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After a magical two-year run, the Chiefs’ 2020 season ended with an emphatic thud in Tremendous Bowl LV. With Patrick Mahomes doing his best Fran Tarkenton impression, the Chiefs fought however in the end fell extremely brief of their quest to efficiently defend their title.
Kansas Metropolis’s 31-9 loss to the Buccaneers showcased the areas the Chiefs must strengthen this offseason. The Chiefs is not going to solely look to turn into the fourth group to play in three straight Tremendous Bowls, they can even vie for his or her sixth consecutive AFC West division title in 2021. However in contrast to latest years, the Chiefs will face a way more difficult division. The Raiders began 6-3 final season earlier than a late-season swoon saved them out of the playoffs. Offensive Rookie of the Yr Justin Herbert and the Chargers closed out 2020 with 4 consecutive wins. Denver will look to rebound following one other rocky season that noticed Von Miller miss the whole yr with an damage.
The 2021 offseason will likely be an essential one for every AFC West group. And with free company and the NFL draft simply across the nook, we determined to evaluate every AFC West groups’ wants whereas providing a preview of what they could do over the following a number of months.
[Note: Cap space figures provided by Spotrac, and will change once official salary cap is finalized for 2021.]
Wants: G, OT, CB, EDGE, WR, DT
The Chiefs might have to interchange three starters on their offensive line this offseason. Kansas Metropolis may should replenish its receiving corps if Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins depart in free company. Attainable defensive departures this offseason embrace defensive finish Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Damien Wilson, free security Daniel Sorensen, and cornerback Bashaud Breeland.
The Chiefs’ cap state of affairs will pressure them to deal with most of those wants through the draft. Whereas they may possible deal with their offensive and defensive traces through the first few rounds, Kansas Metropolis will definitely use some picks to deal with its secondary and receiver positions. One title to observe is receiver Tylan Wallace, who flourished in Oklahoma State’s wide-open offense.
Estimated present cap house (prime 51): -$18.1 million
CBS draft projections: DT Daviyon Nixon (Ryan Wilson), OL Jackson Carman (Chris Trapasso), LB Nick Bolton (Josh Edwards)
Free brokers to look at: G Tom Compton, CB William Jackson, DE Ronald Blair, WR Damiere Byrd
Wants: G, WR, CB, EDGE, DT
Whereas Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards will likely be again, the Raiders might have to interchange soon-to-be free agent receivers Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones. The Raiders are additionally reportedly planning to release Tyrell Williams at first of the league’s new yr. Given these losses, the Raiders will undoubtedly choose a receiver through the draft — the one query is when. That might be as early as the primary spherical if Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith remains to be obtainable with the seventeenth total choose.
Just like the Chiefs, anticipate the Raiders to make the majority of their roster adjustments through the draft. That being stated, normal supervisor Mike Mayock will attempt to discover some bargains in free company. Attainable free agent choices for the Raiders embrace inside linebacker Josh Bynes, outdoors linebacker John Simon, and free security Tashaun Gipson.
The Raiders are reportedly interested in signing former Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Whereas it isn’t unattainable, the Raiders must make some vital cap cuts to make this occur. If they are not capable of land Smith-Schuster, two extra inexpensive choices embrace Rashard Higgins and Isaiah McKenzie.
Estimated present cap house (prime 51): -$9.7 million
CBS draft projections: DL Jaelan Phillips (Ryan Wilson), LB Micah Parsons (Chris Trapasso), WR DeVonta Smith (Josh Edwards)
Free brokers to look at: ILB Josh Bynes, OLB John Simon, FS Tashaun Gipson, OL Matt Feiler, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Wants: C, G, WR, EDGE, CB, TE
Mike Pouncey’s retirement has created a brand new want on the Chargers’ offense. Together with discovering a brand new middle, Los Angeles may be available in the market for a brand new left guard, as Dan Feeney is a free agent. Tight ends Hunter Henry and Virgil Green are additionally anticipated to turn into free brokers. On the defensive facet of the ball, go rusher Melvin Ingram, linebacker Nick Vigil and cornerback Michael Davis are additionally anticipated to check the open market subsequent month.
The Chargers have a wholesome quantity of cap house, so they need to be capable of signal not less than just a few of their upcoming free brokers. Within the draft, Los Angeles is anticipated to make use of its first choose on the offensive line. The Chargers are additionally anticipated to pick out a go rusher with one in all their different prime picks. In the event that they’re fortunate, Pitt go rusher Patrick Jones II will likely be there for the Chargers to absorb the second spherical. The second-ranked EDGE participant in CBS Sports activities prospect rankings, Jones tallied 17.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss and 4 compelled fumbles throughout his final two seasons with the Panthers.
Receiver is one other place to control so far as the Chargers are involved. With Mike Williams getting into his last yr beneath contract, Los Angeles could be clever so as to add to their receiving corps this offseason.
Estimated present cap house (prime 51): $33.97 million
CBS draft projections: OL Rashawn Slater (Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso), OL Christian Darrisaw (Josh Edwards)
Free brokers to look at: LT Trent Williams, G/T Denzelle Good, C Alex Mack, OLB Haason Reddick, CB Shaquill Griffin, TE Gerald Everett, WR Will Fuller
Wants: CB, LB, EDGE, OT, QB
The Broncos enter the 2021 offseason with the division’s greatest wage cap. Denver will most likely spend most of that cash on the defensive facet of the ball, particularly at defensive finish, linebacker and cornerback. The Broncos can even be available in the market for a brand new proper sort out, as starters Demar Dotson and Elijah Wilkinson are set to turn into free brokers.
Denver’s two greatest free brokers are defensive finish Shelby Harris and free security Justin Simmons. If the Broncos preserve each gamers, they may possible should lean on the draft to fill their different personnel wants. And whereas Drew Lock does look like the Broncos’ longterm quarterback, it could make sense for the Broncos to discover a veteran quarterback who’s able to submitting in on a second’s discover.
Extra constant quarterback play, together with upgrades at linebacker and cornerback, needs to be sufficient to assist the Broncos flip issues round after a disappointing 2020 season. The Broncos have a formidable operating recreation, a deep receiving corps and several other proficient defensive gamers, led by future Corridor of Fame linebacker Von Miler if Denver holds onto him.
Estimated present cap house (prime 51): $39.46 million
CBS draft projections: CB Caleb Farley (Ryan Wilson), CB Patrick Surtain II (Chris Trapasso), LB Micah Parsons (Josh Edwards)
Free brokers to look at: CB Richard Sherman, LB Avery Williamson, DE Derek Wolfe, OT Daryl Williams, QB Jacoby Brissett
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