KC Chiefs: Five affordable free agents who could help in 2020

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 16: Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet on the field before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 16, 2012 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 15-0. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 16: Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet on the field before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on December 16, 2012 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 15-0. Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /
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Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

AFFORDABLE FREE AGENTS KC CHIEFS SHOULD SIGN

. Cornerback. Cincinnati Bengals. Dre Kirkpatrick. 2. player. 56

If there’s one position of weakness on this Chiefs roster, it’s likely at cornerback. Chiefs Kingdom was elated to see Bashaud Breeland re-sign with Kansas City after he became a free agent. That elation turned to disappointment, though, finding out that he’ll likely serve a suspension before seeing the field again.

Unfortunately, Breeland is the only established veteran in a group that is either young or inexperienced. Because of that, the Chiefs should look to bring in another capable veteran to help fill the void.

Dre Kirkpatrick could very well fill the void. Kirkpatrick is a former first-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals and played all eight years of his career there before being released earlier this offseason.

Much like other free agents, travel restrictions in recent months have likely delayed his chances of finding a new home. It also doesn’t help that Kirkpatrick ended the 2019 season on injured reserve after hyperextending his knee and the fact that he’ll be 31 years old in October.

Coming off of an injury and looking at the downhill side of his career may work to Kansas City’s advantage, though. That could help them to potentially sign him on a cheaper contract.

After playing on some bad Bengals teams, he’d probably be excited to play for a contender. With defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo relying more on strong play from the safeties, it could help mask any struggles that Kirkpatrick may have.

That’s not to say that he would struggle but rather, that it could help as he transitions to a new team and returns from injury. If he has a year or two left in the tank, it’d buy some time as Kansas City trains up a young group of cornerbacks.

It’d also help bridge the gap until Breeland returns from suspension. If the medicals were to clear and an affordable deal could be reached, he’d definitely be worth bringing in to add some veteran depth to the cornerback group.