Chiefs Market Movers following free agency

Which players are trending up and which players are trending down following all of Kansas City’s moves in free agency?

The NFL offseason is fascinating as teams build on their identity or redefine themselves.

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off of back-to-back titles, and it appears they’ll be focused on improving their offense and maintaining their defensive identity. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic that they’ll execute on both sides of the equation now that free agency has mostly wrapped up and all eyes turn to the draft.

The Chiefs brought back most of their defensive line, including a huge contract for Chris Jones and a significant investment in Mike Danna. They are trusting the youth in the secondary to replace some important veterans, and depending on a key veteran to make up for the loss of Willie Gay, Jr. in the linebacker room.

On offense, the additions have been very strategic and cost-conscious as the Chiefs look for more weapons to surround Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. But, each addition adds athleticism and upside to replace or compete with some disappointing skill players.

Heading into the next phase of the offseason, it feels like we’re getting an idea of who is trending up (and down) for 2024 — and, of course, the upcoming NFL Draft could upend some of these Movers.

Bulls

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Defensive backs Chamarri Conner and Bryan Cook: Both L’Jarius Sneed and Mike Edwards are on other AFC teams now, leaving a great opportunity for two young defensive backs to step up into bigger roles. Chamarri Conner drew comparisons to Sneed in the pre and post-draft process, as a “chess piece” given his size (6 feet and 202 lbs. for Conner and 6 feet, 192 lbs. for Sneed), tackling ability and vertical jump (40.5 inches for Conner, 41 inches for Sneed).

Conner might be part of the solution to replace Sneed as a corner/safety hybrid and an enforcer in the secondary. He may not be following the opponent’s No. 1 receiver anytime soon, but watch how Conner grows into a huge contributor in 2024. Bryan Cook might be somewhat overlooked after missing the end of 2023 with an injury, but he should step right back into the starting free safety role and be a big-time playmaker and hitter in the back of the secondary along with Justin Reid. The Chiefs may be the NFL’s best team at drafting and developing defensive backs, and these two guys might be the next shining examples of the type of attitude, versatility and growth that allow the team to move on from those who price themselves out of town.

The Chiefs defensive line: Some might have been discouraged by the team choosing to “run it back” with basically the same front they had last season. Obviously, the most significant piece was signing Jones to a long-term deal. But they also gave a multi-year deal to Danna and brought back Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnadi, Turk Wharton and Malik Herring. Why wouldn’t the Chiefs want to keep the band together? They were second in the league (again) in sacks and improved against the run. They kept the coaching staff together — even defensive line coach Joe Cullen, who had opportunities elsewhere. So, the idea is that this group will at least be as good as the one that helped win the Super Bowl last season.

What should make us bullish on this position is the additional upside still remaining. George Karlaftis is already exceeding expectations, logging his first double-digit sack season in 2023. But there are two draft picks from the 2023 class that essentially took “red-shirt” seasons with an eye toward 2024 and beyond. If Felix Anudike-Uzomah and BJ Thompson get opportunities to get after quarterbacks and start to carve out roles for themselves in their second season, watch out. Each has the raw ability to rush the passer, and the Chiefs have secured a deep enough rotation that they won’t have to play all three downs. They could always add more to this group before the offseason is over, but they’re deep enough to line up today and be more than solid.

Wide receiver Marquise Hollywood Brown: It all makes sense. The Chiefs needed an upgrade at receiver, someone who could stretch the field and be a playmaker. Brown needed to bet on himself while he’s still young enough to cash in next year. Since signing a very reasonable one-year contract with the Chiefs, Brown has said and done all the right things — including already working with Patrick Mahomes and sending video clips into the social media world for us to get excited. It’s a great fit for both parties, he’s the ideal complement to Rashee Rice and there won’t be any lack of motivation. This could be a really fun season with Brown in Kansas City. The Chiefs should still invest in wide receiver on draft weekend, but it’s clear that they’ve raised the floor and the ceiling of the room already with Brown.

Others trending in the right direction so far this offseason: Trent McDuffie, Isiah Pacheco, Wayna Morris, Nazeeh Johnson, Drue Tranquill, Mike Danna, Mike Caliendo

Bears

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Wide receiver Rashee Rice: We’re not getting into the details of the incident, but the fact is that Rashee Rice was part of a serious accident and is now facing legal consequences. That doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll be suspended, but it’s possible. It’s an unfortunate decision for a very promising player who should still be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. If he’s set to miss time, the team could be extra motivated to add competition at the position. That could cost Rice part of his season and hurt him in his next contract negotiation.

Wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Richie James: The Super Bowl hero and the veteran addition from last season are both still looking for jobs. It seems like the addition of Brown took away some of the need to bring either back to Kansas City. If all goes well, the Chiefs are likely to add to the wide receiver room early in the draft, and they’ll roll with Rice (when he is available). Brown, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and (maybe) Kadarius Toney, plus a draft pick or two. It isn’t easy to see a spot for Hardman and James.

Others trending in the wrong direction so far this offseason: Justyn Ross, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Joe Thuney, Isaiah Buggs, Matt Dickerson, Lucas Niang

Value (sleeper) picks: Felix Anudike-Uzomah

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The pressure is off, but the opportunity is growing for last year’s first-round pick. He wasn’t called upon much in 2023. Still, in minimal snaps, there were a couple of glimpses of the skill set that can lead to an eventual starting role. He was a very young prospect, so we should always have been patient.

By giving him a “red-shirt” season, including an appearance in the Super Bowl, he has gained valuable experience and coaching that should pay dividends in 2024 and beyond. The Chiefs’ decision to “run it back” with the rest of the defensive line room means that Anudike-Uzomah won’t be forced into the starting job. Danna should be listed ahead of him on the depth chart. But Anudike-Uzomah can force his way onto the field by showing his development this offseason. He might be one of the most interesting players to watch in organized team activities (OTAs), minicamps and in St. Joseph.

Other potential sleepers this offseason: Matt Arazia, Louis Rees-Zammit, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Irv Smith, Jr., Kelvin Joseph