ESPN analyst predicts Kansas City Chiefs' top pending free agents as best fits with three other NFL teams
We are under one month away from NFL free agency. The free agent legal tampering period begins on March 10, with signings able to become official on March 12 – marking the beginning of the new league year. The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of big decisions to make, specifically with their top three soon-to-be […]
We are under one month away from NFL free agency.
The free agent legal tampering period begins on March 10, with signings able to become official on March 12 – marking the beginning of the new league year.
The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of big decisions to make, specifically with their top three soon-to-be free agents – right guard Trey Smith, linebacker Nick Bolton, and safety Justin Reid.
There has been very little indication from the Chiefs, or those players, about their futures with the organization. Kansas City could choose to apply the franchise or transition tag to one of them. However, in the opinion of ESPN analyst Matt Bowen – Smith, Bolton, and Reid would all best fit elsewhere.
Bowen believes that Smith should head to Chicago to join the Bears:
"The top interior lineman on the market, Smith would upgrade a critical position of need in Chicago," Bowen wrote. "Smith is a powerful mover in the run game, as his run block win rate of 75.1% ranked sixth among guards. Plus, he has the foot speed to mirror interior defenders and the strength at 6-6 and 321 pounds to anchor against bull rushes. Bears general manager Ryan Poles could make a splash move to rebuild the front for Ben Johnson's new offense. The Bears allowed a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, so this area has to be addressed."
He then pegged the Chiefs' AFC West rival Denver Broncos as Bolton's best fit:
"Bolton would be a big upgrade for Vance Joseph's defense in Denver," Bowen said. "Bolton fits with the Broncos as a downhill thumper against the run — he had 11 tackles for loss last season. In coverage, Bolton lacks elite second-level range, but he has four career interceptions."
Finally, Bowen named the New York Jets to be Reid's next destination:
"Under new coach Aaron Glenn, Reid could drop the hammer as a downhill tackler and interchangeable safety for the Jets," Bowen stated. "Thanks to his vision and field awareness, Reid had 261 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups over three years with the Chiefs. The Jets' 17 forced turnovers tied for 20th last season, so they need playmakers."
It would be a shame if the Chiefs lost all three of them, but it might be necessary. K.C. has a lot of needs throughout its roster, such as left tackle, wide receiver, running back, and possibly tight end. Bowen also mentioned veteran RG Zack Martin as a free agent fit for the Chiefs should they lose Smith.
