Offensive free agents that make sense for KC Chiefs

Chiefs’ Options at Wide Receiver

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Behind the looming decision on what to do with Orlando Brown Jr., the biggest decision facing Veach might be how he will handle JuJu Smith-Schuster’s future with the Chiefs. After courting him in both the 2020 and 2021 offseasons, the Chiefs finally managed to snag Smith-Schuster on a one-year, $3.7 million contract. The former Pittsburgh Steeler was impressive in his first season despite a pair of injuries and flirted with a 1,000-yard season (he finished the year with 933 receiving yards).

The trouble for the Chiefs is the fact that Smith-Schuster might be at the top of the food chain in the free agent market for receivers. Bringing him back to Kansas City will likely require a contract value of approximately $57-60 million dollars. It’s unknown if they’re willing to fork over that kind of jack for a player who’s struggled with injuries and not looked the same since playing across from Antonio Brown.

Mecole Hardman

To further complicate matters with Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs also have their former 56th-overall pick, Mecole Hardman, to contend with. He’s also pending free agency, but there’s also the matter of a curious abdominal/pelvic injury that kept him sidelined for months to end the 2022 season. Hardman recently had surgery to resolve the issue and has a chance to enter camp healthy and prepared to contribute in the new season.

Whether or not that happens at One Arrowhead Drive is the question. Hardman is expected to have a number of suitors because he while he’s incomplete as a wide receiver, he does have world-class speed. Some estimates suggest he could command $10 million per season in a new deal.

Justin Watson

Presently, the Chiefs have only three wide receivers under contract for the 2023 season: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore. With Smith-Schuster and Hardman both potentially testing the market, the Chiefs may have designs on bringing Justin Watson back.

Watson was brought to Kansas City in February of 2022. He was unspectacular last season but did show the ability to separate when he was on the field. His hands were a concern, but with system familiarity, he may be too good for Brett Veach to pass on. Bringing him back on another one-year deal seems appropriate while the team assesses whether or not Toney or Moore can take another step in 2023.

Trent Sherfield

In the event that Kansas City loses two of its three receivers to free agency, they could consider a low-profile signing of a veteran player like Trent Sherfield. Last year, he was the third-leading receiver in the Miami Dolphins offense. He certainly didn’t have the gaudy numbers of Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle but averaged nearly 14 yards per reception on the year.

Sherfield could give the Chiefs some reliability at receiver behind Valdes-Scantling and be a productive member of the Chiefs’ special teams unit. K.C. might remember Sherfield from a Week 3 preseason matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. In that game, he blew past two Chiefs defenders on a post route for an 80-yard touchdown reception.