2016 Chiefs free agency: Part 1
Donald Stephenson
He comes in third on this list, but I actually believe he’s the least likely offensive player to re-sign with the team. Stephenson spent most of 2014 trying desperately to get out of head coach Andy Reid’s dog house. He did that in 2015, but not in a way that will keep him in Kansas City long term.
Donald Stephenson started seven games last year, but failed to nail down a starting job in an otherwise unstable offensive line group. The extension of Jah Reid hurt Stephenson’s chances and I expect him to be playing for another team in 2016.
Chase Daniel
Admittedly, I’m not as high on Daniel as some of the Kingdom. I was actually hoping the Chiefs hadparted ways with him last offseason to enjoy a cap savings of around $3.8 million. As it stands, Daniel is a competent backup who has seen live game action in two of the past three seasons.
At bottom, he’s a competent starter, but I believe there are more talented options available that can be had for less money. Given what we saw in the 2015 preseason, I’m not even sure there’s much of a gap between he and draftee Aaron Murray. I’m in favor of the Chiefs not re-signing Daniel.
Jason Avant
Save Alex Smith, Avant was the only offensive skill position player to show up in Kansas City’s second-round playoff loss to New England. The injury to Jeremy Maclin proved just how perilously thin the Chiefs are at wide receiver. Albert Wilson took a step forward, but also comes with question marks regarding a perceived lack of effort.
Chris Conley flashed, but still needs time to mature in this league. Avant may be the Chiefs’ next best option, but I’m not sure he has much left to offer the team between the lines. Avant can walk.
To recap, I only support Jeff Allen and Charcandrick West returning to Kansas City in 2016. With homegrown free agents out of the way, let’s take a look at players around the league who might be available once the new league year starts. Keep in mind, we’re only looking at offensive players this week.
On the whole, the Chiefs don’t have many weaknesses on the offensive side of the football, but they could use improvements at No. 2 wide receiver, right guard, and right tackle. In no particular order, here are the players I believe can help the Chiefs in the very near future.
Next: 'Targeting' the rest of the league...