Life is fantastic in Chiefs Kingdom, with their team reigning as the Super Bowl champions and being once again favored to clinch the title this coming February. The eagerly awaited training camp is slated to commence in July. However, given that the significant NFL offseason events, including the draft and free agency, have already concluded, there might not be much news until then. Nonetheless, there are exciting possibilities, such as a potential contract extension for Chris Jones or the arrival of Deandre Hopkins to Kansas City.
While the offseason still isn't over yet, let's review some of the best moves that Brett Veach has made so far to improve the Kansas City Chiefs.
Best moves of the KC Chiefs offseason - Honorable Mention: Signing Donovan Smith
While including the signing of Donovan Smith after the draft may have caught some by surprise, as it hasn't been met with widespread acclaim among Chiefs fans this offseason, and I understand why. However, let's examine this move in isolation. Indeed, it would be ideal for the Chiefs not to rely on an aging veteran, who had a subpar season in 2022, as their starting left tackle for Patrick Mahomes. Nevertheless, let's consider the timing of this decision.
At the moment of Smith's signing in early May, the Chiefs were without a starting left tackle. Jawaan Taylor lacks experience at the left tackle position in both college and the NFL, Wanya Morris may not be fully prepared for the NFL, and Lucas Niang and Prince Tega Wanogho are still considered as developmental tackles.
While I don't perceive this move as an exceptional one, it does provide a higher baseline of performance at one of the most crucial positions on the entire team, especially with a cap hit of just $2.76M. It's worth acknowledging that during this period, finding a starting-caliber left tackle is far from a simple task.
Best moves of the KC Chiefs offseason - Signing Drue Tranquill
Linebacker Drue Tranquill may not be a Pro Bowl contender this season, but he possesses the potential to play a significant role in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. Prior to Tranquill, the Chiefs had Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, and Willie Gay at linebacker. While Bolton and Chenal excel as downhill run defenders, Gay thrives in coverage. Consequently, Kansas City lacked a second coverage linebacker behind Gay, particularly with Darius Harris still being a free agent.
Tranquill aligns more closely with Willie Gay's style of play rather than Nick Bolton's, as he focuses less on run defense and excels in coverage, while also demonstrating proficiency as a blitzer. According to Pro Football Focus ($), Tranquill recorded an impressive 15 pressures and 5 sacks in just 70 pass rush snaps for the Chargers last season. Additionally, Tranquill has showcased his aptitude in coverage over the past few seasons. By upgrading from Harris to Tranquill, the Chiefs can expect improved pass defense, as they were more vulnerable on passing plays when Harris was on the field.
Notably, Tranquill brings experience in special teams, having accumulated over 450 snaps in that capacity since entering the NFL in 2019.
Considering the modest investment of only $3 million for a one-year contract, the Chiefs secured Drue Tranquill at a remarkably low cost. The discontent expressed by several Charger fans on my Twitter timeline upon the announcement of the move underscores the value of this acquisition for Kansas City. Brett Veach deserves recognition for making a shrewd move that entails minimal risk but promises substantial rewards.
Best moves of the KC Chiefs offseason - Drafting Felix Anudike-Uzomah
My perspective on this move has evolved since draft night. While there's no guarantee that Felix Anudike-Uzomah will develop into an All-Pro caliber defensive end, the Chiefs secured great value with the 31st overall pick. Although Anudike-Uzomah wasn't my top choice among pass rushers in this past draft class, it doesn't diminish the fact that he is a highly skilled player. His combination of potential and experience made him an enticing prospect late in the first round.
Furthermore, Anudike-Uzomah addresses a position that fulfills both short and long-term needs for Kansas City. Although the Chiefs aren't particularly weak on the edge, having an abundance of quality pass rushers is always advantageous. Additionally, while the team possesses depth at the defensive end position, they lack the high-end talent necessary to elevate their overall pass rush alongside Chris Jones. Anudike-Uzomah has the potential to become a multiple-time Pro Bowler while also offering a solid floor, enabling him to see consistent playing time early in his career.
What truly impresses me about this move for Kansas City is that it checks all the boxes. Did they obtain value? Absolutely. Does it address a position of need? Certainly. Is it a premium position? Without a doubt. Anudike-Uzomah, being a KC native, adds to the excitement and carries the potential to become a Pro Bowl-level pass rusher for the Chiefs. Also, following the departures of Frank Clark and Carlos Dunlap, the Chiefs needed to find replacements. First, they signed Charles Omenihu, and now they've drafted Felix Anudike-Uzomah. One could argue that both players are upgrades over their predecessors, with Anudike-Uzomah having the potential to be a significant success for Brett Veach.
Best moves of the KC Chiefs offseason - Signing Richie James
The addition of Richie James exemplifies a classic low-risk, high-reward move by the Chiefs. While James may not reach Pro Bowl level as a wide receiver, he possesses the necessary tools to thrive as a gadget player within Andy Reid's offense, along with valuable experience as a punt returner.
The departure of Mecole Hardman and the Chiefs' desire for Kadarius Toney to assume a traditional number-one wide receiver role creates an opportunity for a player like Richie James to step up. James can be effectively utilized in plays such as jet sweeps and screens, adding versatility to the offense.
Moreover, with Skyy Moore transitioning into a more traditional wide receiver role, competition for the punt returner position arises, involving Richie James and Justin Watson in particular. While Kadarius Toney could potentially serve as the primary returner, the Chiefs might be reluctant to expose their top receiver to the risks associated with special teams. We've observed a similar decrease in Tyreek Hill's involvement on special teams as he became more integral to the offense, and a similar approach could be taken with Toney and Moore.
While Richie James may not amass 1,000 receiving yards for Kansas City, it is highly plausible that he will play a more substantial role on offense than many anticipate. Priced at just under $1.1 million for the 2023 season, there exists a genuine possibility that James exceeds the value of his contract early in the season. Andy Reid has a fondness for utilizing receivers with James' skill set, and this could yield significant dividends throughout the season, particularly with Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback.