Kansas City Chiefs: 5 free agent targets for the defense

Junior Galette – Outside Linebacker – Washington

I don’t think there’s a Chiefs fan alive right now that doesn’t think that the Chiefs need some pass rush help. Justin Houston is great, but when there isn’t a threat across from him there is only so much he can do. Tamba Hali is probably days away from being released. Dee Ford has been injured and, despite some flashes of pass rush upside, has largely been a disappointment as a first round pick. So finding some more pass rush help has to be a priority this offseason.

Junior Galette actually has several things working against him. First, he’s a little older than all the other guys on this list at 30 years old. Second, he’s had some injury concerns that have limited his availability at times. Finally, he’s had some off the field issues that raise some concerns.

So why in the world would I put this guy on the list?

There are actually three reasons I did.

First, he still shows elite pass rush ability. Galette’s lack of playing time this past season had less to do with his play and more to do with Washington’s ridiculous depth of edge rushers (more on that in a minute). I believe Galette would easily beat out both Dee Ford and Frank Zombo and I don’t think it would be particularly close.

Second, because of the issues I listed above Galette should be WAY more affordable than typical pass rushers of his caliber are in free agency. Finally, I think it’s worth factoring in that the guy hasn’t been shy about the fact that he likes the idea of becoming a Chief. Recently fans have tweeted him about coming to KC and he has “liked” several of those tweets. See for yourself by scrolling through his likes below.

If Galette’s age, injury history, and character scare them off there’s actually another Washington player that might also be an option.