The Chiefs’ four strongest positions heading into 2021

It may be pleasant to have a look at all of the other ways the Kansas City Chiefs may make themselves higher this offseason. There are a number of positions that might use a high quality participant or a excessive draft choose; solely a choose few positions are set to the purpose the place they are often virtually ignored throughout free company and the draft.

I picked out the 4 positions which might be the strongest for 2021 when it comes to starters and depth. Minor strikes could be made, however these items shouldn’t actually be messed with — at the least within the short-term.

Quarterbacks

Signed to 2021 roster: Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne; Jordan Ta’amu and Anthony Gordon are on reserve/future contracts

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The Chiefs’ beginning quarterback place is clearly cemented as a lot as every other place on any crew within the NFL. That’s clear — however the Chiefs have given themselves good depth behind Mahomes.

Backup Chad Henne was the hero of the AFC Divisional spherical victory over the Cleveland Browns, and he additionally performed effectively in Week 17. I’ll admit: I assumed Matt Moore deserved the second-string spot for his fill-in efficiency in 2019 — however Henne proved why the Chiefs caught with him final season. He could also be one of the crucial priceless backups within the league.

With one 12 months remaining on his present deal, it may go both method on if the 36-year previous veteran is able to retire or would need to re-sign and play additional. If 2021 is his final season in Kansas Metropolis, the Chiefs have an intriguing, developmental participant in Jordan Ta’amu. He’s been with the group since final spring however performed within the short-lived XFL previous to that. His comparative athleticism to Mahomes may very well be what head coach Andy Reid likes in regards to the 23-year previous.

Inside line of defense

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Signed to 2021 roster: Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton and Khalen Saunders; Tyler Clark is on a reserve/future contract

Whereas discovering a defensive finish able to enjoying plenty of snaps must be a precedence this offseason, the inside line of defense shouldn’t want a major addition.

It does rely on how the Chiefs really feel about investing in Derrick Nnadi previous his rookie contract. 2021 might be his final 12 months on that deal, which makes an extension this offseason a risk in the event that they need to maintain him long-term. With Jones and Nnadi as starters, the Chiefs discovered a needle in a haystack with Turk Wharton — final 12 months’s undrafted rookie who turned a official pass-rushing risk from the inside.

Khalen Saunders — a third-round choose from the 2019 draft — must be a viable choice as depth behind Jones and Nnadi. Wharton’s function final 12 months seemed like what Saunders was purported to grow to be. Some accidents have set him again, so his third season may very well be the place all of it clicks as a reliable, rotational participant.

If it does, the Chiefs ought to have four-man group to start out with. They might look so as to add one other run-stuffer — like re-signing Mike Pennel — however it must be a cheap deal.

Working backs

Signed to 2021 roster: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson; Darrel Williams is a restricted free agent. Derrick Gore is on a reserve/future deal

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With the Chiefs’ confirmation of Damien Williams returning from 2021, they might have a loaded operating again group. Whereas Darrel Williams’ playoff efficiency may have enticed a crew to make him a suggestion this spring, he’s probably again in Kansas Metropolis subsequent 12 months.

That offers the Chiefs 4 operating backs — all with a good quantity of expertise in Andy Reid’s offense. Edwards-Helaire will probably play a fair bigger function within the Chiefs offense subsequent 12 months, however the different three all have one thing to supply. There’s all the time the chance that Damien Williams isn’t what he was on the finish of the 2019 season, however his physique is also well-rested and contemporary at 29 years previous.

If something, the crew may afford to chop or commerce one of many 4 gamers. They’ll not often have all 4 lively on recreation days, and so they can’t maintain Darwin Thompson on the observe squad without end.

Specialists

Signed to 2021 roster: Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend, and James Winchester

Neither Butker nor Townsend had been good at their positions in 2020. It’s exhausting to overlook how inaccurate Butker was on intermediate kicks throughout elements of the season, and Townsend’s rookie marketing campaign ended on a bitter word with a noticeably unhealthy efficiency in Super Bowl LV.

That being mentioned, each are nonetheless younger gamers — and have proven their worth in spots. Butker is among the finest long-range kickers in the complete NFL, whereas Townsend had highlight-reel punts touchdown inside the ten a handful of occasions. Plus, he executed a pretend punt completely in Week 8 towards the New York Jets.

The extra these specialists play collectively, the higher all of their performances might be. There’s no purpose to mess with this trio, at the least for 2021.