AFC West Free Agency Preview

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In 2021, the AFC ranked among the most competitive divisions. The NFL thrives, or at least, attempts to pride itself on parity. With that notion, the idea of constantly dominant teams could become a thing of the not-too-distant past. Under those circumstances, the idea of a strong free agency period within the division could alter each team. Not to mention, whatever free agency decides to call the AFC West home could ultimately determine the course of the conference. Also, remember the salary cap remains a pliable entity that can be manipulated by cuts.

Kansas City Chiefs

Current Cap Space ($3,761,984)

Area Of Need: Linebacker

Realistic Target: Anthony Walker Jr.

With youth at linebacker with Willie Gay and Nick Bolton, the Chiefs need an athletic veteran presence. Anthony Hitchens seems like an odd fit for many reasons. First, he lacks the twitch and ability to beat blockers to the point. Instead, he seems to lead the league in tackles downfield, which does Kansas City no favors. On a defense with Frank Clark and Chris Jones upfront, the need for linebackers to clean up remains a priority. More importantly, Hitchens’ salary greatly outweighs his on-field performance. Cutting him saves the Chiefs 8.4 million. Meanwhile, Walker provides a better feel for the ball. In coverage, Walker doesn’t drown in the proverbial deep water of the intermediate zone. The Chiefs add a younger, quicker linebacker that will not hurt them in coverage. While Hitchens

Las Vegas Raiders

Current Cap Space ($19,751,588)

Area Of Need: Right Tackle

Realistic Target: Morgan Moses

After years of heavily investing in the offensive line to minimal success, the Raiders veered the other way in 2021, jettisoning All-Pro talent for youth. Despite this apparent stab in the dark, the Raiders made the playoffs. With Kolton Miller serving as the team’s only above-average lineman, Vegas needs a housecleaning. They cannot cut Alex Leatherwood, the opening day starter at right tackle. Instead, he kicked inside to underperform at guard. Josh McDaniels, an offensive mind wants to tighten up that position group. Moses gives Derek Carr right-side protection that will help stem the tide of edge rushers that find their way home. His signing prevents AFC West teams from keeping their best defenders from attacking the right side.

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Los Angeles Chargers

Current Cap Space ($57,530,555)

Area Of Need: Wide Receiver

Realistic Target: Chris Godwin

With a vault full of free agency money, just sitting around, the Chargers can actually retool on the fly. After all, they stood one overtime loss from the playoffs, the Chargers can alter their future with a strong offseason. With Mike Williams expected to hit free agency, the need for another wideout becomes important. Williams, despite his big-play ability, never played a full season. Additionally, the glaring lack of hands actually hindered the offense. Williams, during his stay with the Bolts, only managed to catch 57.8 percent of his passes. At the same time, Godwin fashioned a standout career in Tampa. Godwin boasts a 71 percent catch percentage. To say nothing of the route-running acumen that Godwin would furnish the Chargers with. Granted, he does possess near-elite speed, it’s the intermediate route and ability to trace sharp routes that will help Justin Herbert. With Williams, the Chargers lived a feast-or-famine lifestyle. Godwin offers surety, something the erratic Chargers dined. Overnight, Godwin becomes the second-best wideout in the AFC West.

Denver Broncos

Current Cap ($39,188,529)

Area Of Need: Inside Linebacker

Realistic Target: Jayon Brown

Granted, the Broncos need a quarterback in the worst way. However, outside of the hail mary that would be Aaron Rodgers, pickings remain rather slim. Back on the field, the defense needs an overhaul. Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett enters with a plan that must include renovating a defense that lacks identity and purpose. They traded Von Miller for a wealth of picks. Bradley Chubb enters the final year of his deal. The inside linebacker corps doesn’t impress or, in all honesty, stop anyone. Brown, the former Titan’s ability to cover (28 pass deflections, four interceptions) would prevent teams from gashing Denver in the middle.

Big Picture

Overall, each team in the AFC appears viable for a playoff run, including the Broncos. With that said, a tweak here or there, strengthening a glaring weakness fixes the problem. Granted, the draft remains the cloud over the free agency process. Yet, signing a veteran, to some front offices takes precedence over developing young talent. Either way, the AFC West will continue to tighten.