Where the Kansas City Chiefs fall in ESPN's post free agency power rankings
The Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers all made massive moves this offseason via free agency/trade, but the Kansas City Chiefs are still the best team in the AFC West according to ESPN. And that's despite trading star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins. ESPN's post-free agency NFL power rankings […]
The Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers all made massive moves this offseason via free agency/trade, but the Kansas City Chiefs are still the best team in the AFC West according to ESPN.
And that's despite trading star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins.
ESPN's post-free agency NFL power rankings have the Chiefs as the No. 3 team in the NFL, behind the Buffalo Bills at No. 1 and the Los Angeles Rams at No. 2.
The Chiefs were previously the No. 1 team in ESPN's NFL power rankings.
I think this feels about right. While I still think the Chiefs will win the AFC West, you can't deny that their passing game will be weaker without the threat of Hill on the field.
But fortunately for Kansas City, they have the best quarterback in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes. The 2022 season will essentially tell us whether or not Hill made Mahomes better or Mahomes made Hill better.
ESPN also predicted the Chiefs' next offseason move. They think Kansas City will sign an edge rusher.
The Chiefs did retain Frank Clark on a reduced contract, but still need to provide more pass-rush help for Chris Jones. Melvin Ingram III filled the role nicely last year, but he's a free agent. The Chiefs could re-sign him — otherwise, they'll need to make the position a priority in the draft to bolster a unit that finished 29th in the NFL in sacks.
If the Chiefs don't re-sign Ingram, they could pursue Arden Key (who recently visited Kansas City) or Jadeveon Clowney (just 29 years old and recorded nine sacks last year).
Signing an edge rusher would be a much wiser decision than trying to land one in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Kansas City's pass rush was lackluster at best last season. They need someone who can make an instant impact in 2022, not someone who will need time to develop.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
