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NFL free agency: How to interpret the Chiefs’ silence

By Lucas Hampton

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Kansas City Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2017 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Kansas City Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 2, 2017 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Free agency is a busy time of year. This year is certainly no exception. In the midst of it all, our Kansas City Chiefs have been nearly silent. What does this mean? Particularly for the upcoming draft.

The Brock Osweiler trade hit news reports and the Browns were praised for their genius. Adrian Peterson is looking for a new team. Jamaal Charles might be on his way to a long time rival in Seattle. The free agency period has been a busy time, but the silence from Arrowhead is deafening.

What could it mean? Are the Chiefs’ pockets empty? Is there no player interest for the Red and Gold? Certainly both of those can’t be true. Dorsey still has a decent chunk of spending money. Tony Romo has been linked to Kansas City, even by himself, on many occasions. There’s certainly no lack of interest in the Chiefs. So what then? 

Simple: The Chiefs and upper management are looking ahead to the draft. We find our team in a really unique position it hasn’t been in for a very long time. There are no immediate needs.

The solid state of the roster

Sure, Dontari Poe is a lock to sign elsewhere. Good on Atlanta for pursuing him. Before the actual numbers start rolling in, the NT position that Poe played was only on the field maybe 50% of the time. Let’s also mention that he has seen a dropoff in production since his back injury. The current defensive line rotation is more than sufficient to cover that spot.

Besides, there’s too much emerging talent to waste on bringing in another new guy. Chris Jones has earned his spot on the line. Rakeem Nunez-Roches is starting to show up big. Along with returning veterans like Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey, the Chiefs defensive line is set.

I know that people will next point to the inside linebacker spot. Yes, Derrick Johnson is getting old. I don’t know how much more that man can take. However, Dadi Nicolas flashed good potential along with Justin March. Ramik Wilson helped the team recover. D.J. Alexander was a special teams ace and made the Pro Bowl last year and is a promising young player in the unit as well.

Our defensive backs at all spots are set in terms of starters and depth. The offensive line has its guys in place. The tight end position is a bright spot. Our wide receivers, headed up by a proven quantity in Maclin, are young, budding and productive. The running back position is set, and quarterback is locked down. There are no glaring roster needs.

Need a bit more convincing? Go and look at what we here at Arrowhead Addict have been saying about draft choices and potentials. Future investments, developmental picks. It’s not just AA either; the Chiefs’ roster seems to be in a very good position.

With that in mind, aside from the signing of C.J. Spiller, Kansas City has shifted its focus to the Draft. This draft will be a fun one for the team and the fans.

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