Overlooked free agent edge options for KC Chiefs
By Matt Conner
If the Kansas City Chiefs want to make a move to bolster the edge rusher role before the draft, their options are running very low.
Coming into the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs had Frank Clark and little else at defensive end. Now just a couple of weeks before the 2022 NFL Draft, nothing has changed at the position. Clark has somehow been retained through an unexpected restructure, but the Michigan product remains the only viable starter on the team’s roster despite the glaring need up front.
Fortunately for the Chiefs, Chris Jones plays along the interior and gives the Chiefs a dominating presence up front that eases the expectations on edge rushers in Steve Spagnuolo’s system. That’s good news because there’s not much there in terms of quantity or quality.
Yes, the Chiefs might have something in developmental pass rusher Joshua Kaindoh who was drafted in the fourth round last year after largely redshirting the 2021 season. The Chiefs also have a nice find in fifth-round Michael Danna, who is a nice complementary player. But in terms of anchors outside who can handle the role and responsibility of being a defensive cornerstone, the Chiefs are seriously lacking and a free agent frenzy failed to land anyone in their corner.
As the NFL Draft nears, the Chiefs look perilously thin at the position which could lead to a bit of draft desperation. However, if general manager Brett Veach wants to sign someone to ease the pressure, the options are running out. Some overlooked players remain, however, although it remains to be seen how well they might fit (and even how long they might remain free).
Let’s look at some options who could still help the Chiefs.