6 Free Agents the Chiefs Should Sign Before Mandatory Minicamp

1. Carlos Watkins, DT

As if the Rashee Rice legal trouble wasn't enough, the Chiefs also have to deal with Isaiah Buggs being accused of animal cruelty. A sixth-round pick out of Alabama in 2019, Buggs spent three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Detroit Lions in 2022. He was released after playing 10 games with them and landed in Kansas City.

The 6-foot-3, 335-pounder never saw the field but still got to enjoy the Super Bowl win and was re-signed in the offseason. Now, he might be on the way out and that leaves the Chiefs a little thin on the defensive line.

Of course, they're thrilled with their starters Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi but could use some more depth behind them. That's where Carlos Watkins comes in. Watkins, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds wasn't much of a factor for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 since he played in just two games. A biceps injury sent him to the IR but in those two appearances, he had seven tackles and a sack.

Prior to playing in Arizona, he was a starter on the Dallas Cowboys defensive line and had 58 tackles in two seasons. A highly underrated player, Watkins could play both D-tackle positions and while he's better against the run than the pass, he has six sacks in his career and 14 pressures.

Not only would he replace Buggs but if healthy, he would prove to be an upgrade.

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