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Kansas City Chiefs team needs see changes one week into free agency

The KC Chiefs have different needs now after a week of free agency than they did before free agency started.

Jamie Squire

The Kansas City Chiefs first few days of free agency have seem them lose a few players and sign a few players. The focus has been on the players they lost, who combined to sign for more than $100 million in (non-guaranteed) contracts.

Here's a recap of the Chiefs free agency so far:

Players lost: LT Branden Albert, G Geoff Schwartz, G Jon Asamoah, WR Dexter McCluster, DE Tyson Jackson, DB Quintin Demps

Players signed: DT Vance Walker, LB Joe Mays, OL Jeff Linkenbach, LB Frank Zombo, DB Husain Abdullah

With new players signed, it's to re-organize the KC Chiefs needs. Prior to free agency, we would have put defensive end and inside linebacker on their list of needs. At this point, however, it appears they have filled those needs, at least the potential starting roles, with Vance Walker and Joe Mays.

Let's take a look at the rest of the needs. Toss anymore you got in the comments.

Offensive guard

The Chiefs lost two starting-caliber guards in Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah. The Chiefs also signed former Colts lineman Jeff Linkenbach, who has experience at guard. The Chiefs reserve interior linemen are currently Rishaw Johnson, Rok Watkins and Eric Kush. They have not been connected to any of the top tier guards.

Safety

The Chiefs lost Kendrick Lewis and Quintin Demps in free agency. Demps signed with the Giants while Lewis remains a free agent. The Chiefs re-signed Husain Abdullah to a 2-year deal. They were rumored to have shown interest in free agent S Antoine Bethea, who later signed with the 49ers. We wondered if they would show interest in former Eagles S Nate Allen but he recently re-upped in Philly. As far as I know, the Chiefs haven't been connected to any other free agent safeties that would be potential starters.

Wide receiver

The Chiefs lost Dexter McCluster in free agency. Weston Dressler is signed so he's a potential replacement for McCluster. Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery remain the top two options. The team has said this offseason that they're excited about AJ Jenkins. Junior Hemingway is another option who remains on the team. The Chiefs have been rumored to like former Eagle Jason Avant, but nothing else is known on that for now. The Chiefs were on the verge of signing Emmanuel Sanders so it's clear to me that they feel this is a position group that could be upgraded. The Chiefs have also been linked to Devin Hester but I'm not sure he's a receiver option at this point.

Offensive tackle

The Chiefs signed Jeff Linkenbach from the Colts. He has experience at guard and tackle. Branden Albert left via free agency and will be replaced by Eric Fisher and Donald Stephenson, who are expected to be the Chiefs starters. They could still use a swing tackle in this position. The Chiefs visited with free agent OT J'Marcus Webb last week. Last year, Stephenson started seven games at both tackle spots so having a third tackle can be very important.

Other needs

  • Tight end
  • Cornerback depth
  • Safety depth

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