Chiefs Offseason: The positions where the team does NOT have significant needs

You’ve already learn that for 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs have wants on the defensive interior — and at running back, offensive tackle, safety, wide receiver and EDGE.

However the fantastic thing about being a Kansas Metropolis fan proper now’s that there are a couple of positions we are able to all however ignore this offseason. Positive… at any place, the Chiefs would possibly make a late-round choose for depth or draft a man for the longer term. They could even seize an affordable veteran for both of these roles. However for the world champions, there are some positions that gained’t be the main focus of the offseason.

Whereas we must always by no means say “by no means,” let’s check out what they may very well be.

Inside offensive line: Kansas Metropolis may need the NFL’s greatest mixture on the within. Left guard Joe Thuney, heart Creed Humphrey and proper guard Trey Smith are all enjoying at Pro-Bowl (or All-Professional) ranges — and are below contract for at the least the subsequent couple of seasons. In the meantime, the group has been growing potential guard (or deal with) Darian Kinnard, whom we liked pretty well when he was drafted final season. The group may lose undrafted free agent Nick Allegretti, a beneficial backup who may discover a beginning job elsewhere. That might open a spot for one more developmental man — however we shouldn’t anticipate an enormous funding.

Linebacker: The cornerstones are set — beginning with Nick Bolton, who’s among the many league’s most proficient tacklers and is a current Super Bowl hero. His teammate Willie Homosexual Jr. brings a special stage of athleticism and playmaking capability when he’s on the sphere. Then there may be up-and-comer Leo Chenal, who started working his manner into the lineup late within the 12 months — and made some actually promising performs within the postseason. Restricted free agent Darius Harris could return as a reserve participant — becoming a member of second-year undrafted free agent Jack Cochrane, who was a beneficial special-teamer in 2022. For the approaching 12 months, it’s troublesome to see the group making a big funding within the protection’s second stage.

Cornerback: One of many largest storylines of final season was the speedy growth of three rookie corners: first-rounder Trent McDuffie, fourth-round choose Joshua Williams and seventh-rounder Jaylen Watson. McDuffie already seems like a top-tier participant — somebody who can play outdoors or inside with out worrying about matchups. Williams and Watson have been utilized in rotation on the skin. Each had essential interceptions within the playoffs to go together with protection play that improved because the season (and postseason) went alongside. However will the Chiefs prolong veteran L’Jarius Sneed’s contract? Even when few are speaking about him, he has develop into a star. Sneed actually does every thing — from matching up on an opponent’s greatest receiver to blitzing or overlaying the slot. Beginning all 20 video games final season, he had 108 tackles (75 solo, 5 for loss), three compelled fumbles (and a restoration), three interceptions, 11 passes defended, 3.5 sacks and 5 quarterback hits. Coming into his closing 12 months below contract, he’s a main candidate for a contract extension. If that occurs, this group is ready for the foreseeable future. Some, nevertheless, have recommended Sneed may very well be traded — which might open the door for drafting one other nook. However with what is understood now, there isn’t an actual want for the group to search out upgrades over these 4 returning gamers.

NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs

Tight finish: When you will have the NFL’s greatest (and a future Corridor of Famer) at a place, there’s only one query: How lengthy will they be this good? We should always cease asking this about Travis Kelce, who may need simply completed his greatest season on the age 33. Sometime he’ll retire — however when he does, there might be no changing his contributions. However in Jody Fortson and Noah Grey, the Chiefs have some good complementary gamers. Each are younger — and enhancing as blockers and receivers. Blake Bell may additionally return at an inexpensive value. This 12 months’s draft is wealthy at tight finish, so if the chance presents itself, it’s not out of the query that the Chiefs may choose one — however early on, they’ll most likely be wanting elsewhere.

Specialists: In most years, this could be apparent. The Chiefs have an All-Professional punter, a dependable lengthy snapper and a veteran kicker in whom they imagine — and all are below contract (or at the least group management) going into 2023. However it’s additionally true that previously season, they went by some struggles with missed additional factors and area objectives. Whereas the exact trigger (or maybe causes) stay unknown, the specialists appear to have just about labored them out earlier than the Tremendous Bowl. Harrison Butker is below contract by 2025, James Winchester has yet one more 12 months and Tommy Townsend is a restricted free agent. Townsend may very well be tendered — though our personal Jared Sapp thinks it’s extra doubtless that he’ll get a long-term deal. Simply don’t anticipate Kansas Metropolis to spend a draft choose on any of those positions in April.

Quarterback: Additionally an apparent selection — with one other famous person (and future Corridor of Famer) on the helm. So we should not anticipate the Chiefs to make an enormous transfer at quarterback. Lately, longtime veteran Chad Henne has been Patrick Mahomes’ backup. Now that he’s a free agent (who has additionally introduced his retirement), Kansas Metropolis will doubtless add a low-cost veteran — except they assume third-year reserve Shane Buechele is able to step up. However barring a disaster, it’s secure to say that the Chiefs are set at quarterback for the subsequent decade.

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