Which Free Agents Will Andy Reid Keep?
The Kansas City Chiefs came up short in the Super Bowl, but there’s no reason to panic”¦. at all.
The most optimistic outlook ahead lies with two factors: for one, the Chiefs will still have Patrick Mahomes (for a very long time) and for two, Tom Brady won’t be around too much longer. Even though the Chiefs will have a chance with Patrick Mahomes at all times, they still need to improve their odds for any unknown obstacle in their way.
The best way for the Chiefs to improve their roster rests in phase one: free agency. The Chiefs need to figure out who will be kept on their roster. The Mahomes led crew has 28 up and coming free agents. There aren’t any elite players with an expired contract, but there’s around two dozen notable contributors that the Chiefs will have to make a decision on. With that said, I’m going to untwine the notable free agent outlook of each player and make my case for the Chiefs to resign or let go of the individual.
Let’s get started.
Sammy Watkins: Leave
If there was doubt of Sammy Watkins having a future headed into this offseason, it only got worse over the last few days. The Chiefs GM admitted that there would be struggles keeping Watkins, according to CBS Sports. Watkins didn’t only not stand out in 2020, but he had a career low season in yards AND touchdowns (tied for career low in TDs). His injury habits continued, as well — as he missed six games.
Daniel Sorenson: Keep
I believe the Chiefs will not risk losing a key member of their secondary, especially after the Super Bowl loss. “Dirty Dan” AKA Daniel Sorenson, tied his career high in interceptions this past season (3). Sorenson is 31 years old, so there will be an interest to find a long term solution — yet he would very well help them compete for Super Bowl royalty in the near future.
Bashuad Breeland: Leave
Breeland has the talent to be a reliable corner when he’s “on” the football field, but the combination of off field issues with younger players at the position, leaves a challenge to bring him back at his asking price. Breeland has had arrests and failed physicals in the past. I’d expect the Chiefs to consider targeting a CB in free agency, too — as it was one of the position weaknesses during the year.
Alex Okafor: Leave
Alex Okafor is a consistent player that’s been valuable at times for the Chiefs. Yet, he’s not worth the injury concerns that come with his profile. Okafor has missed 11 games over the last two years combined. Expect the Chiefs to aim for an edge rusher that’s similar to the caliber of Dee Ford.
Damien Wilson: Keep
Damien Wilson may not have exactly earned his keep, but he’s got potential at 27 years old and he’s playing at an aching position unit for the Chiefs. He didn’t show enough to break the bank — I would guess the Chiefs would welcome a short, cheap deal from Wilson.
Demarcus Robinson: Leave
I believe Demarcus Robinson would like to stay, but the Chiefs need to make serious efforts in improving their WR core. Mahomes can’t rely on himself “too much” and he especially can’t rely on his pass catchers in big moments. They also will have bigger expectations for Mecole Hardman moving forward.
Austin Reiter: Leave
Austin Reiter has played in two straight Super Bowls for the Chiefs, but he resembles a position group that needs to be heavily invested in. I don’t believe the Chiefs will bring back Reiter and he should likely seek a heftier contract elsewhere.
Anthony Sherman: Retired
According to NBC Sports, Sherman has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Kelechi Osmele: Leave
Osmele follows the pattern of talented players facing free agency that have serious injury issues. Yet, Osmele might have the worst injury background. Osmele has missed 24 games over the last two years.
Le’Veon Bell: Leave
It doesn’t seem likely that Bell will stay in Kansas City. Bell was more of a “win now” pickup at the midpoint of the season. He should get a larger deal for some team”¦ and it doesn’t seem likely that he will with the Chiefs boasting CEH and Damien Williams.
Mike Remmers: Leave
Mike Remmers will not be missed by a lot of Chiefs fans and that’s in most part to his Super Bowl performance (s). Remmer was controlled at easy by Justin Pierre Paul during the Super Bowl matchup. Expect the Chiefs to make a “splash” move at RT for Mahomes’s sake moving forward.
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