Examining Chiefs free agents: Albert Wilson

A look into whether the Kansas City Chiefs should re-sign wide receiver Albert Wilson or allow him to leave via free agency.

A big question as we head into this lovely free agency period is whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs re-sign wide receiver Albert Wilson. I think the Chiefs should re-sign Wilson (at the right price, of course) and this will provide a look into why.

Had I been asked whether or not to sign Albert Wilson 8 months ago, I, like some of my other Arrowhead Addict contributors, would have said it wasn’t worth it. But this season definitely changed that. With a willingness to contribute wherever needed and what appears to be trust from our new quarterback, I changed my mind.

Should the Chiefs re-sign Albert Wilson?

Albert Wilson has become one of the most experienced receivers on a very young receiving core. Tyreek Hill is entering only his third year, second as a receiver. Chris Conley is coming back from injury, and a number of questions remain as to how he will return. Will he be back to full strength? Will his year on IR take away from his production or ability to produce? Will Pat Mahomes trust Conley and have a developed relationship with him given the fact that Conley was out? Demarcus Robinson and Jehu Chesson both remain raw and relatively untested as receivers.

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The only real “receiver” of note that has more experience than Wilson is Travis Kelce at tight end. Wilson is a leader on the offense and for the right price, deserves to be signed. He provides leadership for the young receivers and has shown his ability to make good plays in critical situations.

Now, I don’t know if you heard this, but we have a young Pat Mahomes starting at quarterback next season. In order to give him the best shot at a great first season, it is important to give him weapons that he trusts. In the last game of the season against Denver, it became clear that Mahomes has a lot of trust in Wilson. Wilson had 147 receiving yards in 10 receptions, averaging 14.7 yards per reception. The next closest receiver was Demetrius Harris with 73 yards on 3 receptions. Wilson stepped up and showed that he and Mahomes have a connection and a trust that could really carry into next season.

One other aspect of Wilson’s game that doesn’t receive much attention, but should, is his role on special teams. We all remember the Atlanta game for Eric Berry’s pick six and pick two, but do we also remember the fake punt that Albert Wilson took into the end zone? Shout out to my dad for calling him “sneaky good.” Wilson makes plays on special teams. With the decreasing use of Tyreek Hill on special teams (which I advocate for because it isn’t worth an injury to such a receiving threat), it is important that talent remains there and Wilson has that talent.

Will the Chiefs Re-Sign Albert Wilson?

Now the question is, what are the chances of the Chiefs re-signing Wilson? I believe they are fairly good. Wilson really stepped up this season and proved that he is an important piece of the Chiefs’ offensive puzzle. I also think it is pretty clear that he loves this team – just look at some of his tweets and the photos from last season. That should be enough motivation for him to sign with the Chiefs.

I also believe the Chiefs saw his value in 2017. When Wilson was out due to injury this season, the Chiefs struggled. Obviously it wasn’t only because Wilson was out, but that was part of the reason. I think the Chiefs will re-sign him at the right price. It also helps that a good deal of cap space has opened up with the trade of Alex Smith and the loss of Derrick Johnson (and the inevitable release of Tamba Hali).

What will Albert Wilson Command?

So, what will Albert Wilson command on the open market? Since we are so early on, it’s a little tough to say. However, Over the Cap shows Wilson’s contract from last year gave him $1,797,000. Over the Cap also has him at #79 on the top 100 free agents saying, “Had a big standout game at the end of the season, but overall has been too inconsistent to earn more than 3/4 money.” I would guess Wilson would command somewhere in the neighborhood of a 3-year, $6 million contract. I would not be surprised if the Chiefs would be willing to pay that kind of money and hopefully they can reach an agreement.

Ultimately, I do hope the Chiefs can reach an agreement with Wilson. I like what I saw last season, and I think Wilson will be a good option for Mahomes this next season.

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