Chiefs free agency: Player additions and losses heading into 2024

The NFL offseason is an interesting one as teams establish their identities or redefine themselves.

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of winning back-to-back championships and will likely focus on improving their offense and maintaining their defensive identity. With free agency almost over and all eyes on the draft, there's plenty of reason to be optimistic they'll execute on both sides of the equation.

The Chiefs got most of their defensive line back, including a huge contract with Chris Jones and a big investment in Mike Danna. They are relying on young players in the secondary to replace key veterans and are relying on key veterans to compensate for the loss of Willie Gay Jr. in the linebacker room.

Offensively, this addition was very strategic and cost-conscious, as the Chiefs are looking for more weapons to surround Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Laci Rice. But each addition increases athleticism and has the added benefit of being able to replace or compete with players with disappointing skills.

Heading into the next phase of the offseason, it feels like we now have an idea of ​​who will be trending up (and down) in 2024 — and of course, the upcoming NFL Draft will be filled with these moving players. may overturn some of the

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Defensive backs Chamari Conner and Brian Cook: Both Rajarius Snead and Mike Edwards are currently on other AFC teams, leaving a great opportunity for two young defensive backs to step up into bigger roles. Chamari Conner compared Snead as a “chess piece” during the pre- and post-draft process, considering his size (Conner is 6-foot, 202 pounds, Snead is 6-foot, 192 pounds), tackling ability, and vertical jump. Connor is 40.5 inches, Snead is 41 inches).

Conner could be part of the solution to replace Snead as a corner/safety hybrid and secondary enforcer. He may not be able to go after the opponent's No. 1 receiver right away, but keep an eye out for how Conner develops into a huge contributor in 2024. Brian Cook may be a bit overlooked after missing the end of 2023 with an injury, but he should be back in action soon. He will start in the free safety role and be a big playmaker and hitter behind the secondary alongside Justin Reid. The Chiefs may be the best team in the NFL at drafting and developing defensive backs, and these two have an attitude that allows the team to move on from a team that sacrifices itself out of town. It can be a shining example of the type of diversity, growth.

Chiefs defensive line: Some may have been disappointed that the team chose to “play back” on essentially the same front as last season. Obviously, the most important factor was signing Jones to a long-term contract. But they signed Danna to a multi-year deal and brought back Mike Pennell, Derrick Nnady, Turk Wharton and Malik Herring. Why wouldn't the Chiefs want to keep the band? They were second in the league (again) in sacks and improved in rushing numbers as well. They rallied the coaching staff, even defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who had opportunities elsewhere. So the idea is that this group will be at least as good as the group that helped them win the Super Bowl last season.

What makes us bullish on this position is that there is still room for further upside. George Karlaftis has already exceeded his expectations, recording his first double-digit sack season in 2023. However, there are two draft picks in the 2023 class who essentially spent their “redshirt” seasons looking ahead to 2024 and beyond. If Felix Anudike-Uzomah and B.J. Thompson get a chance to chase QB and start carving out their roles in their second seasons, keep an eye out. Each has raw ability to rush the passer, and the Chiefs have enough rotation that they don't need to play all three downs. They could always add more to this group before the offseason ends, but they have enough depth to line up today and are more than solid.

Wide receiver Marquise Hollywood Brown: It all makes sense. The Chiefs needed an upgrade at receiver, someone who could stretch the field and be a playmaker. While Brown is still young enough to make money next year, he needed to bet on himself. Since signing a very reasonable one-year deal with the Chiefs, Brown has already said all the right things, including working with Patrick Mahomes and sending out video clips to the social media world to get us excited. , has been executed. It's a win-win, and he's the ideal complement to Lachie Rice, who won't lack motivation. This could be a really fun season for Brown in Kansas City. The Chiefs should invest in wide receivers this draft week, but it's clear that the acquisition of Brown has already raised the floor and ceiling of the room.

Here are other teams moving in the right direction so far this offseason: Trent McDuffie, Isaiah Pacheco, Wayna Morris, Najee Johnson, Drew Tranquil, Mike Danna, Mike Caliendo

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Wide receiver Lachie Rice: Although he did not go into details about the incident, it is true that Lachie Rice was involved in a serious accident and is currently facing legal liability. It doesn't necessarily mean he will be suspended, but it is possible. It was a disappointing decision for a very promising player who should still be the team's No. 1 wide receiver. If he ends up missing time, the team could be more motivated to increase competition at the position. If that happens, Rice will miss part of the season and could be hurt in his next contract negotiations.

Wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Richie James: Both the Super Bowl hero and the veteran addition from last season are still looking for work. The addition of Brown appears to somewhat eliminate the need for either of them to return to Kansas City. If all goes well, the Chiefs will likely add to their wide receiver room early in the draft and will likely draft Rice (if he's available). Brown, Justin Watson, Skye Moore, and (possibly) Kadarius Toney, and a draft pick or two. Finding a spot for Hardman and James won't be easy.

Other players going in the wrong direction so far this offseason include: Justin Ross, Kadarius Toney, Skye Moore, Joe Thuney, Isaiah Baggs, Matt Dickerson, Lucas Niang

Select value (sleeper): Felix Anudike Uzoma

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The pressure is off, but the opportunities are widening for last year's first-round pick. In 2023, he wasn't called up much. Still, in minimal snaps, he showed glimpses of a skill set that could eventually lead to a starting role. We always had to be patient because he was a very young and promising player.

By giving him a “redshirt” season that included an appearance in the Super Bowl, he gained valuable experience and coaching that will benefit him in 2024 and beyond. Chiefs' decision to “go back” with their remaining defensive line room means Anudike-Uzomah will not be forced into a starting job. Danna should be listed before him on the depth chart. But if Anudike-Uzomah shows growth this offseason, he could force his way onto the field. He might be one of the most interesting players to watch in organized team activities (OTAs), minicamp, and St. Joseph.

Other players who could sleep this offseason include: Matt Alasia, Louis Reese-Zammit, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Irv Smith Jr., Kelvin Joseph