Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

A look ahead at the Chiefs offseason – Free Agency

By Ben Almquist

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
The Chiefs Linebacker situation looks to be set up pretty well for the next few years. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Chiefs Linebacker situation looks to be set up pretty well for the next few years. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker:  There might not be a more stable situation for the Chiefs than their linebacker corps.  On the outside, Justin Houston and Dee Ford are the future starters, with Tamba Hali as a wild card…yes, a top tier pass rusher is the third consideration.  On the inside, the Chiefs are set regardless of whether the re-sign Derrick Johnson.  Ramik Wilson showed some serious talent and is an ideal fit for the role that Johnson plays.  Next to him is the surprisingly competent Josh Mauga, with young Justin March waiting in the wings.  The Chiefs may add another guy to this group, but only as a depth option.

  • Options: It would be a huge surprise if the Chiefs pursued anyone of note in Free Agency here.

Secondary:  Things could get tricky for the Chiefs here.  Sean Smith is sure to be the highest priced Free Agent for the Chiefs, and it’s a bit of a long shot that he gets re-signed.  The Chiefs have a future star in Marcus Peters, plus the competent, though injury prone(?), Phillip Gaines.  There is definitely room for a veteran guy on this squad.  In the back half of the secondary, we simply have to wait and see what the Chiefs choose to do.

Eric Berry, Husain Abdullah, and Tyvon Branch are all set to become Free Agents.  And even if the Chiefs do bring back one or two of them, there is room for an addition.  This may be the spot that John Dorsey chose to add a relatively big name.

Options: I definitely see a veteran corner being in the mix here.  A safety is also a possibility.

  • Nolan Carroll (CB, Eagles) – In all honesty, Carroll should be more expensive than he is going to be.  Why can he be had for less?  Injuries.  That’s really the big ding on him.  He could be the ideal guy to bring in to run tandem with Phillip Gaines until more is certain about the future of the young Corner Back.
  • Prince Amukamara (CB, Giants) – Amukamara hasn’t played up to the level that was expected of him coming out of college, but he is a solid option to have.  He could be the #2 corner for most teams in the league, but may have a hard time landing that kind of a gig with a strong corner class coming out this year.
  • Casey Hayward (CB, Packers) – Hayward may be in line for a decent payday, but it should be one the Chiefs can afford.  A lot of fans have talked about trying to sign a guy who is in the same position Sean Smith was when we got him…well, this would be that guy.  The difference between Smith and Hayward is exactly why the Chiefs should be interested…Hayward has made his name playing the slot.  Getting a quality guy with experience on both the inside and outside would be huge.

    • Morris Claiborne (CB, Cowboys)

    – Some will roll their eyes at this.  It’s understandable.  Claiborne has been a bust, there is no arguing against that.  However, being a bust doesn’t mean he’s a terrible option.  In fact, Claiborne might be the perfect kind of addition.  On a one-year “prove it” deal, Claiborne would get the opportunity to resurrect his career.  On the other end of that, there would be nothing handcuffing the Chiefs to him.  Plus, while he is a bust, he has played much better this past season, showing there may be something to work with.

    With the futures of Husain Abdullah and Tyvon Branch in the air, another veteran could be in the mix. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
    With the futures of Husain Abdullah and Tyvon Branch in the air, another veteran could be in the mix. Green Bay won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Chris Banjo (S, Packers) – There are a lot of big name safeties on the market this offseason, but if the Chiefs can’t get Abdullah and Branch back on the roster, I love the idea of signing Chris Banjo.  Banjo is a depth guy, but also a solid Special Teams option.  There’s no doubt that Dave Toub’s group has struggled some this year, so getting that kind of affordable help could be huge.

    • Special Teams:  While the Kicker and Punter spots are set, there is definitely a question regarding the future at Long Snapper.  On top of that, the coverage and blocking units for the Chiefs could use a bit of help.  But the most glaring concern is the future at the return man positions.

    The punt returner spot is completely in the air, and it’s hard to see Knile Davis on this roster beyond 2016 which calls the Kick Returner position into question.

    • Options: If the Chiefs do add a veteran, I expect it to be at the Long Snapper spot.  A return man would have to also fit the roles the team needs at Cornerback or Wide Receiver.  I’m not going to get into this group because it should really be filled through the draft.

    Well that’s the breakdown on where the Chiefs are at (for now) when it comes to the pending Free Agency period.  Of course this will change as various players in Kansas City, and the rest of the league, are retained or let go.  A lot of the Chiefs offseason plan is going to be determined by what they can get done in Free Agency.  It’s a great tool for quick fixes and strengthening the depth of a team.

    It also serves as a means for not having to go into the draft in a position where you have to go after a certain position at a certain time.  And speaking of the draft, that will be my focus next week when I wrap up my Chiefs Offseason Preview.

    Home/Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency