to developing their defensive talent.  This could be an excellent move if paired with drafting a player.

    Next: Linebackers and Defensive Backs

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