Former Raider Still Available to Replace Struggling Chief Before Playoffs

The Chiefs' roster is mostly finalized ahead of the postseason, though there's still one move the front office can make that'd give the team the best chance at winning a historic third consecutive Super Bowl.

WR Justin Watson has struggled this season and proved in Week 16 why he should be benched moving forward. Even though Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, and Hollywood Brown give Kansas City a quality trio at the position, free agent wideout Hunter Renfrow is an ideal last-minute option who could serve as an insurance policy should any of those three suffer an injury.

Considering how many ailments the Chiefs have dealt with in 2024, it's wise to ensure the offense has as much depth as possible at key positions.

Chiefs Should Sign WR Hunter Renfrow Ahead of Playoffs

It's bizarre that Renfrow didn't join a team this season. Still just 29 years old, he caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine TDs for the Raiders in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl nod in the process. Even if he was exclusively signed as a depth piece to serve as an emergency option, it's still an acquisition Brett Veach needs to consider.

Watson has routinely struggled to track deep passes this year. Regardless, he's played the second-most snaps of any receiver on the team, hauling in only 19 passes overall. It's unlikely he's a major part of the rotation in the playoffs, yet Renfrow's slick route-running would still be an upgrade over what Watson currently provides.

This late in the season, no signing would make a huge difference in the long-term outlook. Veach has been adamant about leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of that third straight championship though, making Renfrow a legitimate option despite the timeline.

With several expiring contracts at receiver coming up, signing Renfrow would also let the coaching staff evaluate him to determine if it's worth pursuing him for next year's team. He's just on the street, so the cost would be minimal.

Put it all together and there is no true downside but plenty of upside. Despite it being an improbability, kicking the tires on Renfrow to replace Watson could make the Chiefs better in the most important matchups.

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