Embed from Getty Images
The Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions. But even with that uncommon accomplishment, the Chiefs have a chance to fill notable holes and improve premium positions for the 2024 roster. 2022 was jokingly looked at as a “rebuilding” year. This was because of the Tyreek Hill trade and the numerous rookies utilized on defense. Then in 2023, Kansas City was jokingly seen to be in a “down” year. Of course, this was due to the offensive struggles and the decrease in production for top offensive players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Now entering 2024, the Chiefs have a rare opportunity. This comes with Kansas City being a defending champion, let alone as someone who has won it all in back-to-back years. All told, KC has the uncommon chance to fill and improve some real holes and weaknesses. At the same time, the possibility of getting better as a team who is a defending champion is a fascinating proposition. Just getting more complete at the margins of the roster could make the Chiefs an even more challenging team to bring down in the AFC.
With the 2024 league year beginning next week, how will the Chiefs go about their business? Will they look to be more aggressive in their offseason attack, if possible? Let’s kick it off.
Adding More Weapons For Mahomes
Mahomes is currently the best quarterback in the NFL. But in winning Super Bowls the last two years, he has only had largely average or just around above average pieces at the wide receiver position. The lack of a truly elite, WR1-type of playmaker has been absent at that position on the offensive depth chart. Obviously, you still have Kelce at tight end. Kansas City also utilizes the running backs in the passing game as well as any team, on top of that.
However, the Chiefs could secure more trustworthy depth at the wide receiver spot entering 2024. The chance at adding a wide receiver in both free agency and the draft could make for a more steady top three trio on the Kansas City wide receiver depth chart. In the end, there will be plenty of options to choose from at wide receiver in both free agency and in the draft.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Another Crack At Finding Pieces For Premium Positions On Defense
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will have many of his young pieces back in 2024. But upfront and potentially at a spot in the secondary, the opportunities to find new starters are going to be tantalizing. Will Kansas City be able to add another intriguing pass rusher around both George Karlaftis and (hopefully) Chris Jones? With Charles Omenihu facing an uncertain recovery timeline with his torn ACL, another defensive end could be a top target. The defensive tackle depth is another item to watch for upfront.
On the flip side, how does Kansas City replace L’Jarius Sneed, if he leaves this offseason? The Chiefs have been mostly successful in finding productive cornerbacks late in the draft or on minor deals. Either way, the cornerback room is well-rounded and still has a young star, with Trent McDuffie leading the way.
Possibility Of Being Aggressive
The salary cap is up around the league for every team, seeing a $30.6 million increase from last year’s salary cap figure. Meanwhile, the Chiefs legitimately have more breathing room in salary cap space than they have had in previous offseasons under general manager Brett Veach. Kansas City has generally not been overly aggressive, in terms of the full set of offseason moves in recent years. They may make a major push for a player or two, here and there. But with a chance to pull off the first-ever three-peat, will the Chiefs look to be even more competitive in their offseason moves in 2024? That possibility should not necessarily be ruled out after how things played out the last two years.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.