The Kansas City Chiefs fell short of earning their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, losing to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Kansas City found itself up 21-3 late in the second quarter before Cincinnati matched the conference title game record by overcoming an 18-point deficit.
A Patrick Mahomes overtime interception led directly to the Bengals scoring a field goal and coming away on top. After posting a 12-5 regular-season record and winning 11 of 12 heading into the AFC Championship Game, these Chiefs are back to the drawing board.
Below, we look at three moves this team must make in order to return to Super Bowl favorite status.
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Kansas City Chiefs add another wide receiver
We know what Tyreek Hill brings to the table. He can go the distance on any given play. This was evident throughout Kansas City’s playoff run. Fellow receiver Mecole Hardman also came up big time during the postseason. However, it appears that something is missing. That’s a consistent threat behind Hill. Hardman put up less than 30 yards nine times this past season, playoffs included.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster stats (2018-20 averages): 83 receptions, 936 yards, 6 TD, 69% catch rate
Whether it’s via free agency, the trade block or the NFL Draft, expect the Chiefs to go hunting for a No. 2 wide receiver. The team was linked to JuJu Smith-Schuster before he re-signed with Pittsburgh last offseason. The former 1,000-yard receiver is now lobbying to join Kansas City again. This might be the most cost-effective option for a Chiefs squad that’s currently an estimated $15.4 million under the 2022 NFL salary cap.
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Kansas City Chiefs draft a cornerback
The Chiefs’ pass defense did come on strong during the latter stages of the regular season. However, there’s widespread issues for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Josh Allen and Joe Burrow combined to throw for 579 yards with six touchdowns and one interception in the Chiefs’ final two playoff games.
This is an area general manager Brett Veach must address. Unfortunately, it’s going to be hard finding quality talent with the limited financial resources Kansas City will have during NFL free agency. Now slated to pick 30th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, this needs to be a target. Ahmad Gardner (Cincinnati), Derion Kendrick (Georgia) and Martin Emerson (Mississippi State) could all be options.
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Kansas City Chiefs re-sign Orlando Brown Jr.
One of the reasons Kansas City earned a third conscutive trip to the AFC Championship Game was its decision to revamp a questionable offensive line in front of Mahomes. Acquiring Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Baltimore Ravens while selecting two starting linemen in Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey was absolutely huge.
Now, Kansas City must pony up to retain Brown Jr. before he hits free agency in March. Still only 25 years old, he’s coming off a third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance.
It’s all about finances here. Brown will want to become the highest-paid left tackle in the NFL after performing at a high level in that role over the past two seasons. Remember, he was originally a right tackle in Baltimore before taking over as Lamar Jackson’s blindside protector. If Brown gets fair-market value, he’s looking at $23 million annually. A franchise tag would end up costing the Kansas City Chiefs roughly $21 million. Can the team afford it?