The NFL offseason is in full swing and the Kansas City Chiefs, led by general manager Brett Veach, are entrenched in a defensive re-build that aims to field a younger and more cost-effective squad for new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Before getting started on the updated plan, let’s recap how last month’s plan fared in regards to the actual moves made by Brett Veach.
In part one of this series, the details were slightly off the mark in terms of who was signed and trade compensation, but the direction and vision were surprisingly accurate.
Steps one through four predicted the parting of ways with pass rushers Dee Ford and Justin Houston, safety Eric Berry, and the additions of defensive end Trey Flowers and safety Landon Collins. While the Chiefs did end up parting ways with their three Pro Bowlers as predicted, they signed neither Flowers nor Collins, instead adding Tyrann Mathieu and Alex Okafor to fill those roles.
In regards step five, the Chiefs did, in fact, part ways with Eric Murray by trading him to the Cleveland Browns for defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, but Daniel Sorensen remains under contract for now. Step six was also correct as it was announced earlier this week that Harrison Butker and Jordan Lucas were re-signed, but nothing yet of note on Jeff Allen.
In steps seven and eight, the “verdict” was to sign cornerback Bradley Roby and running back Javorious Allen, but instead, the Chiefs signed Bashaud Breeland and Carlos Hyde to fill though respective roles.
Step 10 is still in the works as the Chiefs are in active contract negotiations with Chris Jones and Tyreek Hill, assuming he is cleared legally. There were a couple other under the radar moves made as well that were not a part of the previous article, such as the predicted signings of ERFA defensive tackle Justin Hamilton and linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu.
Now that everything is refreshed, let us take a look at the plan from now until the start of the season.
Step 1: Trade for Frank Clark
The Seahawks’ Frank Clark is a talented edge rusher with a checkered past. Some think it is not the time to be trading for players with baggage, but each player needs to be analyzed and fully vetted on an individual basis. Clark, who is just 25 years old, would need to be extended as he is under the franchise tag in Seattle, but that should not be an issue. He would become the immediate starter in a defensive end role and could fill out a defensive line that appeared to be in dire need of talent just a month ago. Not only would this add a much-needed spark to the pass rush, but it would also allow flexibility in the draft.
Verdict: The Chiefs trade a 2019 2nd-round pick and a 2020 5th-round pick to the Seahawks for Frank Clark and agree to terms on a five-year, $96.25 million contract with $53 million guaranteed.
Step 2: Sign Tre Boston
Tre Boston is a talented safety that could come in and push Armani Watts and Jordan Lucas for the starting job. Both Lucas and Watts have shown flashes of being capable starters, but depth at safety is a minor need after trading away Eric Murray, and it never hurts to add quality competition to a group that is young and relatively inexperienced. Boston would be a low risk-high reward acquisition that would also give further flexibility in the draft.
Verdict: The Chiefs sign Tre Boston to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with $1.8 million guaranteed.
Step 3: Execute the Perfect Draft
With the draft right around the corner, the Chiefs interests are coming into focus and it is becoming easier by the day to hone in on their draft strategy.
Round 1, Pick 29) CB Byron Murphy – Washington
Round 2, Pick 31) WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside – Stanford
Round 3, Pick 28) TE Jace Sternberger – Texas A&M
Round 5, Pick 29) IOL Nate Davis – Charlotte
Round 6, Pick 28) RB Darwin Thompson – Utah State
Round 6, Pick 41) LB Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame
Round 7, Pick 2) IDL Byron Cowart – Maryland
Step 4: Extend Chris Jones and Tyreek Hill
As stated in the first “If I Were Brett Veach” article, “Last, and possibly most importantly, after working on these contracts all offseason long, the Chiefs and two of their most talented players reach agreements on contract extensions that will begin in 2020. This should not come as a surprise, as rumors have been swirling that the Chiefs are working to extend Hill and jones, and rightfully so. Back up the Brinks truck folks, because these folks are about to get paid the big bucks. The cap implications, if any, for 2019 would be unknown until the contracts are finalized.”
Verdict: The Chiefs sign Chris Jones to a six-year, $114.6 million extension with $71 million guaranteed, and sign Tyreek Hill to a five-year, $86.5 million extension with $54 million guaranteed.
