The Kansas City Chiefs made some big moves in free agency, but certain analysts around the league appear to be unimpressed. CBS Sports recently handed out free agency grades for every single team, and the Chiefs received a D, tied for the second-worst mark among all 32 franchises.
Chiefs Receive A “D” In 2023 Free Agency Grades
Kansas City’s grade is likely based on Kansas City’s decision to effectively choose Jawaan Taylor over Orlando Brown. This decision is certainly an interesting one, as Brown has played well with the Chiefs over the past few seasons, and Taylor received more money than the incumbent left tackle. Taylor is also something of a question mark, as he spent his entire career to date at right tackle, and the Chiefs are going to play him on the left side. Several players across the league have made this transition in the past, including Brown himself, but until you know a player can do it, there is always some risk there. Additionally, Taylor is coming off a career year, if he falls back to his career norm, he will not be worth this contract, no matter which position he plays.
While that is definitely the highlight of free agency, it’s far from the Chiefs only piece of free agency news. Kansas City also lost Juju Smith-Schuster and Juan Thornhill to big-money contracts, and their replacements leave something to be desired. The team didn’t even sign another receiver and are seemingly content to put their faith in Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, while the Chiefs signed Mike Edwards to effectively replace Thornhill. Edwards is a fine player, and the Chiefs got him on a team-friendly deal, but he’s a clear downgrade.
They did, however, make an incredibly savvy signing in Drue Tranquill. The linebacker had a great year with the Chargers in 2022, and signing a starting-caliber player to a one-year, $3 million contract is simply fantastic business.
Does This Even Matter?
There is merit to criticizing the Jawaan Taylor decision, as well as pointing out Kansas City’s complete lack of depth at the wide receiver position. However, that isn’t enough to justify this low grade. In our AFC West free agency grades, the Chiefs received a B-.
Ultimately, though, this doesn’t matter. The Chiefs are no stranger to losing the free agency and winning actual football games, and the same thing will likely happen in 2023. At this point last year, most believed that the Chiefs would struggle to find a replacement for superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill. While Hill definitely made the Dolphins better, Kansas City’s offense continued to be the most dominant force in the league, as Patrick Mahomes won his second MVP and the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
As long as Patrick Mahomes is the quarterback and Andy Reid is the head coach, the Kansas City Chiefs will be the team to beat in football. They’ve effectively taken the torch from the 2001-2019 New England Patriots as the NFL’s next dynasty. Quarterback and head coach are the two most important positions in football, and when you have the best of both, you’ll always be the team to beat.
Main Photo: Mark J Rebilas – USA Today Sports
