The New Favre in KC

It's not often that a division winning team decides to take their MVP candidate quarterback and trade him in the offseason.  After a 6-2 start to the 2017 season in which quarterback Alex Smith was playing as well as any quarterback in the league, that's exactly what the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to do.

After five seasons as the starter, Alex Smith is being traded to the Washington Redskins where his career as a starter will continue.  In steps Patrick Mahomes II, who the team traded up to get in the 2017 NFL Draft.  Head coach Andy Reid now has the current day version of Brett Favre to coach and lead his team.

Mahomes II is a talented young passer who can make every throw on an NFL field.  But Mahomes II is also the ultimate gunslinger who isn't hesitant to make even the most riskiest throws.  In his one start in 2017, Mahomes II completed 22 of 35 passes for 284 yards.  Even in that one start, Mahomes II made throws that signaled that the future was near for this new look Chiefs offense.

While the Chiefs featured a top five offense last season, it's the team's traditionally strong defense that is the most need of repair.  While the Chiefs have been a top 10 defense in terms of points allowed in recent seasons, the Chiefs fell to 15th overall in that statistic last season.  Kansas City would end up with the 28th ranked overall defense in terms of yards allowed last season.  Getting that group back to their typical level of excellence is an offseason priority.

2018 will be a new day for the Chiefs franchise.  How their young quarterback performs and the improvement of the defense will ultimately decide if Kansas City can repeat as AFC West division champions.

Offensive Ranking: 5th

Defensive Ranking: 28th

Key Free Agents:  

Bennie Logan - DT - The run-stuffing defensive tackled signed a one year deal last offseason but will command a bigger deal this offseason.  Teams seeking a stronger run defense will be in the market for Logan.

Albert Wilson - WR - A solid receiving option who record 554 yards receiving and three touchdowns.  Should command a middle tier free agent deal.

De'Anthony Thomas - WR - The kickoff and punt returner serves as a fourth wide receiver at this point in his career.

Kevin Pierre-Louis - LB - Recorded 41 tackles last season as a quality backup linebacker.  A pot possession arrest will hurt his market value in free agency.

Dustin Colquitt - P - Formally the highest paid punter in the NFL.  At 35 years old, still playing at a high level.

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

Tamba Ali - LB - Ali was kept on a pitch count last season but was unable to stay healthy.  His level of production no longer justifies his $9.3M cap hit.  Cap savings: $8M

Derrick Johnson - LB - The Chiefs all-time leading tackler will turn 36 years old in 2018.  His cap number of $10.2M is another that must be addressed in order for the Chiefs to increase their overall cap space.  Cap savings: $8M