Chiefs offseason lookahead: Will NFL free agency, draft boost Super Bowl repeat bid?
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Super Bowl LVII reaction and NFL offseason outlook
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GLENDALE, Ariz. – After winning their second Super Bowl (in three attempts) over the past four seasons Sunday night, the narrative surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs naturally turns to their viability as the NFL’s next dynasty.
“You can call it a dynasty – you can call it whatever you want. All I know is we’re coming back next year,” All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce proclaimed after his team’s come-from-behind win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57.
“We’re trying to get another one, I can tell you that right now.”
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Noted, Travis. Also, not much to indicate the Chiefs are headed for a dynastic derailment when assessing their outlook for 2023:
Quarterback situation
How much is left to say about two-time league and two-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes? He’s got a full offseason to heal from his now-lingering high ankle sprain before he begins preparing to face what was inevitably going to be the toughest opponent of his career: historical expectations. Even after six seasons (five as a starter), Mahomes already seems cemented as a Hall of Fame lock. But AFC West dominance, playoff wins and even hosting conference title games will no longer count as sufficient levels of success. For Mahomes (and maybe more specifically those assessing his legacy), who has nine years remaining on his current contract, it now shifts into chasing Tom Brady’s rings and records – the former the real challenge, the latter seemingly attainable at his record statistical pace given how the modern NFL is played. Regardless, the Chiefs are set under center – very likely for another decade-plus.
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Coaching situation
Andy Reid, who will be 65 next month, doesn’t seem to have retirement on his mind, saying Sunday, “If they’ll have me, I’ll stick around.” His 22 postseason wins trail only Bill Belichick (31) in NFL history. The only man to win 100+ games with two different franchises, Reid tied Hank Stram on Sunday with 129 overall victories in Kansas City but needs eight more to also become the franchise’s all-time regular-season leader. However Reid may have to sustain the Chiefs’ success without offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who, according to reports, is considering a lateral move to another team (maybe Washington) in a potential bid to burnish his credentials as a head coaching candidate.
Roster
Obviously, a pretty strong group – particularly with foundational players like Mahomes, Kelce, All-Pro DT Chris Jones and C Creed Humphrey. Could the Chiefs use an upgrade at right tackle, defensive line depth and maybe a game-breaking wide receiver? Sure. But midseason acquisition Kadarius Toney, who helped turn Super Bowl 57 in Kansas City’s favor, might just emerge as the guy who ultimately replaces WR Tyreek Hill, who was traded last year. And the Hill deal is the reason the 2022 draft class contains potential future stars like CB Trent McDuffie, DE George Karlaftis, WR Skyy Moore, CB Jaylen Watson, RB Isiah Pacheco and others. With Chad Henne retiring, backup quarterback options must be assessed.
Free agents
LT Orlando Brown Jr., Mahomes’ blind side bodyguard, is the main one. He played 2022 on the franchise tag but did indicate Sunday night he plans to return to K.C. in 2023. WR Mecole Hardman, RB Jerick McKinnon, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, S Juan Thornhill and RT Andrew Wylie all have expiring contracts as well. Each is probably eminently replaceable, though McKinnon emerged as quite a weapon (9 receiving TDs in regular season) and Thornhill is a reliable starter who’s only 27.
Salary Cap
Per OverTheCap, the Chiefs are projected to hit free agency with about $7 million in reserve. Mahomes, Kelce and G Joe Thuney could be candidates for restructures that create extra space, especially as it pertains to retaining Brown.
2023 draft
As champions, the Chiefs will be picking at the back of each round, including 31st and 63rd overall. They lost a third-rounder in the deal for Toney, but that already looks like a potential heist.
Outlook
As with any NFL team, there’s work to be done in the offseason. But with Mahomes, Reid and underrated GM Brett Veach at the controls, little reason to think an eighth consecutive AFC West crown isn’t in the offing this year – with a perfectly reasonably chance this juggernaut won’t continue to be in the Super Bowl mix.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs offseason lookahead: Will NFL free agency, draft boost Super Bowl repeat bid?