The first phase of Free Agency is complete, and the AFC West was surprisingly busy as well as effective in the additions/subtractions that were made. Some very large needs were filled and have changed the draft for several teams. Let’s get this party started…
Denver Broncos
Key Additions: G Ben Powers, RT Mike McGlinchey, RB Samaje Perine, FB Michael Burton, QB Jarrett Stidham, DE Zach Allen, TE Chris Manhertz, CB Tremon Smith, WR Marquez Callaway, WR Marquise Godowin, LB Matthew Adams
Key re-signings: LB Alex Singleton
Key losses: DT Dre’Mont Jones, G Graham Glasgow, RB Chase Edmonds, CB Ronald Darby, RB Mike Boone, FB Andrew Beck, TE Eric Saubert, DE DeShawn Williams, OT Calvin Anderson
Without a 1st or 2nd round pick, the Broncos had to fill some holes via free agency and Coach Payton along with new owner Rob Walton knew this. The Broncos surrendered 63 sacks in 2022, most in the NFL. They went out and signed two starters in Powers and McGlinchey for their Offensive Line.
Free Agency Grade: A-
Team Needs: Edge, WR, OL
The Broncos only got to the quarterback 36 times last year (bottom 10 in the NFL). They added DE Allen but need more help.
Mock Draft: DE Derick Hall, 6’3”, 254, Auburn
Kansas City Chiefs
Key additions: OT Jawaan Taylor, EDGE Charles Omenihu, LB Drue Tranquill, S Mike Edwards
Key re-signings: G Nick Allegretti, DT Derrick Nnadi
Key losses: OT Orlando Brown Jr., EDGE Frank Clark, S Juan Thornill, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OT Andrew Wylie, DT Khalen Saunders, FB Michael Burton, QB Chad Henne
The Chiefs free agency was quite puzzling to say the least. Paying OT Taylor almost 16MM more over 4 years than what OT Brown was given does not add up not to mention almost 30MM more in guaranteed money. The DE Omenihu signing was a great addition.
Free Agency Grade: C
Team Needs: DL, WR, Edge
The loss of DT Saunders is a lot bigger than most think. Finding a replacement for DE Clark would be wise as well.
Mock Draft: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, 6’3”, 255, Kansas State
Las Vegas Raiders
Key additions: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers, LB Robert Spillane, S Marcus Epps, CB Brandon Facyson, WR Phillip Dorsett, WR Cam Sims, TE O.J. Howard, CB David Long, CB Duke Shelley, TE Austin Hooper
Key re-signings: RB Josh Jacobs, OT Brandon Parker, RB Ameer Abdullah, RB Jakob Johnson, DT Jerry Tillery, OT Jermaine Eluemenor, WR Keelan Cole
Key losses: QB Derek Carr, TE Darren Waller, QB Jarrett Stidham, EDGE Clelin Ferrell, LB Denzel Perryman, TE Foster Moreau, CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Mack Hollins
The Raiders went with addition by subtraction in signing Garoppolo and Meyers and releasing Carr and trading Waller. Talent wise the advantage goes to Carr and Waller but scheme fit goes to Garoppolo and Meyers. The secondary additions of CB Shelley and SS Epps are homeruns and both are huge upgrades.
Free Agency Grade: A-
Team Needs: CB, DT, QB
Finding a CB1 is a must. Adding a run stopping DT and a long term QB to be groomed are needed high as well.
Mock Draft: CB Christian Gonzalez, 6’1”, 197 Oregon
Los Angeles Chargers
Key additions: LB Eric Kendricks
Key re-signings: G/OT Trey Pipkins, DT Morgan Fox, QB Easton Stick, P J.K. Scott, TE Donald Parham
Key losses: LB Drue Tranquil, LB Kyle Van Noy, S Nasir Adderley, QB Chase Daniel, OT Storm Norton, LB Troy Reeder
After last season’s spending, the Chargers were not expected to be major players this year. With that said, only one signing is still quite surprising. This is only the first part of free agency, but it is a quiet one for the Chargers.
Free Agency Grade: C-
Teem Needs: RB, WR, DL
With Ekeler asking and receiving permission to seek a trade, a new RB1 is now a top priority. A speed receiver and a run stopping DT are also top needs.
Mock Draft: WR Jordan Addison, 5’11”, 173, USC
We are now a little over two weeks away from the draft and expectations are either going to be met or destroyed. Some fans will be happy while some will be drinking their sorrows away and asking, “what the fuck”. One thing is for sure, here is MS, we will give your team props for a great pick and kick you in your teeth if they screw the pooch. Whichever way it goes, it is always entertaining.
Viva the NFL!!!