Jamie Collins and other free agent linebackers for Chiefs consideration
By Jake Kokoris
The Chiefs should look to upgrade at linebacker. Here are some free agent options they should consider.
The Chief’s defense, though improved from the 2018-2019 season, still needs to improve at linebacker. The additions of Tyrann Mathieu and savvy drafting of Juan Thornhill improved the Chiefs secondary. Steve Spagnuolo‘s scheme, in addition to the play of Chris Jones, Frank Clark, and surprise heroes like Mike Pennell and Derrick Nnadi improved the run defense.
But there is one positional unit that hasn’t improved much in the past two seasons: Linebackers. The squad lead by Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland and Damien Wilson struggled in run defense and pass coverage this year. Hitchens, who some primed for a breakout year, disappointed despite having a skillset suited for Spags’ scheme. The linebacking core is the last defensive unit in need of a major overhaul. Realistically, having just won a super bowl, and with a contract to Mahomes looming, along with uncertainty surrounding Chris Jones, the Chiefs will be modest spenders this offseason.
Reggie Ragland, who saw his snaps diminish greatly, becomes a free agent this year and will likely move to a new team. Darron Lee’s contract is also expiring. In light of these potential losses, let’s look at a few free agent linebackers who may interest the Chiefs, due to their cost-effectiveness and youth.