Andy Reid’s Chiefs lost 3 Pro Bowlers on offense, defense and special teams and did little to fill the void.
After going 11-5 in 2013 with 10 Pro Bowl players, the Chiefs allowed three of them – LT Branden Albert, CB Brandon Flowers and KR Dexter McCluster – to leave in free agency. The plays the Chiefs took to replace them do not come close to filling the void they left behind.
Players added:
G Jeff Linkenbach, MLB Joe Mays, CB Chris Owens, DL Vance Walker
A look at each player:
Linkenbach is a former Colt with four years of experience along almost the entire offensive line. He is slated to start at RG for the Chiefs.
Mays started 13 games for the Texans in 2013, compiling over 50 tackles, 1.0 sack and a safety. He will be the new starting ILB on the Chiefs’ unit that already has 3 Pro Bowlers.
Owens has 14 starts in his 5 year career but has not recorded an INT since 2010.
Walker started 15 games in 2013 for the Raiders and recorded 3.0 sacks and 40 tackles. He will be the Chiefs starting DE.
Grade: F
Not just because the Chiefs made no efforts to sign replacements in the same stratosphere of playing level as the numerous Pro Bowlers and depth players they let go, but also for the lack of free agency moves in the midst of a literal arms race in the AFC West between the Chargers and Broncos for the title and the Raiders to become competitive again. The Chiefs took a huge step back in this free agency period.
COMMENTS