The start of the 2023 league year is almost here, which means the teams of the AFC West are already figuring out which free agents they should target. While every player on the market brings something unique to the table, these four free agents would be perfect for these respective teams.
The Best Free Agent For Every AFC West Team
Kansas City Chiefs: Bobby Wagner
The Kansas City Chiefs proved that they do not need Tyreek Hill to have an elite offense, so it only makes sense that they turn their attention to the defense in free agency. The Rams released Bobby Wagner in large part because the linebacker wanted to play with a contender. Well, it’s hard to think of a team that better fits that description than Kansas City. The Chiefs desperately need defensive playmakers, and while Wagner isn’t quite as good as he was in his peak, he still found a way to earn Second-Team All-Pro honors on an awful Rams team.
Denver Broncos: Ethan Pocic
The Denver Broncos need to improve their offensive line. Yes, Russell Wilson’s erratic style of play naturally leads to more sacks, but even when taking that into account, this is a below-average offensive line. Ethan Pocic might just be the best free agent center on the market, and Denver should prioritize improving the middle of their offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Pocic was the third-best center in the league last year, and is equally dangerous in both the passing and running game. He’s not the sexiest name on this list, but he’d fill a major need.
Las Vegas Raiders: Jimmy Garoppolo
Josh McDaniels enters the 2023 season on the hot seat. After a wildly disappointing 2022, McDaniels needs to get this team into contention or risk losing his job. Because of this, he probably won’t want to put all his faith in a rookie quarterback and will likely sign a starting-caliber bridge quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo.
With Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow, McDaniels doesn’t need a superstar quarterback to produce a decent offense: he just needs a competent starter. Garoppolo is the textbook definition of adequate, and his familiarity with McDaniels’ system from their time in New England should only help him be ready for Week 1.
Stat of the day:
Jimmy Garoppolo has now thrown 2 touchdown passes in 4 straight games. That’s the first time in his career that he’s done that.
I’d also like to point out that both of these TD passes yesterday came on 3rd down. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/oNYc7kPMNc
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) October 31, 2022
Las Angeles Chargers: Dalton Schultz
Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both fantastic football players, but the Los Angeles Chargers don’t have any other notable weapons on the roster. The team desperately needs a tight end, and while the 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at the position, you never want to rely too heavily on a rookie. Dalton Schultz is a perfect option to fill this void. While he’s no superstar, he can easily slide in as the third option in this passing game and immediately provide Justin Herbert with another reliable option. Plus, first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore knows how to use Schultz thanks to their time together in Dallas, so he should be able to help out from Day 1.
Main Photo: Kyle Terada – USA Today Sports
