Arrowheadlines: Darwin Thompson knows he has “work to do”

Chiefs headlines for Monday, August 9

The latest

Darwin Thompson knows that he has “work to do” | Fox 4 KC

Comparing, contrasting the Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen deals | Pro Football Talk

For year seven, Mahomes gets $41.95 million ($225.375 million cumulative). Allen gets $40 million ($243 million cumulative).

For year eight, Mahomes gets $59.95 million ($285.325 million cumulative). Allen gets $41.55 million ($284.55 million cumulative).

After that, Allen’s contract ends. Mahomes has four years left, at another $192.3 million.

The early cash flow for Allen is vastly superior to the Mahomes contract. Mahomes eventually catches up. Through eight years, Mahomes will make $285.325 million ($35.6 million per year), and Allen will make $284.55 million ($35.57 million).

Ranking all 32 NFL teams by their under-25 talent: Which teams have the most and least blue-chip players? | ESPN

29. Kansas City Chiefs

2020 ranking: 11

Blue-chip players: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Notable graduated players: QB Patrick Mahomes, FS Juan Thornhill, DT Derrick Nnadi

The Kansas City offensive line could start two younger players this season, depending on how camp battles work out. Second-round center Creed Humphrey is 22 years old, while possible right tackle Lucas Niang — a 2020 third-round pick who opted out of his rookie season — is 23.

Willie Gay is expected to step into a larger linebacker role at age 23, but he’ll need to clean up his tackling; his 22% missed tackle rate last season was 92nd out of 112 qualifying linebackers (min. 20 solo tackles). His pass coverage was strong in a limited sample. Also strong in pass coverage in a limited sample was 24-year-old cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who allowed just 5.1 yards per pass target in the nine games he played in 2020.

And there’s even more young talent on the defense if the Chiefs can get something out of former Giants first-round pick DeAndre Baker. Baker, a 23-year-old cornerback, was cut by the Giants because of off-field issues and picked up late in the season by Kansas City, so he played only two games last year.

Projecting 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class: Andre Johnson headlines early look at next year | CBS Sports

Potential coach nominee (1)

Dick Vermeil (Eagles, 1976-83; Rams, 1996-99; Chiefs, 2001-05)

After leading UCLA to a Rose Bowl victory over Woody Hayes’ Buckeyes, Vermeil took over a struggling Eagles franchise in 1976 and turned them into a playoff team in 1978. Two years later, Vermeil guided the Eagles to their first-ever NFC title.

After a 14-year break, Vermeil returned to the sidelines in 1997, taking over a Rams team that was among the worst in football during the decade. After two losing seasons, Vermeil and the Rams went on a magic carpet ride in 1999, as the Rams transformed into the “Greatest Show on Turf” behind quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk and receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. The ‘99 Rams won 13 regular season games before defeating the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV, evening Vermiel’s Super Bowl record in the process.

Katie Sowers emphatically tweets that Chiefs HC Andy Reid is ‘the best to ever do it’ | Chiefs Wire

Former San Francisco 49ers assistant Katie Sowers is among the coaches in attendance at training camp via the fellowship. Sowers began her NFL career as a coaching intern with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. When the 49ers faced the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, Sowers was on San Francisco’s staff and became the first woman to coach in a Super Bowl.

After just a few weeks of learning under Chiefs HC Andy Reid, Sowers has some strong opinions about Reid and his reputation.

“Learning from the best to ever do it,” Sowers wrote on Twitter, sharing a photo of the two together, adding a goat emoji.

She wasn’t just saying that either, she meant it very literally.

How a James Washington trade could work for KC Chiefs | Arrowhead Addict

Any interest on the Chiefs part will likely stem from how they viewed him on their 2018 draft boards, which was back when Brett Veach was first settling into the job. If so, the Chiefs do have a position of strength to deal from along with potential draft assets to consider for a deal like Washington.

One scenario could simply match the recent trade of Anthony Miller to the Houston Texans for a 5th round pick (and a returning 7th round selection). Basically a day three pick swap could be enough to get the job done, unless the Steelers are bullish when trading with a fellow AFC contender.

Chiefs: 3 reasons Patrick Mahomes is set up to beat Josh Allen long-term | FanSided

1. Patrick Mahomes has an offensive-minded head coach and Josh Allen does not

This is the single biggest advantage Mahomes has over Allen long-term. As long as Andy Reid remains the Chiefs head coach, Mahomes will have a distinct advantage over Allen. This is because Mahomes has an offensive-minded head coach and Allen does not. Though Sean McDermott has been amazing for Buffalo, what happens once Brian Daboll leaves Orchard Park in a year or two?

Under Daboll, the former Wyoming Cowboy has been transformed from a bucking bronco into a noble steed. Allen could have busted catastrophically if he went to the wrong team and the wrong coaching staff. Fortunately for him and all involved, that did not happen. However, we all have to understand that Daboll will be an NFL head coach in 2022 because he should already be one now.

Fantasy Football 2021: Ranking the Top 5 QB-WR Stacks | Bleacher Report

3. QB Patrick Mahomes and WR Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs

Managers may have concerns about Hill’s catch volume. He hasn’t recorded more than 87 receptions in a single season, which tied for 15th among wideouts in 2020. He must continue to make the most of his opportunities, especially with three-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce heavily involved in the aerial attack. Also note, Mecole Hardman could see an uptick in production with an expanded role.

Hill’s speed and penchant for big plays over the top should alleviate your worries about his number of receptions. He can bolster your fantasy score in the blink of an eye. Remember, the blazing deep threat posted 13 catches for 269 yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season.

Fantasy Football 2021: Mobile Cheatsheet, Mock-Draft Strategy for Top Positions | Bleacher Report

Don’t overdraft a quarterback. This is a sound tip for all season-long formats, though it applies less to dynasty drafts, where top-tier signal-callers don’t often make their way back to the draft pool.

Kansas City Chiefs signal-caller Patrick Mahomes remains the top quarterback to target and arguably the only one worth reaching for in the first couple of rounds—though Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills is quickly approaching top-20 territory.

Around the NFL

Dolphins agree to restructure CB Xavien Howard’s contract | NFL.com

As part of Howard’s new contract, the CB had $1 million in Pro Bowl incentives and $2.5 million in additional incentives added to his 2021 year, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. With all minicamp fines rescinded, Howard can make upwards of $16,285,294 in 2021, which would make him the league’s highest-paid CB this upcoming season.

In addition, Howard gets $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses and $100,000 in workout bonuses moved to base salary and guaranteed money in 2022. His $12.975 million salary in 2022 is guaranteed for injury and will be fully guaranteed by the first day of league year, Rapoport added; $6.775 million of the CB’s 2022 salary is fully guaranteed at signing.

Green Bay Packers WR Devin Funchess apologizes for anti-Asian remark | ESPN

Green Bay Packers receiver Devin Funchess apologized early Sunday morning after he used an anti-Asian slur and gesture during a news conference Saturday night.

“I want to apologize for the disparaging remark I used tonight,” Funchess tweeted. “It was not ok. I have grown to develop deep personal and business relationships in the Asian community! I meant no harm, and those that know me, know I have love and respect for all cultures and people. I will learn from this and will continue to grow as a person. I’m forever sorry!”

Colts, All-Pro LB Darius Leonard agree to terms on five-year, $99.25M extension | NFL.com

Leonard and the Colts have agreed to a five-year, $99.25 million extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. The team announced the signing later Sunday.

The new deal makes Leonard the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL, includes $52.5 million in guaranteed money and is scheduled to pay Leonard $20 million per year over the first three years, Rapoport added.

Leonard has been named an All-Pro in each of his three seasons, including two first-team selections in 2018 and 2020. The former second-round pick has been an instant and consistent producer, averaging 9.9 tackles per game in his three-year career while leading the league in tackles in 2018 and twice finishing in the top eight in the NFL in the category.

Hall of Fame Enshrinement: Recapping speeches, best moments from class of 2021 ceremony | NFL.com

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning’s full Hall of Fame speech

“My good friend Tom Brady is here tonight. By the time Tom Brady is inducted, in his first year of eligibility in the year 2035, he’ll only have time to post his acceptance speech on his Instagram account”

“In my youth in New Orleans and in Newman School, football carved out a place for my favorite quarterback, my hero, my role model, my dad, Archie Manning to pass on something he loved to me. Dad, there’s no one I would rather have or would be appropriate than you to welcome me to this stage. My dad enabled me to play ball with my brothers, Cooper and Eli — the two best brothers a guy could ask for. And it gave my mom plenty of reasons to both beef me up and patch me up. You talk about lucking out with the most loving mother who could also break down a Cover 2 defense as well as any NFL quarterback.”

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Around the AFC West: Departures shake Raiders

Position battle to watch

All arrows point to Jerry Jeudy becoming the Broncos’ most impressive wide receiver this season. But you cannot count out Courtland Sutton — the team’s true X receiver — who could split time with Jeudy. Thanks to his size — and how reliable he was when Sutton was out last season — Tim Patrick cannot be ignored, either.

With Jeudy, Sutton or Patrick at No. 1, K.J. Hamler is likely to be the second option for Lock or Bridgewater. Everything still depends on who will be throwing the ball.

A tweet to make you think

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