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iowajerms
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There was a point during the 2014 season in which the Kansas City Chiefs looked to be one of the contenders in the AFC, as they won five straight games after a 2-3 start. But five losses in their final six games dashed the Chiefs' playoff hopes in the competitive AFC West.
As we look ahead to 2015, the team has one important need -- re-signing impending free agent Justin Houston -- but the list doesn't end there. Here's a look at other areas that need addressing:
1. Secure Houston for 2015, and beyond if possible
Outside linebacker Justin Houston continued his upward trajectory and is among the best young defensive players in football. At just 25 years old, he's already one of the feared pass-rushers in the league, coming off a 22.0-sack season, best in the NFL. The team was able to sign quarterback Alex Smith before this season began, freeing up the franchise tag to utilize elsewhere in 2015. If talks stall on a long-term deal, it would make sense for the Chiefs to use the franchise tag on Houston. But the best outcome for the Chiefs is locking Houston up to a deal that keeps him in Kansas City for several seasons.
2. Make the offensive line a priority
Left tackle Eric Fisher made some progress in his second season, but early-season injuries and a suspension for offensive tackle Donald Stephenson affected this group. Center Rodney Hudson is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and should be another priority to re-sign, as he may be among the top three centers in the NFL. The team needs to add at least one guard, as veteran Mike McGlynn does not profile as a long-term starter, while rookie Zach Fulton stepped into a prominent role this season. Losing Hudson would be significant.
3. Make the receiving corps a priority, too
It has been well-documented: The Chiefs' wide receivers didn't score a single touchdown this season. Dwayne Bowe, a recipient of a major contract extension during the 2013 offseason, is under contract for three more years, though a suspension this past offseason may have voided all of the remaining guaranteed money on his deal, which was only $1.75 million of his $10.75 million base salary in 2015.
So while adding a dynamic wide receiver is on the to-do list, it's also fair to wonder if the Chiefs will keep Bowe, who still has more than $30 million owed to him through 2017. Undrafted rookie Albert Wilson has improved in recent weeks, but this group needs a significant upgrade overall. Perhaps the Chiefs can target a potential No. 1 target with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
4. Add depth at inside linebacker
When healthy, Derrick Johnson is among the most consistent and productive linebackers in the NFL. An Achilles tendon injury ended his season after just one game, and the 32-year-old enters the final year of his deal in 2015. If Johnson returns to full health and his usual form, he's an exceptional option to man one spot in the middle of the defense. The Chiefs need to add another body to the inside linebacker competition, and Josh Mauga should be under consideration to return, as he is another player set to be a free agent.
Offseason fixes for the Kansas City Chiefs - NFL - ESPN
By Field Yates
As we look ahead to 2015, the team has one important need -- re-signing impending free agent Justin Houston -- but the list doesn't end there. Here's a look at other areas that need addressing:
1. Secure Houston for 2015, and beyond if possible
Outside linebacker Justin Houston continued his upward trajectory and is among the best young defensive players in football. At just 25 years old, he's already one of the feared pass-rushers in the league, coming off a 22.0-sack season, best in the NFL. The team was able to sign quarterback Alex Smith before this season began, freeing up the franchise tag to utilize elsewhere in 2015. If talks stall on a long-term deal, it would make sense for the Chiefs to use the franchise tag on Houston. But the best outcome for the Chiefs is locking Houston up to a deal that keeps him in Kansas City for several seasons.
2. Make the offensive line a priority
Left tackle Eric Fisher made some progress in his second season, but early-season injuries and a suspension for offensive tackle Donald Stephenson affected this group. Center Rodney Hudson is set to be an unrestricted free agent, and should be another priority to re-sign, as he may be among the top three centers in the NFL. The team needs to add at least one guard, as veteran Mike McGlynn does not profile as a long-term starter, while rookie Zach Fulton stepped into a prominent role this season. Losing Hudson would be significant.
3. Make the receiving corps a priority, too
It has been well-documented: The Chiefs' wide receivers didn't score a single touchdown this season. Dwayne Bowe, a recipient of a major contract extension during the 2013 offseason, is under contract for three more years, though a suspension this past offseason may have voided all of the remaining guaranteed money on his deal, which was only $1.75 million of his $10.75 million base salary in 2015.
So while adding a dynamic wide receiver is on the to-do list, it's also fair to wonder if the Chiefs will keep Bowe, who still has more than $30 million owed to him through 2017. Undrafted rookie Albert Wilson has improved in recent weeks, but this group needs a significant upgrade overall. Perhaps the Chiefs can target a potential No. 1 target with the No. 18 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
4. Add depth at inside linebacker
When healthy, Derrick Johnson is among the most consistent and productive linebackers in the NFL. An Achilles tendon injury ended his season after just one game, and the 32-year-old enters the final year of his deal in 2015. If Johnson returns to full health and his usual form, he's an exceptional option to man one spot in the middle of the defense. The Chiefs need to add another body to the inside linebacker competition, and Josh Mauga should be under consideration to return, as he is another player set to be a free agent.
Offseason fixes for the Kansas City Chiefs - NFL - ESPN
By Field Yates