Speedy free agent options for the Kansas City Chiefs offense

The Kansas City Chiefs will lose some fast players from their offense, but other targets can keep pace if the Chiefs wanted to add more speed.

If there’s one thing the Kansas City Chiefs cannot seem to get enough of, it’s speed. Not only does the offense employ the NFL’s fastest player in Tyreek Hill, but there are plenty of other top-tier athletes with a gear faster than almost anyone else in football—from running back Damien Williams to wide receiver Mecole Hardman.

This offseason, however, could feature a few fast losses as well. The team has a significant decision to make about Sammy Watkins’ future and Demarcus Robinson is scheduled to hit free agency in a month. The Chiefs have to fill those holes with someone and it might as well be a player who can keep defenses honest.

Here’s a look at four players who could help the Chiefs stay the fastest team in the NFL.

1. Marquise Goodwin

One look around Niners blogs these days shows that most people are predicting the team will move on from Goodwin this offseason. Two years ago, the Niners inked an extension with Goodwin to keep him in the Bay Area through the 2022 season, but his lack of production and injury history have turned him into an expensive, inconsistent option, due nearly $5 million in cap hit this offseason and close to $6.5 million in 2021.

Goodwin only had 12 catches and 1 touchdown last season for the 49ers, who gave him plenty of chances to shine early. He also dropped four passes and finished the season on injured reserve. At the age of 29, Goodwin is clearly in his last year or two as a a player with top-shelf speed.

Still, Goodwin was an Olympic athlete for the long jump back in 2012 and was a noted sprinter who still has active Olympic hopes for this summer in Tokyo. Just imagine the possibilities if Goodwin were found inside an offense that didn’t need him to be the lone downfield threat.

Goodwin finally broke through on the field with serious results in 2017, his first year with the Nines, when he put up 56 catches for 962 yards. In each of the last two seasons, Goodwin has averaged 17.2 yards/catch and it’s scary to think what he could do between Hardman and Hill.

Goodwin’s best days might be behind him, but the thought of adding another track star to this offense offense could yield exciting results. Then again, we’re not even sure if the Niners will set him free just yet.