The next five moves the KC Chiefs should make this offseason

Size up a deal for Danielle Hunter

Brett Veach doesn’t always have to be so aggressive as he’s been in the past, but at the very least, he needs to know what is possible if he does feel like being so bold, which is why we think the next move he should make is to call the Minnesota Vikings and lay out what’s possible and what is not possible in terms of a potential trade for defensive end Danielle Hunter.

The Chiefs have a very, very clear need for a proven edge rusher at this point. It is, by a country mile, the single greatest concern on the roster, and going into the draft with only a restructured Frank Clark isn’t just a bad scenario. It’s irresponsible. The Chiefs have to make a move for someone, but the problem is that those someone(s) aren’t looking all that hot.

That’s why we’re talking about Danielle Hunter here. Now, to be clear, we are also tired of seeing Brett Veach trade early picks for veterans year after year after year (after year). It’s hurt the Chiefs in some ways to lose so much cost-controlled, high-end talent, and continuing that process will only make the issue even more glaring. In that way, it might be best for the Chiefs to look at Jadeveon Clowney or Za’Darius Smith in free agency.

But there’s a reason we brought up the aggressive thing earlier, because even before any single free agent signed this offseason, (I believe) Danielle Hunter was still the single most disruptive pass rusher even potentially available. Von Miller has a lot left in the tank, and Khalil Mack is going to be a very good addition for the Chargers, but when healthy, Hunter is, at his age and in his prime, the better overall option. In the wake of all the signings made so far, Hunter is an even clearer favorite.

Now, Hunter is not without risks himself coming off of injury-laden seasons as of late, but that’s why we said that if Veach wanted to take the biggest swing possible—think of it as the slot machine with the biggest potential payouts—then the Vikes pass rusher is the way to go. But how much will it cost? What draft assets would have to be involved?

This is why the next move Veach should make is to clarify all of this in a final way to know whether to make an attempt or walk away from the idea.