3 Chiefs' Offseason Issues That Could Ruin Three-Peat

The Chiefs have had an eventful offseason by any measure. They've re-signed a majority of their free agents and added some exciting players in free agency and the draft, though the team's been in the news for plenty of other reasons lately.

They're still among the favorites to win the Super Bowl, which would accomplish the first three-peat in NFL history, and I'm confident in the organization. That being said, you'd hope news moving forward contains no new off-field incidents.

At the least, there are potential distractions or even decisions that could damage the organization's chances to accomplish history.

3 Chiefs' Offseason Issues That Could Ruin Three-Peat

1. Rashee Rice's Legal Saga

Rashee Rice got some good news regarding the alleged punching of a photographer, but he still faces criminal charges stemming from the March car crash in Dallas. It's expected he'll be suspended at some point, throwing uncertainty into the Chiefs' wide receiver room.

He's participating in OTAs, a good sign for avoiding rust during the suspension. It's still possible he's not suspended until next season too, though I'd guess the Chiefs want to get any suspension out of the way sooner than later.

If he's suspended to start the year, the Chiefs offense could have some growing pains. Skyy Moore is currently the most experienced receiver in the offense and he's only been there for two years. Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy figure to have big roles, but sometimes familiarity goes a long way.

Rice became one of the Chiefs' most dangerous weapons and the offense will be worse whenever he's suspended. Kansas City has one of the league's most difficult schedules, starting with Baltimore and Cincinnati, and the race for the No. 1 seed is always important.

The Chiefs went on the road last year to win the AFC Championship, but it's always easier with the home crowd behind you.

While the organization awaits to see what Rice's punishment will be, that cloud of not knowing could prove to be a distraction as well. I have faith in this team's leadership and the long-standing veterans will be needed to keep everyone focused.

2. Trading L'Jarius Sneed to the Titans

Brett Veach, Andy Reid, and Steve Spagnuolo have more than proven over the years they're capable of identifying and developing players in the secondary. While I love the young players added and believe in Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and the others, Sneed's impact will be difficult to replace.

Sneed was in the conversation for the NFL's best cornerback last season. He wasn't named an All-Pro and didn't command a huge return in the trade, but we all know how valuable he was to the Chiefs last year. His last-second forced fumble on Zay Flowers was the defining highlight of the AFC title game, and he routinely shadowed the opponent's best receiver.

Not only was Sneed exceptional at press coverage and one of the best shadow corners in the league, but him playing that role allowed Trent McDuffie to roam. He forced five fumbles last year, though someone will likely have to shadow more than before.

I'm not overly concerned with this defense, as Sneed is the only major contributor not returning. Bryan Cook will be back from injury, Drue Tranquill has another year of familiarity and George Karlaftis will hopefully experience incremental improvement.

Overall, this should still be an elite defense. With thin margins in the playoffs though, not having Sneed could prove to be an obstacle that must be overcome.

3. Harrison Butker's Commencement Speech

This is the least likely storyline to have a meaningful impact, though Harrison Butker will be under scrutiny if he struggles early in the season or in a big moment. He's routinely made clutch kicks and established himself as a legitimate weapon, though the situation is a theoretical distraction nonetheless.

Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid both supported Butker as a player and person while disagreeing with social views, as did Travis Kelce. NFL locker rooms are a diverse place, and lots of players and coaches have contrasting views. As long as Butker keeps making his kicks, I don't see there being much of a problem in the building.

This team has been through too much together and has too many established, excellent leaders to let something like this be an issue. If the pressure gets to Butker and he struggles, that could be an issue, but he made 94.3% of his field goals and all of his extra points last year. I have no reason to believe his performance will fall off a cliff.

His resume speaks for itself. If he keeps making kicks, there won't be any distractions. The Chiefs have had plenty of off-field storylines this year and they'll be tested.

When the games get started though, I'd be stunned if the roster doesn't stay focused on the ultimate prize. Getting an opportunity to win three straight Super Bowls speaks for itself, and they'll want to do everything in their power to accomplish history.

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