Kansas City Chiefs Free Agency news: Analyzing NFL side's latest signings
Reigning Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs have made several key moves ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
These include declining the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and releasing pass-rusher Frank Clark. These moves will significantly impact their roster and cap space.
In response, they signed and re-signed multiple players to strengthen their lineup. Here's a breakdown of each signing and their potential impact on the upcoming season.
Kansas City Chiefs signings
The Chiefs re-signed Derrick Nnadi (DT), a reliable figure who has missed just one game in his five NFL seasons. Nnadi's signing addresses the need for depth in the middle of the defensive line, as he primarily serves as a run defender.
Kansas City added former Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill on a one-year deal. Tranquill's career-high 95 tackles in 2022 makes him a valuable addition to the Chiefs' linebacker corps, providing experience and versatility.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards signed a one-year deal. Edwards brings a veteran presence to the safety position and could potentially play a significant role as a nickel safety, bolstering the Chiefs' secondary.
Kansas City reached an agreement with former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor on a four-year, $80 million deal. Taylor will need to transition from right tackle to left tackle, filling the void left by Orlando Brown Jr. and solidifying the offensive line.
Former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Charles Omenihu signed to a two-year, $16 million deal. Omenihu provides depth at the defensive end position, helping to replace the recently released Frank Clark and strengthening the pass rush.
Kansas City re-signed guard Nick Allegretti to a one-year deal, retaining a solid backup for their offensive line. Allegretti has primarily played at guard but can also fill in at center, providing flexibility and depth to the team's offensive front.
Notable Kansas City Chiefs departures
The franchise experienced several notable departures ahead of the 2023 NFL season. Orlando Brown Jr., the team's left tackle, was not given the franchise tag, leaving a significant gap in the offensive line (now Bengals).
Pass-rusher Frank Clark was released, impacting the team's defensive strength. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who provided additional depth to the receiving corps, has also left the team (now Patriots). Starting safety Juan Thornhill's departure to free agency weakened the Chiefs' secondary.
Offensive tackle Andrew Wylie's exit adds another challenge to the team's offensive line, while Mecole Hardman's departure (WR) will be felt too.
Finally, running back Jerick McKinnon is a free agent, which affects KC's backfield depth and versatility in the passing game after his career season. These departures will require the franchise to find suitable replacements to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.