As we approach almost a month away from the start of free agency, who are some names the Chiefs could potentially target to bolster their offense?
The Chiefs will try to make a splash this offseason as they’re still looking to find their 3rd target within their offense behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. They’ve made an attempt to draft their “WR2” and through many ups and downs, it might be time to look in the free-agent pool for their next threat.
Allen Robinson
If the Chiefs look for a veteran option in free agency, Allen Robinson could very well be their man. Robinson is coming off of a less than a productive season with the Chicago Bears where he only caught 38 passes for 410 yards and a touchdown. After back-to-back seasons with the Bears, he recorded 1100+ yards and 6+ touchdowns. A change of scenery could be positive for Robinson and Kansas City could be the perfect place for him to get back on track.
Robinson was a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft and played three seasons for them before tearing his ACL in 2017. He then signed a four-year contract with the Bears the following offseason and has amassed 3,561 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns during his time with Chicago.
Following his last season’s performance, the Chiefs should be able to sign Robinson at a reasonable price. This allows them to spend money on other parts of the team while adding a veteran receiver to help the receiving core.
D.J. Chark
The Jaguars didn’t pick up the 5th year option on the contract of D.J. Chark, allowing him to become a free agent this off-season. Chark is a very interesting free agent, as his 2021 campaign was cut short due to an ankle injury. He has shown tremendous potential when he is on the field.
Chark was a Pro Bowl receiver in 2019 in his first true season as Jacksonville’s top receiver as he accumulated 1,000 receiving yards and grabbed 9 total touchdowns. He’s 6’4 and presents a threat as a multi-dimensional receiver.
I think Chark would be a great acquisition for the Chiefs and wouldn’t command a huge contract on the open market. He brings a ton of upside especially within the Chiefs offense where he can learn from two dominant receivers.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Last off-season, the Chiefs were linked to potentially signing JuJu Smith-Schuster but he decided to return to Pittsburgh and play one final season with Ben Roethlisberger. Smith-Schuster is now once again a free agent this off-season and Roethlisberger has now retired, opening the door for him to leave the Steelers.
Similar to Chark, JuJu had an injury-riddled 2021 season. He played five games in the regular season before returning for the Steelers Wild Card Playoff game in Kansas City. Over his tenure with the Steelers, he has often taken a backseat to receivers like Antonio Brown and Diontae Johnson. He seems willing to assume a secondary role within the offense and not be the top threat which is something he would have to do if he joins the Chiefs this off-season.
JuJu would be a great fit within the Kansas City offense and should be able to join the team on a team-friendly contract. He’s another physical receiver that would be utilized in multiple ways in Andy Reid’s offense.
