The Chiefs enter the offseason with fifteen total free agents, seven of which are on the defensive side of the ball. We will also throw punter Dustin Colquitt in here with the defensive free agents. After seeing Bob Sutton’s defense work well enough for a few years, the Chiefs struggled most of the season, finishing 28th in total defense in 2017. The loss of Eric Berry due to an achilles injury in Week 1 also hurt the Chiefs consistency on the back end of the defense. Today we play general manager and decide which defensive free agents the Chiefs should keep or sweep.
Keep:
Bennie Logan
Logan rejoined Andy Reid last season on a one year deal. Logan can be a big part of the Chiefs defense for the next little bit, as he’s only 28 years old. The ability to run well sideline to sideline and being a big part of the run defense, is the plus side of Logan as a player.
What makes Jenkins a player the Chiefs should keep is his consistency on forcing plays to go in a certain direction. For example, when you watch the Chiefs, Jenkins may not make all of the plays, but where he is able to get to on a given play allows the rest of the defense to shut down the opponents plays. Jenkins is a situational type of player that the Chiefs need upfront.
Kevin Pierre-Louis
Pierre-Louis is in an interesting spot in Kansas City, given how deep the linebacker corps seems. But, Pierre-Louis had his most consistent and best career season and along with Reggie Ragland, may be one of the better younger linebacker corps. Pierre-Louis can be a cog in stopping the run. Additionally, he has the ability to run with running backs in passing situations.
Dustin Colquitt
Like the offensive free agents with Anthony Sherman, Colquitt’s position may not seem very important. Nevertheless the Chiefs have been consistently good in special teams the last few seasons. Plus, Colquitt is still viable Besides punting, Colquitt rarely muffed any snaps as the holder on field goals. If the Chiefs keep him, he may not play much longer.
Sweep:
Phillip Gaines
Gaines’ time could very well be already worn out in Kansas City. Despite only playing with the Chiefs for four seasons and being 26 years old. The thing is, Gaines received given repeated opportunities to try and make plays for Andy Reid. Unfortunately, he has continued to struggle in coverage and not being able to run well with receivers. Gaines has also had a tough time continuing to stay healthy.
Kenneth Acker
Acker hasn’t seen many opportunities since coming to Kansas City. When he has, Acker did not stand out in coverage. Acker appears suited more for a slot role. However, Steven Nelson has that spot down for now in the Chiefs defense. Although he has some potential, Acker most likely may be beat in competition for a spot on the defense.
Steven Terrell
Terrell is interesting for whether or not the Chiefs keep him. Terrell mostly was a special teamer though, compared to playing a lot of defensive snaps. Based on how he was used this season in Kansas City, Terrell has a slim chance to stay.
Stefan Charles
If Chiefs fans are unfamiliar with Charles, they probably should be. Charles played with Detroit in 2016 and Buffalo in 2015, before making the Chiefs roster this season. But, he never played a snap for the Chiefs this season and will likely not be back next year. This is an easier decision than the others for Kansas City.
