Kansas City Chiefs: Free Agency Needs
The Kansas City Chiefs are unlikely to become complacent after winning two Super Bowl championships in the past four seasons, and will likely continue to seek opportunities to improve their roster this offseason.
With several areas of their roster that could use improvement, the Chiefs may need to make some moves before the 2023 season starts, especially if they lose key players to free agency.
The Chiefs are currently projected to be $3.5 million over the salary cap, but they may still be able to make some free-agent signings by clearing some space and gaining more financial flexibility.
The three biggest needs of the Chiefs
Left Tackle
The Chiefs have let Orlando Brown Jr., who has been a steady presence at left tackle for the team over the past two seasons, test the market. Brown will likely command a large contract if he hits the free-agent market, so it may be unlikely the Chiefs will be able to keep him. If not, the team will need to acquire someone who can protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blind side.
On the first day of free agency legal tampering, Kansas reached a deal with right tackle Jawann Taylor for four years for $80m, with the resources committed on the right side of the line, so expect a left tackle to be acquired in the draft and a relatively cheap veteran also.
Defensive End
Kansas City cut Frank Clark to clear cap space, and Carlos Dunlap is set to hit free agency. If both players leave, the position could quickly become one of the team's biggest needs. The team could benefit from signing a free-agent pass-rusher, especially if Dunlap leaves, to maintain their strong defensive unit. Yannick Ngakoue could be a nice one-year rental pickup.
Wide Receiver
Despite trading Tyreek Hill last off-season, they still had a solid receiving corps this past season. However, several key members are now set to hit free agency, making the position a need to address.
The team could use a true No. 1 receiver, and they may be able to swing a trade or land a top WR in the draft. Additionally, the receiving corps lacks depth, so Kansas City could sign some playmakers in free agency to fix this issue.
Jakobi Meyers would make a lot of sense here, however, he is likely to receive around $20m a year on the market, DeAndre Hopkins is a true number 1 who is available by trade with a similar cap hit.
Overall, Kansas City must address these three key areas to maintain its status as a championship contender.