Despite the massive contract extension given to Patrick Mahomes and the new deal for Chris Jones, the Chiefs are still under the cap. According to Over the Cap, the Chiefs currently sit at over $13.9 million in cap space.
The Chiefs saw three pieces of their offense opt-out due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Those three players were starting right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, rookie offensive lineman Lucas Niang, and starting running back Damien Williams.
Even though the Chiefs added Kelechi Osemele after the LDT opt-out, the Chiefs have some money to add some players for depth before the season starts.
Logan Ryan- Cornerback
I have been saying all offseason that the Chiefs should sign Logan Ryan to a deal. He is on the free-agent market after spending the past three seasons in Tennessee. In 2019, Ryan set career-highs in tackles (113), sacks (4.5), forced fumbles (4) and passes defended (18), while intercepting four passes. His whole career, especially last year, he has proved that he can do it all at the cornerback position.
He can blitz and hit the quarterback, as shown by his 4.5 sacks and eight QB hits. Ryan can tackle and hit hard, as displayed by 113 tackles and four forced fumbles. In addition, his versatility in coverage is terrific as he has the ability to play inside against the slot receiver and on the outside, which resulted in four interceptions and 18 passes defended.
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. With a pending suspension for starting corner Bashaud Breeland, Ryan could come in and fill the starting role that is left with the absence of Breeland.
Alec Ogletree- Linebacker
Back in late February, the New York Giants released Ogletree after two seasons with the team. Over those two seasons, Ogletree played 26 games, racking up 173 total tackles, two sacks, and six interceptions.
A noteworthy piece on Ogletree is that in his first year with the Giants, he played under current Chiefs Defensive Coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo. With his familiarity with Spags, signing Ogletree is a possibility for the Chiefs.
Ogletree struggled in 2019, especially in coverage, but the Chiefs never brought in a veteran to address the loss of Reggie Ragland. Yes, they drafted Willie Gay Jr., but after him the linebacker depth is thin. If the Chiefs were to sign Ogletree, it would be a cheap way to add veteran experience and depth to the linebacker unit.
Demar Dotson- Offensive Tackle
The Chiefs depth at the offensive tackle position took a hit with the opt-out of rookie third-round draft pick, Lucas Niang. In my opinion, the Chiefs have one of the best tackle tandems in the entire NFL, but last year Eric Fisher missed eight games, due to injury. When he played, the Chiefs went undefeated, but the replacement for him at left tackle was Cam Erving.
In case of an injury to either Fisher or Schwartz, the Chiefs could address the offensive tackle position. Long-time starting tackle for the Tampa Buccaneers, Demar Dotson, is an option to add depth to the position. He is an eleven-year veteran that is still on the open market. Over his career, he has proved to be a solid option at tackle and has never seemed to give up many pressures or sacks.
He would be an upgrade from Cam Erving and would fill the void that is left with the opt out of Niang. The Chiefs may have added to the offensive line recently, but Dotson can be one guy that can make a difference this season in case of an injury.
Devonta Freeman- Running Back
The Chiefs suffered a huge loss with the opt-out of Super Bowl star and running back Damien Williams. With this in mind, the Chiefs could look to add another depth piece at running back. Before I get into this, I would like to say that the Chiefs do not need to add another running back to the roster as they have first-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, but this is an option if they want to bring in more depth.
In 2015 and 2016, Freeman was one of the most productive running backs in the league, when he was paired with Tevin Coleman. Since then, injuries and Coleman’s departure to the 49ers has led to a drop in production. There are a few reasons as to why this has happened.
In the past couple of seasons, the Falcons have struggled and the offensive line has not played very well. Freeman could also just be on the decline of his career. However, his 2016 production of 1,078 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 462 receiving yards bring hope to any team that looks into him.
If Freeman can return to that level of production, the Chiefs could end up getting a heck of a deal. He could return to those numbers as well as part of a new duo, alongside Edwards-Helaire. Freeman was most successful in a duo, and the Chiefs can give him a duo if they want to add to the running back room.
The Chiefs do not have to sign any other players this offseason. They have 20 of 22 Super Bowl starters returning this year and have the league’s best quarterback. They could use the remaining cap as rollover into the next year, but if they want to add to the roster, there are still plenty of options on the free agent market.
