Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Kansas City Chiefs.
2016 record: 12-4 — 1st place, AFC West
What’s new? Nothing of significance right now.
Projected salary cap space: $5 million — The third-lowest total in the league.
Key in-house free agents: S Eric Berry, DT Dontari Poe
Depth defensive linemen Jarvis Jenkins and Kendall Reyes are also slated to hit free agency, so KC risks becoming quite thin up front of it decides to spend its money keeping Berry. Hard to see them letting the superstar safety go, but a second franchise tag in as many years would cost the team $12.96 million.
Key needs: Inside linebacker, defensive line if they lost anyone above, safety if they lose Berry.
Draft breakdown: They hold the 27th pick in Round 1 and it’s status quo from that point forward.
Other potential priorities: Might they consider replacing quarterback Alex Smith? They just haven’t been able to get it done with Smith in the playoffs, and the noodle-armed signal-caller has had plenty of chances the last four years. Just not sure they have the money or the draft capital to bring in suitable replacement.
Outlook: With the rest of the division looking strong, you wonder if the Chiefs are going to take a hit this spring.
