As the start of free agency draws closer, here are a few players the Chiefs should look to bring in this offseason.
Quarterback – Alex Smith
It was announced on Monday that the Washington Football team would be moving on from the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after a remarkable season for Smith. The decision to bring Smith back to KC to backup Patrick Mahomes would be well received in the Chiefs locker room, as well as the Kansas City community. Smith was a team player and very well respected his whole career in Kansas City. He knows the system and has chemistry with the team, this would solidify the backup QB spot for KC and give Smith a chance to stay in the NFL.
Running back – Wayne Gallman
Protecting Patrick Mahomes will be the priority in 2021, and while the team should upgrade the offensive line adding a good pass protecting back would also not be a bad idea. Gallman rushed for just a modest 682 yards and six touchdowns in 2020, but he was a solid third-down pass protecting back for the New York Giants. A big-bodied-back Gallman would be able to take on blitzing backers, as well as provide extra insurance for Mahomes.
Wide Receiver – Corey Davis
If the Chiefs are looking to add a number two wide receiver to replace Sammy Watkins then they might not need to look any further than Corey Davis, and the appeal of coming to play with Patrick Mahomes might be enough to get Davis to KC on a team-friendly deal. Davis is looking at a big deal, but if he were to remain in Tennessee he would still be playing on a run-heavy team that will be looking to feed the ball to Derrick Henry. If he were to come to terms with the Chiefs he would have a chance to have a career season, as well as change how he is viewed around the league.
Tight End – Gerald Everett
The Chiefs have had the need for a second reliable tight end to match with Travis Kelce for some time now, and while Everett hasn’t had a ton of success thus far in his NFL career he has the potential to be a player the Chiefs could continue to mold and develop. With 41 receptions for 417 yards Everett had solid numbers for a backup tight end, and also was a solid blocker. If he were to come to Kansas City the Chiefs could utilize more two-tight end sets, which would disguise passing plays, as well as create favorable mismatches for Patrick Mahomes to take advantage of in the passing game.
Offensive Tackle – Matt Feiler
As the Chiefs look to add to their offensive line this offseason, creating a wealth of depth will also be important considering the injury history that the unit has developed. Feiler has played a lot of football thus far in his career and has experienced all over the offensive line. He would be a guy that the Chiefs could plug and play right away, at guard or tackle, and be a solid veteran. Ideally, Feiler would be in the sixth man role on the offensive line, ready to go if an injury occurs.
Guard – Joe Thuney
Thuney is one of the top linemen on the market this offseason, and he is a difference-making type of player upfront. The Chiefs have struggled to find consistency on the interior offensive line for a few seasons now, and while his price tag may be high, Thuney would help solidify a position of need and importance. Versatility, football IQ, and constant technique have made Thuney one of the game’s best guards.
Center – David Andrews
The Chiefs will likely be moving on from Austin Reiter this offseason, and David Andrews would make a solid replacement and add veteran experience to the Chiefs’ offensive line. The five-year NFL veteran has had plenty of experience playing in big games and in 2019 was the NFL’s highest-graded during the postseason. Andrews is a strong point of attack player and would be able to help the Chiefs set a wall upfront to keep Patrick Mahomes safe, as well as provide an upgrade in run blocking.
Edge – Romeo Okwara
Okwara is an interesting player who could be a hit on the Chiefs’ defensive line. For three years in Detroit, he struggled to find consistency and he still did at times in 2020, but a strong end to the year netted him 10 sacks and an 84.5% pass rush grade according to PFF. Okwara fits the mold for what the Chiefs want in a defensive end. He would be a good replacement for Alex Okafor but at only 26 years old would have a chance to get a fresh start to his career in KC. This could be a great bargain deal for the Chiefs.
Defensive Tackle – Hassan Ridgeway
The Chiefs will be losing several defensive linemen to free agency this offseason so it will be important to reload up front to keep a solid defensive front. Ridgeway wouldn’t provide much as far as pass rush is concerned, but he would be able to fill in as a depth piece and be a good run-down gap plugger. Ridgeway is a good lateral athlete and is stout enough against double teams to plug holes and create stalemates. He fits the bill for what Steve Spagnuolo wants in a defensive tackle.
Linebacker – Denzel Perryman
The Chiefs will need to add depth to the linebacking core and Perryman has enough of an all-around game to be able to step in and play at the SAM backer spot, alongside Anthony Hitchens at the Mike, and Willie Gay at the Will. Perryman is a throwback kind of player who is not afraid to lower his shoulder and deliver a big hit and is also light enough on his feet to cover players out of the backfield.
Cornerback – Troy Hill
If you can do many things well in the NFL you will always have a job, and that pretty much sums up Troy Hill and his career up to this point. Hill plays fundamentally sound football and provides quality depth as well as performance, but depending on what the Chiefs decide to do with Ward and Breeland could be a guy that comes out and starts multiple games. With three interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recovery’s, Hill has a nose for the ball and would be a good veteran addition. He would also provide a good special team presence.
Safety – Tre Boston
Tre Boston is a player who has intrigued me for a while now, and this seems like a prime chance for the Chiefs to add him to their roster. In the Chiefs, dime looks he could be able to play around the line of scrimmage and play almost as a linebacker where he could cover running backs and tight ends, as well as line up and play in the box regularly. Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill make the Chiefs safety unit one of the best in the NFL, but Boston could add a brand new dimension.
