Chiefs: B
Key Additions: RB Kenneth Walker, QB Justin Fields (trade), TE Travis Kelce (re-signed), DT Khyiris Tonga, CB Kader Kohou, S Alohi Gilman, WR Tyquan Thornton (re-signed)
Key Losses: T Jawaan Taylor, RB Isiah Pacheco, WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, CB Jaylen Watson, CB Trent McDuffie (trade), S Bryan Cook, LB Leo Chenal
The Chiefs signed Walker to solve their RB problems with a true workhorse power back coming off a Super Bowl MVP. With the injury for Mahomes, Fields provides good insurance and should be able to learn under HC Andy Reid. Kelce was brought back for another season showing the team is not out of the mix. Tonga is coming off a good season as a run stopper for the Patriots and should open things for Chris Jones. Gilman will help replace Cook but is considered a downgrade. Kohou provides depth at CB with his physical play, but the team will need to add help with McDuffie and Watson leaving. Keeping Thornton is a cheaper option with Brown leaving.
Broncos: C+
Key Additions: RB J.K. Dobbins (re-signed), WR Jaylen Waddle (trade), LB Alex Singleton (re-signed), Edge/LB Justin Strnad (re-signed)
Key Losses: Edge DE John Franklin-Myers, LB Dre Greenlaw
The Broncos finally brought in a WR to help in Waddle who should be a better deep option for QB Bo Nix and give them a 1B across from Courtland Sutton. I thought the team needed to upgrade from Dobbins with the injury risks, but he did help them get wins last season with his tough running. Singleton and Strnad keep the LB core intact with two high motor starters. Franklin-Myers rejoined former coach Robert Saleh and will be missed. Greenlaw battled injuries and was allowed to walk.
Raiders: B+
Key Additions: C Tyker Linderbaum, WR Jalen Nailor, Edge/DE Kwity Paye, LB Quay Walker, LB Nakobe Dean, CB Taron Johnson (trade), CB Eric Stokes (re-signed), Edge Malcolm Koonce (re-signed)
Key Losses: G Dylan Parham, G Alex Kappa
The Raiders were able to keep DE/Edge Maxx Crosby after the botched Ravens trade, but still made moves that help around him. Linderbaum was a big move despite the overpay as a player to lead the line for #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Nailor is a young slot WR with potential and the ability to slide outside so he will be given a lot of opportunities here. Dean and Walker played together at Georgia, and both should be happy to bring their best play together. Paye is an active edge rusher who can also play against the run. Johnson and Stokes give good secondary depth and experience. Koonce gives pass rush depth, although they didn’t expect Crosby to be back so he’s extra.
Chargers: C
Key Additions: Edge Khalil Mack (re-signed), TE Charlie Kolar, G Cole Strange, C Tyler Biadasz, T Trevor Penning (re-signed), T Trey Pipkins (re-signed), DT Dalvin Tomlinson
Key Losses: G Zion Johnson, G Mekhi Becton, C Bradley Bozeman, DT Da’Shawn Hand, T/G Jamaree Salyer, Edge Odafe Oweh, WR Kennan Allen, TE Will Dissly, TE Tyler Conklin
The Chargers re-signed longtime pass rusher Mack who is still effective off the edge. Kolar was an expensive pay for a backup TE, but he does have potential after being buried with the Ravens. Biadasz is an above average starter to cover for the retirement of Bozeman. Strange helps change the interior line in need reuniting with OC Mike McDaniels. Penning and Pipkins provide good depth and give versatility with both possibly playing bigger roles with the losses. Tomlinson is a good run stopping veteran who replaces Hand. The edge rush from Oweh will be missed, but the system is changing.
