The Kansas City Chiefs beat the buzzer ahead of NFL free agency, re-signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to prevent him from hitting the open market. While the star Chiefs’ trio is staying together, there’s still plenty of room for Kansas City to improve this offseason.
Re-signing Jones was the most important thing Kansas City needed to do this spring. Not only is he beloved in the locker room, but the three-time Super Bowl champion has made game-changing plays in critical moments that helped the team house the Lombardi Trophy. It’s now time to build an even better team around Patrick Mahomes.
Related: 7 teams interested in trade for Kansas City Chiefs star L’Jarius Sneed
Here are the four next steps the Chiefs need to take this offseason.
Trade L’Jarius Sneed to create cap space, add draft capital
Kansas City doesn’t win the Super Bowl without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. He was one of the best NFL players in coverage this past season, routinely delivering his greatest performances against top wide receivers. While the Chiefs placed the franchise tag on him, that was just to keep him out of NFL free agency. With Jones under contract, there’s no reasonable path to keeping Sneed and his $19.8 million cap hit.
Related: NFL insider reveals likely cost of L’Jarius Sneed trade
Fortunately, with Jaylon Johnson off the market, Sneed is the most in-demand cornerback this offseason. He’s already generating massive interest and the Chiefs have granted his agent permission to find him a long-term home. While it’s probably not the best idea for Kansas City to trade Sneed to another Super Bowl contender, there are other alternatives around the NFL.
- Kansas City Chiefs trade: L’Jarius Sneed
- Atlanta Falcons trade: 43rd overall pick
Unless a team like the Detroit Lions or San Francisco 49ers is willing to offer a first-round pick, Kansas City will likely take the best Round 2 selection on the table. The Falcons want to win now and could pair Sneed with the signing of Kirk Cousins to become the best NFC South team in 2024.
Related: Most overrated players in NFL free agency
Restructure Patrick Mahomes contract, find bargain adds in NFL free agency
Trading Sneed will immediately shave $19.802 million off the Chiefs’ books for the 2024 season, but that still isn’t enough for Jones’ new deal and some bargain finds in NFL free agency. Fortunately for Kansas City, it can restructure Mahomes’ contract and that alone creates $35.632 million in cap space. If you pair that with releasing safety Justin Reid, who played poorly last season, that’s another $10.75 million in cap room.
Related: Kansas City Chiefs free agent targets 2024
This now gives the Chiefs more flexibility to add more talent to the roster. We’ll start with former Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney. While he only produced 414 receiving yards last season, he was a 1,000-yard player in 2021 and he remains one of the most underrated vertical threats in the league. In addition, Kansas City would have the cap room to sign future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith to play left tackle, providing Smith with an opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl. At running back, Austin Ekeler or Antonio Gibson could be a cost-effective option to help on passing downs.
Chiefs mock draft with a L’Jarius Sneed trade
While parting ways with Sneed hurts the Chiefs in the short-term, acquiring a top-50 pick also allows general manager Brett Veach to address a more glaring need. In this case, Kansas City can now add young, high-upside talent at both offensive tackle and wide receiver.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, picks by team
Kansas City Chiefs mock draft 2024 (3 rounds)
- 1st Round, 32nd Overall: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas Longhorns
- 2nd Round, 43rd overall: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona Wildcats
- 2nd Round, 64th overall: Calen Bullock, S, USC Trojans
- 3rd Round, 95th overall: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell can be the perfect complement to Rashee Rice. This past year, Mitchell drew nearly 26 percent of his targets 20-plus yards downfield, per Pro Football Focus, generating a 124.1 NFL quarterback rating when targeted with 3 touchdowns. Standing at 6-foot-4 with a 4.34 40 time, Mitchell provides a much-needed vertical threat who can do far more than Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Related: Repeat Super Bowl winners
With the second-round pick acquired from Atlanta, Kansas City snags its left tackle. He had to shake some rust off this past season coming off a torn ACL, but he boasts the size (6-foot-6) and athleticism to become a quality left tackle in the NFL once he adds strength to his frame.
Calen Bullock would provide defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with another playmaker. While he’s not especially effective as a run defender, Bullock’s ball skills are among the best in the class. He is also an excellent athlete, with closing speed that allows him to make even more plays on the football. As for Rutgers cornerback Max Melton, the 5-foot-11 defensive back offers the length, versatility, instincts and football IQ that are required to play in Spagnuolo’s system and he can learn from Trent McDuffie.
Sign Brett Veachy and Andy Reid to contract extensions
We saved the easiest decision for last. With Veach and Andy Reid already under contract, there’s no immediate rush to add on to their deals. However, two of the people who played an instrumental role in winning three Super Bowl rings have certainly earned pay raises and long-term security.
Related: Best NFL dynasties ever, see where Kansas City Chiefs rank
Reid will receive a contract extension that makes him the highest-paid NFL coach while Veach lands a new deal that rewards him for building a Super Bowl champion and then winning two more during a transition period. By the end of the Chiefs offseason, the entire core will be with Kansas City until they retire.