Offseason Chiefs chatter: Assessing team needs

Running back

I’m convinced that longtime Chiefs Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis have played their last down in Kansas City. The two of them are unlikely to return to the team for the new season. Davis should become a free agent when the new league year begins. Charles carries a $7 million cap hit next season. The Chiefs can cut him without penalty in 2017. Should both things happen, the Chiefs will need to backfill at least one of those spots on the running back depth chart.

Many seem to think the Chiefs need to supplant Spencer Ware. I’m not in that camp. A modest back half of the season has made a number of people in the Kingdom forget how productive he was to start the year. At one time in 2016, he led the league in yards from scrimmage. A drafted player would be ideal, but I think the addition of Darrin Reaves, from the team’s taxi squad, would also more than address the need.

Need Factor: Backup

Outside Linebacker

Justin Houston’s on-again, off-again injury situation made it painfully clear the Chiefs struggle to mount a legitimate pass rush in his absence. Dee Ford certainly turned a corner in 2016, but apart from his maturation, there was no one else at outside linebacker to contribute to Kansas City’s efforts at applying pressure.

The team has a pair of veteran options, but they could use another young body in the fold. Dadi Nicolas flashed some pass-rushing ability last season, but still needs to round out as a player before he can be relied upon consistently. The Chiefs should consider a Day 2 investment at OLB in April’s 2017 NFL Draft.

Need Factor: Rotational Player