Laddie Morse
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another season after a glorious Super Bowl victory, the questions about the roster seem minuscule compared to other offseason questions. So, let’s take a look at a few of the few questions that remain.
Question One
Who will replace the loss of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman at wideout?
Although the Chiefs were recently involved in the race to sign WR DeAndre Hopkins, he eventually headed to Nashville and will play for the Titans in 2023 & 2024. That actually solves a couple of problems for the Chiefs. Number one is, they can now focus on incorporating their younger wideouts into the offense. Number two is, the Chiefs can use the money they save by not signing D-Hop to re-sign DB extraordinaire L’Jarius Sneed, once Chris Jones contract is re-newed.
Question Two
Who will replace the Chiefs RT and LT?
Andrew Wylie (the Chiefs RT in 2022) and Orlando Brown Jr. (the K.C. LT in 2022) both took jobs elsewhere and were replaced by Jawaan Taylor (RT) and Donovan Smith (LT). Although the Chiefs OL allowed zero sacks in the Super Bowl, the OL was regarded as a top 12 line at best. With Jawaan Taylor in at Right Tackle, the OL immediately gets better. While Donovan Smith had a down year in 2022 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, if he bounces back at all — and there’s good reason to beleive he will– then this OL could turn out to be a top five OL. Especially because the Interior of the OL — LG Joe Thuney, OC Creed Humphrey, and RG Trey Smith — are easily regarded as one of hte top three IOLs in the NFL.
Question Three
Who will return kicks for K.C. in 2023?
With GM Brett Veach snagging another very good UDFA in RB Deneric Prince, I can see K.C. still returning Kick Offs even though the league has changed the rules to limit teams from doing that. The new rule states that if a team fair catches a ball on the kickoff, they can take the ball out at the 25 yard line. The rule is designed to limit the number of KO returns thereby reducing the number of head injuries. Chifes Head Coach was quoted as saying in the days following the rule change:
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“My thing is, where does it stop, right?”
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It’s difficult seeing the Chiefs stopping the process of returning the ball on Kickoffs because it’s hard to score on a long return when you aren’t returning the ball at all.
On Punt Returns, the Chiefs signed WR/KR Richie James. They also signed UDFA WR/KR Nikko Remigio. While I think Remigio is a special talent, the addition of Richie James and his four years in the league, probably means he’ll get the nod.
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Question Four
Will anyone be needed to replace Safety Juan Thornhill?
The easy answer is no. With Second year man Bryan Cook in the house, plus the newly signed Mike Edwards from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, plus the draft pick of Chamarri Conner this year, the position next to Justin Reid looks secure for years to come.
More on Justin Reid
Reid has grown this past season, a season in which the Chiefs won it all. I can see him taking a big step forward as he enters his second season in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.
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Non-Questions
Quarterback – For decades, Chiefs fans have had to ask the Quarterback question year in and year out. With the best QB in all of football now donning the red and gold, their is no question.
Tight End – Same goes for the Tight End position. While the Chiefs have had excellent tight ends like Tony Gonzalez, the consistent production of Travis Kelce has made us all forget the days of Tony G. and him taking his talents to Atlanta.
Head Coaching – With Andy Reid making it clear that he is one of the all time great head coaches, players not only love to play for him, but fans love to cheer on a Reid led squad.
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne