KC Chiefs: Three free agent targets for the offense
The 2021 NFL season is fast approaching with the “Hall of Fame” game between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburg Steelers kicking off in early August. The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a rough Super Bowl loss, and from all accounts it has been a primary driver this offseason for a number of the team’s veterans.
The offense will return a large number of the key names at pivotal positions, with a few new studs sprinkled in. There are still some questions lingering, like who will be the team’s second wide receiver?
Odds are this role will be filled by Mecole Hardman, and a host of other players like Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle. Maybe a new face like Cornell Powell steps in early for a surprise impact.
Are the Chiefs done adding faces in the running back room? It would appear the Chiefs have a deep rotation this season when it comes to running backs, but there are still a handful of veterans that could fill some pivotal reps if injuries occur.
While rather small considering the Chiefs roster’s talent and resume, these questions and a handful more remain. Let’s take a look at some of the players left in Free Agency that could provide some answers to these questions.
Golden Tate
Golden Tate seems to be a forgotten about wide receiver these days. Only a few years removed from shining with the Detroit Lions, eclipsing 1,000 yards three times, Tate has had a somewhat up and down experience ever since. At age 32, after 11 seasons in the NFL, does Tate still have what it takes to contribute for a championship contender?
I’d argue the answer is definitely yes. In the last three seasons Tate has played with three teams and amassed nearly 2,000 receiving yards. This averaged out to four catches and nearly 50 yards per contest.
Those aren’t jaw dropping numbers by any means, but when you consider the learning curve he had with each team they’re actually fairly impressive. If Tate could step in as a third or fourth receiver for the Chiefs and produce consistently at that level, I’m not sure there’s a reason other than his contract that would give the team’s front office pause.
At this juncture of Tate’s career I don’t think this will be an issue. Usually players a few years past thirty, who have bounced from team to team, don’t command substantial and lengthy contracts. Tate seems to be the perfect “mercenary-style” contract a team like the Chiefs could leverage into a very productive season.
The only drawback to bringing in a player like Tate is how it may affect the evolution of Mecole Hardman. It’s likely Tate’s impact would result in some lost opportunities for the third year draft pick. That said, the Chiefs are in win now mode and a veteran receiver like Tate on a cheaper deal might be too good of an opportunity to pass up.