After a magical two-year race, the Chiefs’ 2020 season ended with an emphatic thud in the Super Bowl LV. With Patrick Mahomes making his best impression of Fran Tarkenton, the Chiefs fought, but ended up falling incredibly short in their quest to successfully defend their title.
Kansas City’s 31-9 loss to the Buccaneers showed the areas the Chiefs need to strengthen this off-season. The Chiefs will not only seek to become the fourth team to play three consecutive Super Bowls, but will also compete for the sixth consecutive AFC western division title in 2021. But, unlike in recent years, the Chiefs will face a much more challenging division. The Raiders started 6-3 last season, before a faint at the end of the season to keep them out of the playoffs. Offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert and the Chargers ended 2020 with four consecutive wins. Denver will try to recover after another difficult season in which Von Miller failed all year due to an injury.
The off-season of 2021 will be important for each AFC West team. And with the free agency and the NFL draft coming, we decided to review the needs of each AFC West team while offering a preview of what they could do in the coming months.
[Note: Cap space figures provided by Spotrac, and will change once official salary cap is finalized for 2021.]
It needs: G, OT, CB, EDGE, WR, DT
The Chiefs may have to replace three holders in their offensive line this offseason. Kansas City may also have to refuel its receiving body if Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins go free. Possible defensive exits in this offseason include defensive tip Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Damien Wilson, free safety Daniel Sorensen and cornerback Bashaud Breeland.
The chiefs’ ceiling situation will force them to address most of these needs through the draft. While they are likely to address their offensive and defensive lines during the first rounds, Kansas City will certainly use some choices to deal with their secondary and receiving positions. One name to be monitored is receiver Tylan Wallace, who flourished in the Oklahoma state open offensive.
Current estimated limit space (51 main): – $ 18.1 million
Preliminary CBS projections: DT Daviyon Nixon (Ryan Wilson), OL Jackson Carman (Chris Trapasso), LB Nick Bolton (Josh Edwards)
Free agents to watch: G Tom Compton, CB William Jackson, DE Ronald Blair, WR Damiere Byrd
It needs: G, WR, CB, EDGE, DT
While Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards will be back, the Raiders may have to replace future free agents Nelson Agholor and Zay Jones. The Raiders are also planning to release Tyrell Williams early in the league’s new year. Given these losses, Raiders will no doubt select a receiver during the draft – the only question is when. This could be already in the first round, if the Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith is still available with the 17th overall choice.
Like the Chiefs, expect the Raiders to make most of their lineup changes through the draft. That said, general manager Mike Mayock will try to find some bargains at the free agency. Possible free agent options for Raiders include internal linebacker Josh Bynes, external linebacker John Simon and free security Tashaun Gipson.
The Raiders are reportedly interested in signing former Steelers recipient JuJu Smith-Schuster. Although it is not impossible, Raiders would have to make some significant cuts in the limit for this to happen. If they fail to land on Smith-Schuster, two more affordable options include Rashard Higgins and Isaiah McKenzie.
Current estimated limit space (51 main): – $ 9.7 million
Preliminary CBS projections: DL Jaelan Phillips (Ryan Wilson), LB Micah Parsons (Chris Trapasso), WR DeVonta Smith (Josh Edwards)
Free agents to watch: ILB Josh Bynes, OLB John Simon, FS Tashaun Gipson, OL Matt Feiler, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster.
It needs: C, G, WR, EDGE, CB, TE
Mike Pouncey’s retirement created a new need in the Chargers attack. In addition to finding a new center, Los Angeles may also be looking for a new left guard, as Dan Feeney is a free agent. Hunter Henry and Virgil Green are expected to become free agents. On the defensive side of the ball, forward Melvin Ingram, linebacker Nick Vigil and cornerback Michael Davis are also expected to test the open market next month.
Chargers have a considerable amount of coverage space, so they must be able to subscribe to at least some of their future free agents. In the draft, Los Angeles must use their first choice on the offensive line. Chargers must also select a pass rusher with one of their other main choices. If they are lucky, Pitt pass rusher Patrick Jones II will be there for the Chargers to win in the second round. An EDGE player in second place in the CBS Sports ranking, Jones scored 17.5 sacks, 24 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles during his last two seasons with the Panthers.
The receiver is another position to keep an eye on when it comes to chargers. With Mike Williams entering his final year under contract, Los Angeles would be wise to increase its reception team this offseason.
Current estimated limit space (51 main): $ 33.97 million
Preliminary CBS projections: OL Rashawn Slater (Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso), OL Christian Darrisaw (Josh Edwards)
Free agents to watch: LT Trent Williams, G / T Denzelle Good, C Alex Mack, OLB Haason Reddick, CB Shaquill Griffin, TE Gerald Everett, WR Will Fuller
It needs: CB, LB, EDGE, OT, QB
The Broncos enter the off-season of 2021 with the highest salary cap in the division. Denver will likely spend most of that money on the defensive side of the ball, specifically on the defensive, linebacker and cornerback side. The Broncos will also be in the market for a new right, as starters Demar Dotson and Elijah Wilkinson are ready to become free agents.
Denver’s two greatest free agents are defensive end Shelby Harris and free security guard Justin Simmons. If the Broncos retain both players, they will likely have to resort to recruiting to fulfill their other personal needs. And while Drew Lock appears to be the Broncos’ long-term quarterback, it would make sense for the Broncos to find a veteran quarterback who is capable of taking the field in the blink of an eye.
A more consistent quarterback game, along with linebacker and cornerback upgrades, should be enough to help the Broncos turn things around after a disappointing 2020 season. The Broncos has a formidable racing game, a deep reception team and several talented defensive players, led by future Hall of Fame linebacker Von Miler if Denver holds him back.
Current estimated limit space (51 main): $ 39.46 million
Preliminary CBS projections: CB Caleb Farley (Ryan Wilson), CB Patrick Surtain II (Chris Trapasso), LB Micah Parsons (Josh Edwards)
Free agents to watch: CB Richard Sherman, LB Avery Williamson, DE Derek Wolfe, OT Daryl Williams, QB Jacoby Brissett