The Kansas City Chiefs might have won the Super Bowl this season, but that doesn’t mean everything is peachy in Missouri. In fact, one could argue that Kansas City won in spite of their glaring weaknesses. There’s a reason why Mahomes played his first away playoff game this season, or why the Chiefs were underdogs in most of their games.

With the offseason coming up, it’s an opportunity for the Chiefs to reload and retool their roster. Of course, that likely means revamping some of their position groups to reload for next season. While all of the talk is around the big time free agents, there’s some under-the-radar players that the team can sign in the offseason.

Chiefs’ needs in 2024 free agency

What do the Chiefs need in the upcoming free agency period? Well, the first and foremost issue to be addressed is the wide receiver position. Kansas City’s wide receiver room was lackluster at best and downright horrendous at worst. Rashee Rice emerged as a possible threat, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s maddening inconsistency and Kadarius Toney existing made everything worse.

Another notable area that will need to be addressed is their defense. The Chiefs’ defense arguably carried the team to the Super Bowl, but they’re set to lose multiple players to free agency. Players such as Drue Tranquill, L’Jarius Sneed, Chris Jones, Willie Gay, and Mike Edwards are set to hit free agency.

Left tackle is yet another position that could be due for a change, with Donovan Smith potentially leaving the Chiefs. Considering the talent available in free agency, though, don’t expect the Chiefs to sign a free agent tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

Tyler Boyd, Bengals, WR 

If the Chiefs strategize effectively, they could target some of the premier wide receivers available in free agency. Players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Tee Higgins possess exceptional talent that could significantly enhance Mahomes’ chances of success. Additionally, options like Calvin Ridley or Gabe Davis could also be considered.

Yet, among these possibilities, Tyler Boyd stands out as a potential game-changer for the Chiefs. While he may not rank in the top tier of this year’s wide receiver class, Boyd is a reliable pass-catcher capable of functioning as either a WR2 or even a WR1 within the right offensive system. Depending on their assessment of Rice’s progression, the Chiefs could position Boyd as a primary target or as secondary support.

Furthermore, acquiring Boyd would not only strengthen the Chiefs’ roster but also diminish the arsenal of one of their rivals. By adding Boyd, the Chiefs would not only gain a player of his caliber but also potentially weaken a key weapon in Joe Burrow’s arsenal, further solidifying their position in the league.

Tyron Smith, Cowboys, LT

While it’s true that the Chiefs may not be prioritizing free agency for their left tackle needs, it would be unwise to overlook the opportunity to acquire one of the premier blindside tackles in the league. Tyron Smith’s contract is up for renewal, presenting the Chiefs with a chance to bolster their offensive line.

Last season, Donovan Smith’s performance for the Chiefs was disappointing, marked by numerous penalties and struggles under pressure in crucial moments. For a team renowned for protecting Mahomes, their inability to do so effectively was concerning. While Mahomes excels at evading pressure, neglecting the offensive line is not an option.

Admittedly, there are valid concerns surrounding Tyron Smith’s age and injury history. However, if he proves to be a good fit for Kansas City, they would gain one of the league’s top blindside blockers. Despite his injury setbacks, Smith’s achievements include being named second-team All-Pro and serving as the linchpin of the Cowboys’ formidable offensive line.

Chidobe Awuzie, Bengals, CB

Yet another Bengals player? This time, however, it’s a different story. While L’Jarius Sneed made significant contributions to the Chiefs this season, his future in Kansas City is uncertain. As he heads into NFL free agency, Sneed emerges as one of the top cornerbacks available, attracting attention from multiple teams eager to secure his services.

General Manager Brett Veach will undoubtedly make efforts to retain Sneed, recognizing him as one of the premier lockdown corners in the league. However, contingency plans must be in place in case negotiations don’t yield the desired outcome.

Chidobe Awuzie may not be the top choice among cornerback options. Following an injury in 2022, Awuzie struggled to regain his form with the Bengals last season. Nevertheless, prior to his setback, Awuzie showcased elite skills as a shutdown corner.

In this scenario, the Chiefs are banking on Awuzie’s potential resurgence following a challenging year due to injury. Even if Sneed decides to stay, adding depth to their roster remains a prudent strategy for the reigning Super Bowl champions.