The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-3 after five weeks. And while most of the talk and concerns have revolved around their offense this season, rightfully so, their defense hasn't been as dominant as in years past.
Steve Spagnuolo has made some questionable personnel decisions, and the Chiefs have been more vulnerable to big plays than during their recent Super Bowl runs. That's why Kansas City should look to the free-agent pool to address some of those woes.
Veteran DL Yannick Ngakoue Wants to Sign With a Team
The Chiefs' pass-rushing department has left plenty to be desired this season. Fortunately for them, veteran DL Yannick Ngakoue just posted that he's "ready to rush," hinting at his desire to sign with any team that would have him.
The Chiefs are giving up just 190.6 passing yards per game, the seventh-best mark in the league. Still, they haven't put as much pressure on the quarterback as a contending team would want. The clearest indicator of this is that outside of George Karlaftis (3.5), no other player has more than 2.0 sacks.
Ngakoue hasn't played for any team since the New England Patriots released him late last season. However, he's just 30 years old, and while he was never a superstar, he's a proven veteran who could bring an edge to this team.
He logged 14 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in 11 games as a backup last season, playing for both the Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. Also, he posted a 70.2 PFF grade against the run, and with the Chiefs giving up a whopping 123.4 rushing yards per game (the tenth-most in the league), he could certainly come in handy.
Beyond that, making a run at a player like Ngakoue would send a big message inside the locker room. There were multiple instances of questionable effort during the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, including a now-viral clip of Chris Jones not even trying to tackle Trevor Lawrence on the game-winning touchdown.
Of course, Jones' job isn't at risk by any means, but adding a player of Ngakoue's caliber would only add some competition to the roster by bringing the best out of that pass-rushing unit. This will put pressure on the players to deliver or head to the bench, which should be all the motivation an NFL player needs.
It's too early to enter panic mode, but if the Chiefs fall to the Detroit Lions at home in Week 6, GM Brett Veach will have to get to work and make some moves.