The Kansas City Chiefs could use a backfield boost when free agency opens; however, they can kiss their Breece Hall dreams goodbye. He was an obvious target after they tried to trade for him last season, but, as the New York Jets revealed on Tuesday, Hall has been hit with the non-exclusive franchise tag.
Although the Chiefs could still offer Hall a contract next week, the Jets can now match it, showing that they don't intend to let him go.
With that in mind, it's not all bad news. According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks won't be franchise-tagging reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III.
As such, he should be one of the Chiefs' primary targets in the offseason.
Notably, he's not going to be alone. Kansas City has previously been linked to Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne, making it clear that general manager Brett Veach will be looking at a two-horse race next week.
Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne Must Be Chiefs Top RB Targets in Free Agency
With Hall off the table, Walker will officially be the biggest name in the running back market. Spotrac projects his next contract at four years and $36 million, carrying an annual average value of $9 million. That's not too bad for a Super Bowl MVP.
Walker had 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 4.6 yards per carry in the regular season. He added 31 catches for 282 receiving yards. Then, with Zach Charbonnet out for the season, he went nuclear in the playoffs, turning 65 carries into 313 yards and four scores and adding nine receptions for 104 yards. He put the cherry on top of the sundae with 161 yards from scrimmage in the Super Bowl.
Walker will obviously be the primary target for multiple teams, not only the Chiefs. He's just 25 years old, and he might post even more impressive numbers by getting to a team of his own instead of sharing the backfield like he's done in Seattle.
Etienne, on the other hand, is also an appealing option who might fit offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's running schemes. He'd be a more budget-friendly option for the Chiefs, with Spotrac projecting his market value at two years and $13.6 million, for an AAV of $6.8 million.
According to OverTheCap, the Chiefs are currently $6.6 million over the salary cap. They will obviously get under it when they release Jawaan Taylor (a move that will free $20 million), but they will still have to address other needs in free agency, like adding help to the pass rush and the offensive line.
In other words, K.C. might feel more comfortable going with a cheaper option on a shorter deal.
Etienne also had a strong season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, turning 260 carries into 1,170 yards and seven touchdowns and adding 36 receptions on 52 targets for 292 yards and six receiving touchdowns. That instantly makes him an upgrade over the likes of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who combined for a 281-1,073-9 line last season.
Whatever the case, the good thing is that the Chiefs will have various options. Hopefully, they can land one of the big fish, as adding either Walker or Etienne to the offense would instantly alter Kansas City's offensive outlook for the better.