The 2023 NFL season ended with the Kansas City Chiefs winning Super Bowl LVIII, making it back-to-back seasons with them winning the big game. However, they want to win three.
A part of securing a three-peat is making sure your team is up to par once again. First up is free agency, starting on March 13. Let’s walk through some predictions that allow the Chiefs to bolster their roster.
Chiefs Free Agency Predictions: Wide Receiver Targets
In 2023, the Chiefs found plenty of success, but the team’s biggest issue was notably at wide receiver. After seeing success from Tyreek Hill, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and others in years past, Patrick Mahomes didn’t get that reliable prediction this go-around.
Travis Kelce was still the Chiefs’ biggest threat from the tight end spot, but he slowed down (by his standards). Besides Kelce, Rashee Rice was the Chiefs’ best receiving option as he developed over his rookie season. Additionally, the team recently cut Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Make a Shocking Trade for Tee Higgins
This is a move that would immediately break the internet. The Cincinnati Bengals have already informed Higgins that he will be franchise-tagged and won’t hit the open market. However, just because he’s getting tagged, doesn’t mean he will play for the Bengals in 2024.
If the Chiefs want to go out and get a game-changing receiver to play the X, Higgins is that guy. At just 25 years old, Higgins has caught 257 passes for 3,684 yards and 24 touchdowns. He will make $21.8 million guaranteed on his franchise tag and would force the Chiefs to make tough decisions regarding the salary cap.
Higgins would allow the Chiefs to have Kelce control the middle and Rice face lesser CBs. Also, he simply gives the Chiefs their best receiver since Hill and someone Patrick Mahomes can rely on in jump-ball situations.
Sign Calvin Ridley From the Jaguars on a Two-Year Deal
If the Chiefs don’t make a blockbuster move in trading for Higgins, they can still acquire a game-changer that will likely hit the open market.
The Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t expected to franchise tag Ridley, and, while they could still re-sign him, he’s probably going to hit the open market.
Ridley would offer the Chiefs a downfield threat as a route runner opposite Rice, who is one of the best in the game after the catch. In his first season back after a two-year hiatus due to suspension and sitting out on his own, Ridley had 76 receptions for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns.
For his career, Ridley has 324 receptions for 4,358 yards and 36 touchdowns. His best season came in 2020 when he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine scores. According to Spotrac, Ridley is projected to make $17 million per year at 29 years old.
Take a Shot on Darnell Mooney
Finally, if they can’t steal a game-changer, the Chiefs can still find someone to make an impact. Mooney is just 26 years old and has been a solid player during his time in Chicago. He had a breakout year in 2021 but has been a let-down compared to expectations in both 2022 and 2023.
Mooney has caught 213 passes for 2,593 yards and 11 touchdowns over his four seasons with the Bears. His 2021 season saw him catch 81 passes for 1,055 yards and four scores. However, he has just 71 receptions for 907 yards and three touchdowns over the last two years, combined.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Free Agent Rankings — Top 100 Players
For the Chiefs, he would likely compete for a starting spot and replace the reps that were lost with the decision to cut Valdes-Scantling.
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