The 2020 NFL Draft has now passed and talent remains on the free agent market. The Chiefs are currently tight on cap room and have pending contract extensions with Chris Jones and Patrick Mahomes.
However, the Chiefs can still look to add talent via free agency on cheap deals that can provide depth and veteran experience. Here are three potential options for the Chiefs:
Logan Ryan- Cornerback
Logan is on the free agent market after spending the past three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. This past season, Ryan set career-highs in tackles (113), sacks (4.5), forced fumbles (4), and passes defensed (18), while intercepting four passes. As his stats indicate, Ryan can do a little bit of everything.
He can blitz and hit the quarterback, as shown by his 4.5 sacks and QB hits. Ryan can tackle and hit hard, as displayed by 113 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. In addition, Ryan is versatile in coverage with abilities to play inside against the slot receiver and on the outside, which resulted in four interceptions and 18 passes defensed.
Ryan could be a signing for the Chiefs as an addition to allow players, such as newly drafted L’Jarius Sneed and Thakarius Keyes, to develop at the beginning part of the season. He would also be a good mentor for the players in their development and prepare them to play key roles in the defense for the future.
Darqueze Dennard– Cornerback
Dennard is a free agent after spending the first six seasons of his career in Cincinnati. Dennard is a name that some Chiefs fans may remember as he made a free agent visit to Kansas City last year before returning to the Bengals.
Earler this offseason, Dennard had agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $13.5 million deal, but the deal fell through, and he is back on the open market.
Dennard has found a good spot for himself on defense in the slot. He has become a valuable slot corner with his size and length. He is a solid player at a position that could use additional depth for the right price.
Dennard fits the bill of a Brett Veach player. He is a former first round pick, who has under performed with unlocked potential. Dennard can come in and play the slot corner position and help aid in the continued development of Rashad Fenton and newly drafted, Sneed and Keyes.
Nigel Bradham– Linebacker
Bradham is a free agent after spending the past four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. Signing Bradham would continue the trend of signing LBs out of the NFC East, looking to help contribute to one of the league’s best teams and reigning Super Bowl Champions.
Bradham can come in and play the role that is empty following the absence of Reggie Ragland, who signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency. Bradham is an upgrade from Ragland in coverage, which has been a weakness for the LB core.
According to PFF, Bradham has received a grade of 73.0 or higher in coverage in three of the last four seasons. He can come in and be the cheap, solid veteran signing that is made to upgrade and add depth to a position that needs help.
The Chiefs may be tight on the cap, but signing one of these three players provide depth and veteran experience to the defense. In addition, the contract for any of these three players would be short term deals at a cheaper cost.
