KC Chiefs: Five very important questions for the defense

Where is Jarran Reed‘s impact?

For much of the offseason, it felt like the most underrated acquisition or roster change on the part of the Chiefs was the signing of Jarran Reed from the Seattle Seahawks to a one-year deal. These days, we’re wondering if it was overrated.

The Seahawks surprised the NFL this spring when they decided to cut ways with Reed outright instead of figuring out a way forward. The Seahawks were asking him to restructure his deal for the coming season and beyond while Reed was hoping for more security, Then just that quickly, the Seahawks just cut him loose and decided to be done with it all.

Reed latched on with the Chiefs on a one-year contract and knew he would have the chance to re-enter free agency for the hopes of another big deal before his career is over. Unfortunately, through two games, the Chiefs are searching for any signs of life as far as Reed’s impact is concerned.

The whole idea of shifting Chris Jones outside to edge rusher was predicated on having Reed in the heart of the interior as a disruptor to help keep defenses honest. Reed had also been called the best run defender in his entire draft class. Either way, however, Chiefs Kingdom hasn’t heard much out of Reed at all with only 3 tackles in 2 starts, including 1 pressure. Those are pitiful numbers that mirror the eye test that says Reed just hasn’t been a real factor.

Let’s be very clear here: Reed is settling into a new system. Brendan Daly, his position coach, is learning how to work with him, and he’s meeting and getting used to new teammates as well. We’re cool to wait for a learning curve, but at some point, the “curve” needs to point upward. At this point it’s a straight line indicating very little real impact and that’s not okay here.