The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a significant offseason, with pressing needs at both running back and wide receiver. An ESPN insider has identified the Chiefs as a potential destination for free agents from the Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
At the running back position, the Chiefs will need to evaluate their options as both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are set to hit free agency. Neither player has made a strong impact this season, prompting the team to consider upgrading their backfield. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are in desperate need of a deep threat at wide receiver to revitalize an offense that has been missing explosiveness since the departure of Tyreek Hill.
In their weekly NFL insights piece, ESPN”s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler concur that the Chiefs should prioritize addressing these two positions. Fowler specifically mentioned the possibility of the Chiefs pursuing Breece Hall from the Jets, Travis Etienne from the Jaguars, and Alec Pierce from the Colts.
Both the Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens are searching for a traditional boundary receiver and could make a significant move in free agency. George Pickens would be a valuable addition for Baltimore, while Pierce could fill a crucial need for Kansas City, which has struggled to find playmakers on the outside since Hill”s trade following the 2021 season. Acquiring either player would likely come with a hefty price tag, and Pickens may even receive a franchise tag from Dallas. However, if he does become available, the Ravens could utilize their cap space effectively, knowing that coach John Harbaugh can manage strong personalities well.
The Chiefs are currently in a tighter financial situation, sitting at approximately minus-$42.8 million in cap space. However, roster changes are expected, which could alleviate some of this burden. Exploring the addition of a dynamic running back like Hall or Etienne is certainly on the table for Kansas City. While all three players are set to become free agents, it is unlikely that they will all reach the open market. Hall is a strong candidate for a franchise tag, allowing the Jets to trade him for value rather than losing him for nothing. There is also a possibility that the Jets might extend Hall, but he may prefer a fresh start away from New York.
Bringing Hall into the Chiefs” offense would be a smart move, as his explosive capabilities as both a runner and a receiver could greatly enhance their attack. Although the Chiefs showed interest in Hall during the recent trade deadline, the likelihood of acquiring him seems slim. If he receives a franchise tag, Kansas City would have to part with draft picks and offer him a lucrative long-term deal, projected to be around $10.4 million annually according to Spotrac.
On the other hand, if Hall becomes a free agent, the Chiefs would have a more straightforward path to signing him. Etienne appears to be a more viable target, as he is likely to enter free agency unless the Jaguars decide to extend him after a successful bounce-back season. However, with the Jaguars having invested a fourth-round pick in Bhayshul Tuten and projected to have limited cap space, they might opt for a more economical approach at running back.
Spotrac estimates that Etienne could command a more manageable contract of around $6.6 million per year over two years, fitting better into the Chiefs” financial plans, especially as they look at potentially being over the cap in the near future. While not as explosive as Hall, Etienne would still represent a significant improvement over the current roster”s options.
As for Pierce, he would be an ideal addition to the Chiefs” passing game, boasting impressive stats with a league-leading average of 20.2 yards per reception this season. At just 25 years old and enjoying a career-best season, Pierce”s production has been solid but not elite, potentially keeping his contract demand in check. Spotrac estimates he could secure a four-year deal worth $63.9 million, averaging $16 million annually. This would be a reasonable investment for Kansas City as they seek to bolster their receiving corps alongside Rashee Rice.
However, the Colts are likely to prioritize retaining Pierce, and unlike the Chiefs, they have sufficient financial resources to keep him.
