Many fans have hurt feelings because Tyreek Hill departed the Kingdom. There is no doubt that with the trade, Brett Veach refrained from adding another massive contract to the ledger sheet, one which would have restricted this season and future seasons. Veach, Reid, and both their staff have already moved on. So should we. Veach and Reid must have had quick talks in the 3 hours after Hill and his agent were permitted to seek a trade. No longer would Patrick Mahomes have the ultimate WR as a target. Hill was indeed that; his skill set was that unique.
Accomplished Tasks
Wide Receiver (#2, Slot Possession) – JuJu Smith-Schuster: GM Brett Veach added two accomplished players, first signing JuJu Smith Schuster(JSS), who fits that bill. The Receiver Corp’s missing Component since Sammy Watkins departed. Not since Sammy Watkins has Andy Reid had such a WR whom Reid and the coaches would be able to have faith in their ability to perform. The offense would add flexibility between the pair of newcomers, which was missing in prior seasons.
Then on the 23rd, suddenly, talks with Tyreek Hill broke down. Hill departed within hours. Also, within hours, the Chiefs added another deep threat. ArrowheadOne had two articles written focused on the trade. Read the Article Goodbye ‘Tyreek, Farewell’ by Chief Dennis, Here: https://arrowheadone.com/goodbye-tyreek-farewellgoodbye-yellow-brick-road/
and another article by Josh Kingsleym ‘Ty Hill: Headed to the Mansion but Feasting on Ramen Noodles’, Here: http://Ty Hill: Headed to the Mansion but Feasting on Ramen Noodles
Wide Receiver (#1, Outside) – Marquez Valdez-Scantling(MVS) decided on the Chiefs as his destination solution as a Free Agent. I thought he would re-sign with the Pack. I am pleased that he is coming to Kansas City.
After reflecting for two days, I concluded that the trade of Hill was the right thing to happen. As a result, Brett Veach lost a significant player but gained more flexibility to employ in the 2022 Off-season AND signed Two very capable WRs as a result, plus acquiring five Draft picks in the trade. As a result, the Chiefs now have Twelve total Draft picks for 2022. That is powerful. With twelve draft picks, GM Brett Veach, after boosting the available Cap Space to $28M+, now has considerable leeway in proceeding with the work to be done the rest of the way in this off-season and a Supurb set of Draft picks to employ.
It’s not just the draft in 2022 either. It is very promising for 2023 as well. Kansas City Hosts the draft next year.
In 2023, The Chiefs have the following draft picks – Round 1-3, 2 round 4 picks(one acquired from the Dolphins), Round 5, and Seven Picks. I think the round 6 pick goes to the Dolphins(unconfirmed).
That Flexibility and added Funds have already resulted in significant player acquisitions either as a direct result or as a corollary of the Veach blueprint which was directly altered due to the Hill Trade.
Three Safeties are departing in this off-season: Armani Watts, Dan Sorensen(who is now signed with the Saints), and Tyrann Mathieu. Veach has signed former Texan Safety Justin Reid, a very worthy, skilled defender, and Former Bear’s Safety, Deon Bush.
As mentioned WR’s JSS, WR Corey Coleman, and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling have all been signed. Two Linebackers have been signed as free agents: LB Jermaine Carter and LB Elijah Lee. CB Luq Barcoo was also signed. RB Ronald Jones and then signed former Bears safety, Deon Bush.
List of players acquired this Off-season
S Justin Reid – WR JuJu Smith-Schuster – WR Corey Coleman – LB Elijah Lee – CB Luq Barcoo – S Deon Bush – WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling – LB Jermaine Carter – RB Ronald Jones. Veach also re-signed OT Andrew Wylie and OT Geron Christian.
I think Jermaine Carter fits well as the off-ball outside linebacker with Elijah Lee providing rotational depth and he is a very good special teams contributor. This is a good LB group. I still hope for a draft pick added this year for the LB position. What I am looking for is timely player finds that fit the construct of getting younger, faster, more aggressive, and for the LB role, able to get Sideline-to-Sideline and cover the pass. For this(and Safety below) think Blueprint and rebuilding via the draft.
Deon Bush adds into the safety mix of Justin Reid, Juan Thornhill, and probably Zayne Anderson. Another addition via the draft would complete the safety room. With JSS and MVS, the Chiefs add two very good receivers to the crew, which will include Mecole Hardman and a selection of others. Corey Coleman was also a free agent signed a week ago(Powell, Gordon, or Fountain?). I see a draft pick for the position early in the Draft.
There is still a lot of work to be done, especially for the Defensive Front Four and the Cornerback group. Barcoo is an addition to the depth for the cornerbacks and Ronald Jones bolsters the Running Back room and is a significant addition.
Before the Trade – Offensive Line was Bolstered
Not taking into account that Brown, Jr. was tagged, the offensive line starters that are a sure bet and each a “Foundation Player”: Orlando Brown (LOT), Joe Thuney (ROG), Creed Humphrey (Center), Trey Smith (ROG). That leaves only one position in question because Lucas Niang suffered a torn patellar tendon and may not be ready for the pre-season games or the start of the season. To counter that possibility, Veach resigned OT/OG Andrew Wylie and then free Agent Geron Christian. Wylie has the playbook down pat and time with the Chiefs. He will likely be the Starter on the right. When I look at Geron, I see a young player just emerging and he has a ton of upside at the same time–he could be a keeper and certainly could be the Swing Tackle(SW/T). Christian was a 3rd round pick by Washington. Washington had drafted a top talent who didn’t pan out for them. When released he was picked up by the Texans and played LOT for them. I did look at some Texan tape and came away thinking he has matured. His footwork was generally very good. He has played on the right side as well. Not only that, he is coming into his 5th season and is only 25.
Yeah. I see Geron as the SW/T.
Wylie proved something for me in 2021. Getting him back was a no-brainer. Neither player was an expensive proposition.
It looks to me as if Wylie would get the nod as the ROT starter if Niang isn’t ready and the Swing tackle would become Christian who has played LOT for the Texans. Prince Tega Wanogho and Nick Allegretti are both versatile as well. Still, I think it’s wise that the team draft a player to the offensive line each draft year, and with twelve draft picks that will surely be on the Veach Draft Board.
No matter what, I like the OL as it is constituted and I really like Lucas Niang as part of the picture.
That’s a lot accomplished already.
Work Left To Do?
If it were my list, I would re-sign Mel Ingram and find a solid CB to bring aboard. The potential James Bradberry trade with the Giants has hit the news extensively on Saturday. That’s a totally solid outside CB to add to Fenton and Sneed. The Chiefs should double up on draft picks for DE and CB. They must, if at all possible, get a pass rush player for the IDL and also sign one. One thing about the offensive side of the ball that may require more work is at TE. Right now I can see a draft pick. Kelce, Bell, Fortson, and then one of 6 others on the roster will have their shot. A riser in the TE draft possibilities caught my eye: Lucas Krull at the Pitt Pro day. He was snubbed by the combine. After catching sight, I went and looked at some videos. Interesting proposition and has “Speed” besides size, length, and weight.
A lot is happening in the Kingdom for the 3rd week of Free Agency. Much has been invested just in the last 4 days. Are you waiting with bated breath?
The Truth is the Meme Shift for the Chiefs
As a final remark, what we are witnessing is the meme for Mahomes has shifted. He is the right Quarterback for the upcoming task at hand. The Methodology and moving parts have changed accordingly. Brett Veach has been on top of the needs, and the change in direction that is happening on the fly.
It’s fun to follow what’s going on for Veach and the Chiefs. I know, you were dreading all the tasks to be taken on — you’ve thought there were too many. The “poof”! The off-season suddenly has a completely different appearance.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne