The waves of free agency have begun to settle. Across the NFL, many teams have added to help their chances at improving for the 2025 season. There were no shortage of transactions inside the AFC West. With one of the deepest divisions in the league, the arms race to infusing premiere talent into the equation is a must.
The Kansas City Chiefs still have to feel satisfied with their chunk of free agent moves. However, there were plenty of additions that were made by their rivals that stuck out. In the end, the Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders all did something to improve their odds.
Which moves could the Chiefs possibly be jealous of from around the AFC West? Here are five that could make division matchups much more challenging for Kansas City this upcoming season.
Broncos signing Talanoa Hufanga
Talanoa Hufanga joins an already tenacious Denver defensive unit. Injuries have played a part in the last two seasons for the safety. He suffered a torn ACL in 2023. And even last year, Hufanga dealt with a wrist injury. Even with that time off the field, Hufanga can still flip the momentum for a defense.
His seven interceptions and 12 passes defensed from 2022 and 2023 combined led to San Francisco being one of the more challenging defenses to battle against. His ball skills and nose for the football are still items that can make an impact, despite the recent injury history.
The Broncos already have a physical pass rush upfront. If they can receive the ball production that Hufanga offered earlier in his career, Denver improved their already deep defense and would have one of the top two safeties in the division.
Chargers signing Mekhi Becton
Mekhi Becton did not work out as a first-round pick for the New York Jets but after joining the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Becton got to learn the tricks of the trade from revered offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. Becton was able to find his craft at guard, allowing just a 5.2 percent pressure rate per dropback.
The fact that he will always have the Stoutland wisdom with him makes him an intriguing piece going forward. Kansas City may be jealous of this for two reasons. One, Becton could have been a possible fallback option after trading away Joe Thuney. Second, this strengthens the Chargers' offensive line further, as they look to run the ball and grind away games under head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Chargers re-signing Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack re-signed with the Chargers to stay put in Los Angeles. Even at his age, Mack is still producing as one of the more efficient veteran pass rushers in the NFL. He tallied 49 pressures and 34 hurries in 2024, via Pro Football Focus and in three seasons with Los Angeles, Mack has registered a total of 34 sacks, including playoffs.
The Chargers did let Joey Bosa walk but with how effective Mack has still been, it will not get any easier trying to protect against the L.A. pass rush. The Chiefs will already be facing questions again at offensive tackle in 2025. Mack re-signing with the Bolts will make those Chiefs-Chargers meetings even more tight this upcoming season.
Raiders signing Jeremy Chinn
Jeremy Chinn can be a do-it-all defensive piece for the Raiders defense. After losing Tre'von Moehrig in free agency, Las Vegas got a much cheaper option in Chinn. Still just 27 years old, Chinn can align in the box, in the slot, and at free safety. Playing in space is where he thrives.
Overall, Chinn has graded out as a well-rounded tackler, being able to impact the run defense. He can be a powerful hitter for the Vegas defensive group, while still offering adequate coverage skills in the intermediate to deep parts of the field. This move may not jump out for some people. However, Chinn can wear many different hats for the Raiders defense.
Broncos signing Evan Engram
Much of the Broncos' offseason was focused around Denver bringing in an offensive "joker" for Sean Payton's offense. Evan Engram was a cap casualty in Jacksonville, allowing him to hit the open market. The Broncos were in need of more talent at the tight end position entering Bo Nix's second season. Not only did they find talent with Engram, they added a versatile option for the passing attack.
Engram is a piece who can move around the offensive formation. He will win from the slot, in-line and occasionally out wide. The veteran can also be adequate enough in the run game as a blocker. With his experience and multiplicity, it will take a lot of pressure off of Nix. That makes the Broncos offense that much tougher to prepare for.
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