Free Agents
 

Ok, ok, I know this is the draft section but I prefer to think of this as the Chief's offseason plans forum. ESPN posted their best fit destinations for the top 75 Free Agents and I thought it would make for interesting conversation here.


ESPN's suggested "best fits" for the Chiefs in Free Agency:


1. Chris Jones, DT
Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

A staple of the Chiefs' defensive front, I could see Jones returning to Kansas City on a multiyear deal despite Kansas City's tight cap space. Jones is a game-wrecking talent, with the pass rush versatility to rush inside or outside in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system. He had 10.5 sacks this season and made an impact in critical moments in the Super Bowl.


11. L'Jarius Sneed, CB
Best team fit: Philadelphia Eagles (Not Chiefs, but relative)

With his scheme-versatile coverage skills, Sneed will generate a ton of interest on the free agent market. Look for Atlanta and Las Vegas to make a play here, too. But I have Sneed landing in Philadelphia to upgrade the position opposite Darius Slay, with Vic Fangio now calling the defense for the Birds. Philly allowed 16 passing touchdowns in the second half of last season, tied for the fourth most in the NFL. The Eagles have to clean up the secondary, and Sneed can make an impact. He has at least two interceptions in each of his four career seasons with the Chiefs.


20. Tyron Smith, OT
Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

The availability concerns for Smith are real; he has missed 33 games over the past four seasons with the Cowboys. But when healthy, Smith is a detailed technician with the physical demeanor to win on the edge. And he would absolutely upgrade the left tackle position for the Chiefs, limiting pass-rushers and keeping the throwing platform clean for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.


49. Austin Ekeler, RB
Best team fit: Kansas City Chiefs

With Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon heading to free agency, the Chiefs could sign Ekeler on a short-term deal to work in rotation with Isiah Pacheco. He would give coach Andy Reid a pass-game threat out of 21 personnel with the ability to flex from the backfield. Ekeler caught 51 passes last season with the Chargers and has 440 receptions in his career. Re-signing with the Chargers or joining the Raiders would also be good fits.


Let's use this to kickstart a thread about our preferred Free Agents, who you got?

Have to say I like Ekeler's fit quite a bit with the Chiefs! We were reportedly interested in Jacobs previously, but his price tag will be too high. I saw a projection for Ekeler at just $6m, sounds like a bargain to me.

I would love to have Noah Fant here as TE3. He's young and one of the most athletic TE's in the league. Gotta think our offense would get a lot out of him

I think Fant will price out of our league. The name escapes me but one of the seahags rotational guys is a monster at 6’7” and might make an affordable bell replacement.

I wrote my favourite options but lost the post so can't be arsed to write out my thinking but I'd like Samuel - 2yr/$9m av or Marquise Brown up to $14m per with a 2nd year out. I'd also like Shenault as a cheap reclamation, especially if we boot Toney.

My main priority is Maurice Hurst for around $1-2m. Always broken but if I can get 400 snaps from him for that money I'm happy enough. As a rotational guy he's the best shot at near-elite performance at DT for peanuts. I'd also look at Shelby Harris. This is assuming Jones is kept, if not I'd aim higher.

My least popular choice is listed above. I mentioned Tyron Smith way back. A big risk especially as he'll cost maybe $10m. But man, he looked damn good last year. A massive upgrade on D Smith. More than likely he'd break and it would be a mess. What can I say, I love a gamble.

But if we had Morris and Niang as backups, and maybe a rookie development tackle for depth as well, would you still be worried about Tyron Smith's health at just $10m cap hit? That's not much, we got by with a D. Smith and Morris this year, and you said yourself T. Smith would be a massive upgrade. That's only $7m more than we spent on D. Smith, and $10m is pretty low for a LT.

Just thinking out loud, I have no dog in this fight.

I know this is dreaming a bit but if Tony Pollard is available and not crazy $$$$ I would look into it.

Pacheco/Pollard would be fun.

ESPN expects him to be available, and suggests Josh Jacobs should take his place in DAL.

I could see Pollard ripping off 30, 40 yard TDs in this offense if we rebuild the WR room.

Lots of great options at RB this offseason, FA and draft. I think we'll be pleasantly surprised with the RB room next season.

Heard Nick Wright mention this guy and I'm all in. He's ****ing awesome and won't cost much.

Also only 25. Say hello to Richie James replacement

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Edit: damn he's an ERFA. Maybe we could pry him away depending on the tender.

Would love that! But he's a restricted rights FA and I don't think there's any chance Saints let him go.

Yeah, he isn’t a secret anymore. If we want a Shaheed we will have to find our own.

There is no real "tender" with an ERFA like an RFA. Can't pry him away unless they are willing to trade him to us and I'd very much doubt that.

What about DT Christian Wilkins? I’m not sure the fins can resign him bc they are already $50M over the cap. I think Chris jones is better but Wilkins might be cheaper and he’s younger.