Arrowhead Addict
FanSided

Four free agent defenders that could give the Kansas City Chiefs draft flexibility

By Jordan Mannix

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Jamie Collins Sr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after missing an interception during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. JAMIE COLLINS

Similar to the defensive line, the Chiefs have a lot of competition at linebacker. Currently, of the players under contract who will likely see the field, they have Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Dorian O’Daniel, Damien Wilson, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Ben Niemann. Most believe the starting three in their base defense will be a mix of Hitchens, Ragland, O’Daniel, and Wilson.

The major issue at this level is that, aside from Hitchens, none of these players has shown effectiveness in the 4-3 at the professional level. You may argue that the scheme and responsibilities aren’t so different that they can’t adjust quickly, and you might be right. But, why not play it safe and bring in another quality player?

Jamie Collins is just that. He has the right build to play the Sam linebacker, a position the Chiefs have yet to lock up. The main candidate to play this role for the team next year is Damien Williams. But, according to Pro Football Focus, Collins far outperformed Williams in overall defense, run defense and coverage. He had 104 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 passes defended, and 1 forced fumbles in 16 starts for the Browns last season.

Given Williams’ contract was minor and incentive laden, and no one has signed Collins, why not take a flier on him? The Chiefs could see if Collins is willing to sign a team-favorable deal for 2019, and the team could conceivably move on in 2020 if the fit wasn’t right.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency