8 free agents who should top the Chiefs offseason wish list
Running Back: Antonio Gibson
With the pending losses of Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Chiefs need another running back to be a regular contributor alongside Isiah Pacheco. The Chiefs could definitely target a running back in the middle rounds of the draft, but if the running back market remains cheap, they could also land a more proven option in free agency. If his price tag isn't very high then there might not be a better fit for Kansas City than Antonio Gibson.
I loved Gibson's upside coming out of Memphis and given the flashes we saw in Washington and the fact that he hasn't even turned 26 yet, I would love to see Veach bring him in. Gibson was used as a wide receiver in college, but his size and running skills (as well as his underwhelming route tree) led to a switch to running back in the NFL. He's averaged over 40 receptions per season and he put up 1,800 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons before the Commanders reduced his role the past two seasons.
Gibson has the size (6-foot-2 and 220 pounds) to take punishment between the tackles more naturally than Pacheco does. So if K.C. wanted to use him on early downs to carry the ball they could. His receiver background also makes him an option to replace McKinnon on passing downs. The final selling point for me was how Gibson has improved his pass protection since he moved to running back. While not a perfect measure, his 71.9 Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade was their 8th best for a running back last season and a sign of how he has improved in this key area.
I believe Gibson could be a back that could help reduce the load on Pacheco without having to pay a significant price tag. The website Spotrac (which I highly recommend for contract information) estimates his market value as worthy of a 1-year deal for about $3.6 million. I would be thrilled if Veach was able to get Gibson for that.
Now let's go to this offseason's most talked about position, wide receiver.