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How to interpret the Kansas City Chiefs silence at the trade deadline

By Thomas Welte

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is introduced during pre-game ceremonies prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ersat Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs is introduced during pre-game ceremonies prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ersat Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 21: Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs begins to knock the ball loose and sack Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 21: Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs begins to knock the ball loose and sack Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Keeping homegrown talent

Before any team dives into the free agency pool, they have difficult decisions to make about their own talent. The Chiefs have some very interesting decisions to make this year. The most polarizing issue is what to do with Dee Ford, who is a free agent at the end of this year. After a hot and cold start to his career, Dee Ford has not only been the best Chiefs defender this year—according to Pro Football Focus, Ford has been the best Edge defender in the league:

The Chiefs most likely move is to use the franchise tag on Ford to see if he can replicate his production for another season. This move would cost the Chiefs about $15 million, leaving them with a modest $26 million to shore up their roster.

Mitch Morse, Steven Nelson, Anthony Sherman, Chris Conley, and Jordan Lucas are other names of note on the list of soon to be free agents. The Chiefs should make an earnest effort to bring Steven Nelson back, as he has played well. It’s likely that Sherman is brought back on a modest deal. Conley, Morse, and Lucas are all toss-ups that will depend on their market.

Add Depth to the Roster

Much to the disappointment of some Chiefs fans, I would imagine the Chiefs won’t make many waves in terms of big names. However, there are several players that the Chiefs may be able to snag to shore up some of the weaker spots on the roster. Keep an eye on names like Danny Shelton (Patriots), Maxx Williams (Ravens), Chance Warmack (Eagles), and Preston Smith (Redskins)

Of course, I could be wrong and the Chiefs could be more aggressive. There are plenty of big names this coming year, some of which were players Chiefs Kingdom wanted Veach to trade for. There are big names that could make a difference for the Chiefs, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Landon Collins (Giants), Earl Thomas (Seahawks), Anthony Barr (Vikings), David Irving (Cowboys), and Ronald Darby (Eagles) are all names that Chief fans would be excited to see linked to the Red and Gold.

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