Kansas City Chiefs: DeSean Jackson Could Reunite With Andy Reid

Do The Chiefs Need DeSean Jackson?

This is probably where things will get the most contentious with Kansas City Chiefs fans. Does the team need to bring in DeSean Jackson? There are many who would say “no”. Those fans are happy with the progress they have seen from Chris Conley and Tyreek Hill. I can’t say that I’m quite as sold there.

Yes, Tyreek Hill was a phenomenal playmaker last year. However, his value to the offense comes from the fact that he can be lined up in a variety of positions. So in reality, the addition of DeSean Jackson would actually have very little effect on that. Hill would likely see the same kind of work that he got last year, while continuing to develop as a receiver.

It’s Chris Conley who would have to be worried here. DeSean Jackson coming to Kansas City would be a direct repudiation of the job Conley did this past year. Unfortunately for Conley, he didn’t make a strong argument for himself this past season. The Chiefs second year wide receiver posted just 530 yards and no touchdowns in 2016. Regardless of what metric you are using, that is not good.

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When reviewing the tape on Chris Conley, I do have a lot of concerns. There were quite a few dropped passes and he struggled to create separation regularly. Conley often became an afterthought in the Chiefs offense. This was part of the reason why Tyreek Hill ended up playing a larger role in the passing game. In many ways, we saw Hill doing the job Conley was supposed to do.

So yes, I do see a need for DeSean Jackson in the Chiefs offense, even if it is a temporary role.