The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl 58, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime. But, even the two-time defending champs could use some upgrades during the offseason.
Getting a record-setting long-term deal done with star defensive tackle Chris Jones was certainly a good start. But, they still have to figure out what to do with cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed.
On the offensive side of the ball, the needs of the team are clear. They could use some depth on the interior of their offensive line as Nick Allegretti departed in free agency, signing with the Washington Commanders on a three-year deal.
NFL News & Rumors: Irv Smith Jr., 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
Allegretti was one of the heroes of Super Bowl 58, stepping into the lineup for an injured Joe Thuney. He played through immense pain himself, as he tore his UCL but stayed in the game and helped the team win.
Arguably the biggest need, however, is upgrading the weapons around quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs need some help at wide receiver, where they released veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
While it wasn’t a wide receiver Kansas City signed, they did add some pass-catching help. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the team has reached a one-year agreement with tight end Irv Smith Jr.
Smith played last season with the Cincinnati Bengals after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Injuries have been a real nuisance for him, as he missed the entire 2021 campaign.
NFL News & Rumors: Irv Smith Jr., 2024 NFL Free Agency, Kansas City Chiefs Updates
Last season with the Bengals, Smith caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He was surpassed on the depth chart by Tanner Hudson and Drew Sample, which led to Cincinnati opting to move on.
If Smith is going to get his career on track and break out, Kansas City is a great place to do it. He will learn from one of the best tight ends in NFL history in Travis Kelce and head coach Andy Reid is not shy about using multiple tight end sets. If he can stay healthy, Smith has a chance to break out as he will be only 26 years old when the season kicks off.
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