The Chiefs' ideal decision for each defensive free agent

S Deon Bush

Eight-year veteran Deon Bush came to Kansas City back in March of 2022. In his time with Kansas City, the bulk of his playing time has come as a special teams player. To his credit, he did make a key play by intercepting Lamar Jackson in the AFC Championship Game, but that's about where his defensive glory ends. Bush didn't see much of the field until he played 80% of the defensive snaps in a meaningless Week 18 game with the Los Angeles Chargers. I like Bush and appreciate his service, but I'd move on here.

LB Darius Harris

It might surprise you to know this, but Darius Harris has as many rings as Chris Jones. Apart from a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, Harris was here for Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and Super Bowl LVIII. Harris has even made six starts in four seasons with the Chiefs. He is probably most well-known for special teams play during his tenure. The Chiefs have a lot of talent in their linebacking corps, and for this reason, I'd bid Harris adieu.

As a whole, this is not a shining endorsement for continuity on the defensive side of the football. That said, the Kansas City Chiefs have a solid core of young defensive talent. I believe they can retool a bit, and infuse it with more young players and a few key veteran additions. They hit a home run with their defensive signings last year. If they can replicate that this offseason, they'll give themselves a chance to pull off the three-peat.

Next time, we'll explore the offensive side of the ball. However, I expect the free agency outlook to be different when that time comes. By then, we should know more about the fates of Jones and Sneed, and that may well impact what happens offensively. Until next time.