Offensive free agents that make sense for KC Chiefs
Chiefs’ Options Along the Offensive Line
Orlando Brown Jr., tackle
Perhaps the biggest decision of Kansas City’s offseason is figuring out exactly what to do with Orlando Brown Jr. At this stage of his career, he’s been a mixed bag, but he did help them turn in a zero-sack performance that earned Kansas City its second Lombardi trophy in four seasons.
Kansas City will either use the franchise tag on Brown again in 2023 or finally make him one of the league’s highest-paid left tackles. Last season, the process of contract negotiations was complicated by Brown not having an agent. This year presents new possibilities, but the Chiefs are likely to have to pay him $23 million per year to retain his services.
Offensive line continuity will be a key factor in how consistent KC’s offense can be in the future. Keeping Brown in America’s heartland is priority No. 1 for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Prince Tega-Wanogho, tackle (ERFA)
While he hasn’t seen much game action since joining the Chiefs in 2020, the Nigerian-born offensive tackle has logged 19 games in Kansas City. Roughly 90% of his snaps to date have come on special teams, but he did play 58 offensive snaps in 2022. The Chiefs have been excited about the possibilities with Tega-Wanogho as an imposing player with athleticism. Unfortunately, he’s been able to reward their good faith by climbing the depth chart. During his time in KC, the Chiefs have had Mike Remmers and Andrew Wylie ahead of him. That said, he’s a viable depth option the front office may consider bringing back to the team next season.
Jermaine Eluemunor, tackle
For the past three months, it’s struck me that the Chiefs may well have a new right tackle when the season starts in September. They already have a big decision to make on the left side of the line. Andrew Wylie entered the 2022 season on a one-year deal. There are questions about what he might be looking for on a new deal, but it could price the Chiefs out of a return to Kansas City. He could finally cash in on an eight-figure deal in 2023 and the Chiefs may be confronted with a tough decision about his future.
Darian Kinnard didn’t make any strides toward cracking the starting lineup last season and may not be ready. Divisional rival tackle Jermaine Eluemunor could be a serviceable replacement should Wylie move on. Eluemunor started all 17 games for the Raiders last season and scored himself a 75.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. The concern here may be that he carries a similar value to Wylie and is essentially the same age.
Andre Dillard, tackle
A younger option that would fit Brett Veach’s former No. 1 profile is Eagles’ tackle Andre Dillard. He’s green with just nine career starts, but he has filled in admirably when called upon in Philadelphia. The Eagles declined his fifth-year option, so he’ll hit the open market when the new league year starts. If the Chiefs decide to go younger, he could be part of a three-man competition for the starting right tackle spot. Dillard will be less expensive than re-signing Wylie or a veteran like Eluemunor. He’d also be a more experienced player than Tega-Wanogho or Kinnard.
Nick Allegretti, guard
Over the past four seasons, Nick Allegretti has proven a valuable reserve offensive lineman. He’s made 12 starts during that stretch and has been a serviceable option when called upon. Heading into the 2023 season, he’ll be just 27 years old and very well could return to the team on a modest extension. A lack of depth felled the Chiefs in the 2020 season. For the right price, this would appear a no-brainer for Kansas City’s front office. Allegretti is a competent, albeit underwhelming, offensive guard. Having him available in the event of another injury to Kansas City’s interior would be a win.