KC Chiefs: Five affordable free agents who could help in 2020
By Chris Clark
The KC Chiefs head into 2020 with a loaded roster. Any roster additions at this point would be luxury moves. Even so, there are a few affordable free agents on the market that could help their chances of returning to the Super Bowl.
It’s somewhat uncommon that a Super Bowl-winning team returns so many of their starters in hopes of pursuing another championship. It’s not surprising that a well-run organization like the Kansas City Chiefs were able to keep such a talented roster intact.
Fresh off their first Super Bowl win in 50 years, this team looks capable of stringing together a few championships in the years to come. This prospect alone makes Kansas City a destination for free agents who want to win the big one.
As the Chiefs head toward the 2020 season, they’ll have a very limited budget to try and improve their roster. Thankfully, they have an aggressive general manager who is fully capable of working some magic.
While it’ll be a little tougher this year, there are a few names that could be of interest to the team. So, let’s take a look at who might be available and willing to sign a cheaper contract to be a Kansas City Chief.
AFFORDABLE FREE AGENTS KC CHIEFS SHOULD SIGN
. Cornerback. New York Jets. Trumaine Johnson. 5. player. 30
Just a few seasons ago, Trumaine Johnson seemed to be one of the hotter names in free agency. After some solid seasons with the Rams, he signed a deal with the Jets.
That in itself may have been where he errored in his career as the Jets have been a mess for several seasons now. After signing a five-year, $72.5M contract, New York released him after only two seasons. It appears as though it wasn’t a good signing for either party.
The chances of success could be much better in Kansas City, though. Signing with a solid team and organization could really put Johnson in a position to thrive. At 30 years old, he should have something left in the tank before the sun begins to set on his career. Also, if the Chiefs have a more immediate need, it’s at the cornerback position.
The Chiefs’ cornerback group was already looking thin even before Bashaud Breeland made the news, with a suspension that was already likely on its way. Now, it looks like Kansas City will start Charvarius Ward and a group that is young and/or doesn’t have much playing experience.
After the team brought in Morris Claiborne last season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them reach out for another veteran like Johnson. While he wouldn’t be the long-term solution, he’d bring a veteran presence to help bridge the gap.
It would make the most sense here for Kansas City to sign Johnson to a one-year deal if he’s willing to do that. He may be looking for a bigger contract while he still has a little time left, but having already made roughly $70M in his career may cause him to sign a cheaper deal.
If winning a championship is the motivating force rather than money, Kansas City would be an ideal landing spot. If a deal could get worked out, he’d help shore up an inexperienced group headed into the 2020 season.