The Kansas City Chiefs have been the best NFL team over the last five years, winning the Super Bowl twice and playing in five consecutive AFC Championship Games. In order for the Chiefs to maintain their status as the newest NFL dynasty, several moves need to be made.
While the Chiefs will always be a contender as long as they have Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid, there is always room to improve the roster. Kansas City already made huge changes early in the offseason by cutting Frank Clark and then parting ways with Orlando Brown Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster, leaving a few needs on the roster.
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Before the 2023 NFL Draft, there are still pressing needs like a wide receiver, offensive tackle and pass rusher that the Chiefs would be wise to address. Fortunately, there are several avenues to fill those voids and make this roster even better than it was last season.
Here are three moves that could strengthen the Chiefs’ status as a dynasty.
1. Sign Odell Beckham Jr to fill the void at wide receiver
While consideration is given to trading for DeAndre Hopkins or Jerry Jeudy, Odell Beckham Jr. is the more cost-effective option. With the Dallas Cowboys out of the mix, Kansas City stands out as the perfect landing spot for the former All-Pro wideout and there should be mutual interest.
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From a contract perspective, the Chiefs can offer an incentive-laden contract. The base salary starts at $8 million, with reachable bonuses ($250,000) if Beckham Jr records 70-plus receptions, 80-plus receptions, or 800-plus receiving yards. These won’t be classified as “likely incentives”, so they won’t count against the salary cap, but Beckham Jr. could realistically achieve them by playing the role JuJu Smith-Schuster(78 receptions, 933 receiving yards in 16 games) did.
Beckham Jr. is exactly the kind of receiver who would fit in Kansas City’s offense. While he’s no longer the downfield threat we saw with the New York Giants, he can still rack up yards after the catch and move the chains. More than a year removed from an ACL tear, this could be the best option for everyone involved.
2. Trade for offensive tackle Jonah Williams
Kansas City’s plan right now is for Jawaan to start at left tackle this season. While the former 35th overall pick might handle the transition well, it’s a massive gamble by the Chiefs. Taylor has played just 18 career snaps protecting a quarterback’s blindside and right now the Chiefs just seem to be hoping he can handle a move that many offensive tackles struggle with under far less pressure.
- Kansas City Chiefs acquire: Jonah Williams
- Cincinnati Bengals acquire: 2024 third-round pick
Jonah Williams, who wants out of Cincinnati, is a reliable left tackle. While he surrendered 12 sacks last season, per Pro Football Focus, quarterback Joe Burrow would likely admit he is responsible for some of those. Williams might not be a Pro Bowl left tackle, but acquiring him for a future Day 2 pick and keeping Taylor at right tackle would be the best way to protect Mahomes.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs mock draft 2023
3. Trade up to draft edge rusher Nolan Smith
If Nolan Smith didn’t suffer a torn pectoral muscle during the 2022 season, he is likely a top-10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Because of that injury, Kansas City could have an opportunity to trade up for one of the best pass rushers in the draft class.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs star wants huge contract extension
- Kansas City Chiefs trade: 31st overall pick, 95th overall pick
- New York Giants trade: 25th overall pick, 128th overall pick
Smith is the epitome of an elite athlete. Thanks to his phenomenal performance at the NFL Combine, he recorded a 9.23 Relative Athletic Score. It puts him on an athleticism tier with Haason Reddick, who is quickly becoming one of the best pass-rushing threats in the NFC.
We’ve seen the Chiefs’ coaching staff develop pass rushers, finding what they do best and emphasizing it. Kansas City can deploy him as a blitzer who wreaks havoc as offensive lines try to account for Chris Jones, George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu.
