Jerick McKinnon should be next on the Chiefs' list of offseason priorities
The Kansas City Chiefs have been pretty active during the first week-and-a-half of free agency, but there's an obvious move that's yet to be made: re-signing running back Jerick McKinnon. McKinnon was a solid player all year long, but he really turned things up right around Week 14 of the regular season, especially in the […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have been pretty active during the first week-and-a-half of free agency, but there's an obvious move that's yet to be made: re-signing running back Jerick McKinnon.
McKinnon was a solid player all year long, but he really turned things up right around Week 14 of the regular season, especially in the receiving game. In fact, McKinnon led all running backs in receptions (25), receiving yards (265), receiving touchdowns (7), and first downs via reception (15) over the final five games of the regular season. His mark of 10.6 yards per reception was third-best and his 86.2% catch rate was ninth-best among backs with at least 11 targets.
Per Pro Football Focus, McKinnon graded out as the top receiver (93.1) among all running backs from Weeks 14-18. He even graded out as the top receiver among all players during that span. His 2.51 yards per route run led all backs with at least 10 targets and he didn't drop a pass, either.
That's not all, though, folks. McKinnon is a very solid pass protector and was a key cog in helping keep Patrick Mahomes upright throughout the 2022 season.
“That’s probably one of the most underrated deals that people (don’t) think about when they’ve mentioned his [McKinnon's] name,” former Chiefs offensive Eric Bieniemy said during the regular season. “I’ve said this before: You want the best football players who happen to be the best running backs.
“He brings a lot to the table. He does a great job of working with the offensive line.”
So, then what gives? Why haven't the Chiefs re-signed McKinnon, yet?
Sure, Isiah Pacheco is the No. 1 back heading into 2023 and Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a former first-rounder that has two years left on his rookie deal. But, the Chiefs need a guy like McKinnon – a tough, effective, smart leader (don't forget McKinnon was a team captain for Super Bowl LVII) who can lead both on the field and off.
It's not like McKinnon is going to be expensive, either. He played for a measly $1.2 million last season and will be 31-years-old when the 2023 regular season starts. Granted, his age could be playing into things – this is his best and last shot at a decent deal. So, maybe he's pushing for more than the Chiefs want to pay.
And, the Chiefs only have a little more than $2.6 million in cap space after factoring in how much it will cost to sign the draft class. Plus, they'll need around $3-$5 million in "operating money" to fund the practice squad, sign in-season injury replacements, etc. So, money could certainly be an issue, even if McKinnon is affordable.
But all of that shouldn't be an issue. The key with McKinnon is patience. The Chiefs came into the offseason with far more pressing needs along the offensive line, defensive line, and safety position. McKinnon was great for the Chiefs and he was a key player down the stretch, but all of those positions hold a lot more weight than the running back position. Especially when the RB room is more of a rotation, a la the Chiefs' room.
McKinnon also loves Kansas City and it's his best shot at another ring. Why wouldn't he wait things out in order to make them work?
It's just a matter of timing with McKinnon. And it should be sooner than later.
