The Chiefs still have moves to make before draft weekend in April, even though the first wave of free agency has come and gone.
The NFL’s flurry of free agency activity has begun to slow down in recent days, although players remain available for signing, albeit with less urgency.
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is intent on assembling a complete roster ahead of the draft to avoid being pressured into selections. This entails making moves to bolster the team’s lineup before the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Chiefs currently need to create cap space to accommodate these acquisitions.
The primary focus for freeing up cap space revolves around resolving the situation with L’Jarius Sneed. While trading Sneed could potentially release approximately $20 million, the likelihood of a trade happening soon has diminished with the cooling of free agency fervor. It’s anticipated that any trade involving Sneed would occur closer to the draft. Alternatively, contract extensions, such as those for Joe Thuney or Jawaan Taylor, could generate between $8-12 million, depending on the terms. Other options include restructuring contracts or extending players with higher cap hits, such as Justin Reid.
Assuming the Chiefs address their cap space concerns, attention should turn to reinforcing positions such as defensive end, running back, and offensive tackle. With Felix Anudike-Uzomah currently slated as a starting defensive end, signing a veteran to share snaps and ease pressure, such as Mike Danna, Rasheem Green, or Emmanuel Ogbah, would be advantageous. On the offensive side, bolstering the running back position is essential, with Isiah Pacheco the sole running back under contract with carries for the Chiefs. Signing a backup like J.K. Dobbins, Ezekiel Elliott, Damien Harris, or Cam Akers could provide depth. Moreover, addressing the offensive tackle situation, particularly the left tackle position, by adding competition through players like Mekhi Becton or Donovan Smith would enhance the team’s depth and performance.
In summary, the Chiefs’ priority should be to create cap space to address roster gaps, focusing on positions such as defensive end, running back, and offensive tackle before the draft to avoid revealing their draft strategy prematurely.
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