Three Chiefs free agent signings to be thankful for

Running back Jerick McKinnon

The Chiefs’ re-signing of running back Jerick McKinnon late this summer was met with mixed reviews from fans. Both sides had valid arguments, but McKinnon’s role and performance in 2022 are proving his doubters wrong.

McKinnon was an underrated part of the Chiefs’ 2021 postseason run. He led the team in rushing yards while having the third-most receiving yards in that same span. Despite that, his return to Kansas City did not seem like a certainty. Before signing McKinnon, the Chiefs had Clyde Edwards-Helaire back and added other running backs in the offseason. But the team is better for bringing McKinnon back into the fold.

He has hardly been perfect this season, with a 51.7 grade from PFF. He struggled in pass protection to start 2022, which is usually his meal ticket. However, McKinnon is turning things around after the bye week. He recorded six catches against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, with notable improvements in pass protection. If he can complement rookie Isiah Pacheco in his expanding role, then McKinnon will be very prominent in the Chiefs’ offense.

Chiefs fans can be thankful that McKinnon has a knack for performing when it matters most. His third-down role is very important and can easily sway a postseason game in the near future. Legacies are decided in January and February, and McKinnon could leave Kansas City with warm and fuzzy feelings as long as he succeeds during those months.