The Kansas City Chiefs have been relatively quiet in NFL free agency, losing offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. While adding more talent on the open market is a possibility, Kansas City could take another route to upgrade its roster.
After signing offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, the Chiefs have approximately $14.13 million in cap space with several players still unsigned. Contract extensions and restructures could create more room, but many of the top NFL free agents are already off the board.
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It puts Kansas City in a difficult position with April approaching. There are still needs at wide receiver, tight end, right tackle and on the defensive line. While the 2023 NFL Draft will provide some help, general manager Brett Veach could look elsewhere to improve the lineup.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the Texans and Chiefs have engaged in trade discussions involving offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. While the discussions were preliminary, Kansas City at least has interest in the left tackle.
Tunsil, one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, is an extremely attractive option for the Chiefs. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, he earned the highest pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (91.7) this past season.
- Laremy Tunsil stats (2022): 91.7 PFF pass-block grade, 17 pressures allowed in 676 snaps
The 6-foot-5 offensive tackle would not only represent an upgrade over Taylor, who is unproven on the left side, but he would also be an improvement over Brown. While Kansas city’s offensive line held up well in pass protection with its former left tackle, he was always a better run blocker than he was in pass protection.
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However, Tunsil wants a new contract and he is seeking to become one of the highest-paid NFL players. If the Chiefs wanted to acquire him, they would need to offer Houston significant draft capital and then sign Tunsil to a multi-year extension.
While it’s something the organization seems open to, based on the early dialogue with the Texans’ front office, it appears no trade is happening anytime soon.
