KC Chiefs could still go shopping with these NFL veterans
POTENTIAL OFFENSIVE CUTS TO WATCH
1. Nick Easton, Interior Offensive Lineman, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints may have all but sealed the fate for Nick Easton by drafting Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Jason Schandl from FanDuel says “The Saints…can free up …$3.8 million [by] cutting guard Nick Easton…and it certainly wouldn’t be much of a ding to the offensive line.”
If Easton is cut, the Chiefs should give some consideration to bringing him in. He’s unlikely to demand either a big contract or a lot of interest from teams, but he’s right in Brett Veach’s wheelhouse. He’s versatile (has played both center and guard), coming off a down year, has little market, and come sign on the cheap. He could take over for incumbent center Austin Reiter, which would save $3 million if released. This roughly covers the cost of Easton, who we see as an upgrade.
2. Larry Warford, Guard, New Orleans Saints
Easton’s Saint teammate could also be a cap casualty in New Orleans.
From ESPN’s Bill Barnwell said “[In 2019] The Saints…signed…Easton…draft[ed] Erik McCoy…re-signed Andrus Peat…then used their first-round pick on center Cesar Ruiz…This raises questions about Warford’s future…”
They could save $8.5 million by cutting Warford, which may lead the Saints to keep Easton over him as a result. While it would seem unlikely that they’d cut both, one or the other seems like a sure bet. Warford doesn’t bring the positional versatility, but has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. Frankly, the 2013 third round pick is just better than Easton.
As such, Warford could be an option for the Chiefs if they’re looking for an upgrade over likely starter Martinas Rankin, who they may prefer in a swing/reserve role.
3. Justin Britt, Center, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks wasted no time after the draft creating mass exodus from their veteran offensive line, cutting DJ Fluker and Justin Britt on Monday immediately following its conclusion.
Britt would provide an immediate and significant upgrade over Reiter provided that his knee checks out okay after the ACL tear. He is a Pro Bowl caliber center that would anchor the interior offensive line. The Chiefs were said to be in on free agent Andrus Peat in February before he re-signed in New Orleans, proving they’re willing and able to spend on an interior offensive line upgrade.
Reiter is mediocre on his best days and a liability on his worst. The Chiefs have a reasonably good offensive line absent the position, but a big upgrade in the center could prove to be a game-changer for the Chiefs’ MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes and first round draft pick running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
4. Gabe Jackson, Guard, Las Vegas Raiders
While Raiders general manager Mike Mayock re-affirmed after the draft that guard Gabe Jackson would continue to be their starter, rumors swirled before the draft that he was on the trading block. There is no reason to suspect that is not still the case and, if pressed, they may part ways without a trade.
The Raiders have made significant offensive line investments this offseason including re-signing Denzelle Good and Jordan Devey and signing Eric Kush. In the fourth round of the NFL Draft, they also selected another guard in Clemson’s John Simpson.
From Matt Holder of Just Blog Baby “…Jackson’s name has been in the news as a potential trade candidate…Maybe the Raiders give him one more year to see if he can turn it around, but moving on is certainly one option on the table.”
Jackson would represent a substantial upgrade over any of the Chiefs current options at guard. With that upgrade, of course, would come a significant price tag. We already referenced above that the Chiefs did try to sign All-Pro guard Andrus Peat in free agency this year, so who is to say that they would not be willing to do the same thing for another top 15 guard in the league.
The Peat upgrade would have been massive; a Jackson upgrade would be a big leap. The question is, would his price tag be justified by how much better he is than Rankin, LDT or rookie Lucas Niang? It would all depend on how the Chiefs value and grade Jackson’s work. But, it’s at least an option they should explore.
5. Alex Mack, Center, Atlanta Falcons
Sometimes need meets opportunity in the most opportunistic ways, and if the Falcons decide to part ways with their six-time Pro Bowl guard, that will be precisely the case for the Chiefs and Mack.
Kenneth Arthur of Bolts from the Blue argued that “Though he’s 34, he appears to remain one of the league’s best centers … Mack did convert some of his salary in 2017 to a signing bonus that alleviated some cap room and maybe that’s something he’s open to again.”
Last year, the Falcons drafted Chris Lindstrom in the first round to play guard and perhaps slide to center. This year, the team drafted center Matt Hennessy. It’s clear the team is planning for life without Mack. What is less clear is when they’ll be ready to move on.
If they do move on soon from the 11-year NFL veteran, the Chiefs should be ready and waiting to pounce. Not only is center the weakest place on the Chiefs offensive line, but a center of Mack’s caliber is rarely available on the open market. What’s more, because of Mack’s advanced age, he is likely not looking to break the bank or sign a long-term deal. In addition, he may be among the many veterans who use the latter part of their career to chase a Super Bowl ring. What better place to do that than with the defending champions?
It is highly unlikely the Chiefs can make this happen, but if they can find a way, they should do so.