5 free agents who would be strong fits in the Chiefs’ offense
5 free agents who would be strong fits in the Chiefs’ offense
The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of work ahead of them even though they are the two-time defending Super Bowl champions heading into the summer.
The first step in defense is deciding which players to re-sign; nevertheless, the first step in offensive is to identify new players in order
to assemble a more dependable, consistent squad in 2024. A period of active free agency could result from that.
Wide receiver Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has since re-signed with Tampa, was the best free agent acquisition. But
That suggests the organization is researching elite players in an effort to make a big trade that will bolster the offense. Five
unrestricted free agents who would suit in Kansas City are listed below:
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley
Likely the top receiver now available after the Evans signing (and after franchise tags have been applied to other top candidates), the
former Jacksonville Jaguars player would be an ideal replacement for recently released wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The 29-
year-old Ridley can win downfield from the perimeter, beating man or zone coverage
with strong routes and playmaking at the catch point.
In addition, he can provide job flexibility, something he lacked in his one season in Jacksonville. He was an effective deep threat for
the Jaguars, accounting for four of his eight touchdowns on passes of 20 yards or longer. However, Ridley’s intermediate passes were
not well-received by quarterback Trevor Lawrence; when he was targeted between 10 and 19 yards from the line of scrimmage,
Ridley’s passer rating was 65.8.
Although Ridley would provide the Chiefs with a downfield aspect, his potential as a playmaker in between the numbers is much
greater. He is one of the few available difference-makers, so it’s understandable that he would expect a large contract.
Wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
The other talented free agent suitable for the receiving corps is the former star of the Arizona Cardinals. Brown, who is only 26 years
old, has the long speed to win as a deep threat and stretch the field, but he may also gain from Kansas City’s ability to use strategy to open up space underneath.
Physical coverage sometimes impede Brown’s routes because of his height (5 feet 9 inches and 166 pounds) at the 2019 NFL Combine,
but he regularly outperforms his size when the ball is in the air. Over the course of two seasons in Arizona,
he made 16 contested catches, with a respectable success percentage of 42%.
Only ten complete games were played by Brown during that period with starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who suffered an ACL tear
in the middle of 2022. These seasons came after a career year with 1,008 receiving yards on 91 receptions
in the run-heavy Baltimore Ravens offense.
It’s probable that general manager Brett Veach may pursue Brown with a multi-year contract
because his first-round skill hasn’t yet been fully utilized.
Running back D’Andre Swift
Swift was not selected by the Chiefs four years ago in favor of running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Even if Kansas City lacks a time
machine, replacing the two of them might have a big impact.
In 2023, during his one and only season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Swift amassed 1,049 rushing yards. This career-high
performance demonstrated how well his sly running style suited the Eagles’ zone-heavy scheme, which is comparable to the Chiefs’
base run package. He possesses the short-area explosion ability to break through gaps fast and force defenders to miss in space.
Swift would complement Isiah Pacheco in Kansas City’s running game, but he would also be a dangerous, adaptable pass-catcher who
could run routes out of the slot and capitalize on well-executed screen throws.
The Chiefs may turn to a running back who can improve the passing game if they are unable to sign a top-tier receiver via free agency.
In addition to competing for a multi-year contract, the 25-year-old Swift will have competition
from a number of other gifted backs in this free-agent class.
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