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It Took Chiefs Just Two Games to Regret Letting Veteran Walk

By Joe Summers

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) breaks a tackle attempt from Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) on a catch in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The Bengals led 16-10 at halftime.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) breaks a tackle attempt from Kansas City Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner (27) on a catch in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. The Bengals led 16-10 at halftime. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Chiefs let talented LB Willie Gay Jr. go in free agency this offseason and it's only taken two weeks for Kansas City to miss his presence over the middle of the field.

While he hasn't made a major impact with the Saints yet, Gay's modest one-year, $3 million deal was certainly one the Chiefs could've afforded. Based on the way Kansas City's linebackers have been shredded in coverage by tight ends in both games, it seems the decision to let him walk was a mistake.

Isaiah Likely caught nine passes for 111 yards and a TD in Week 1 before Mike Gesicki notched 91 yards on seven catches. The latter should've been worse too, except Gesicki dropped an easy TD. This could be a recurring problem, especially with the talented Kyle Pitts and the Falcons waiting in Week 3.

Chiefs Might Already Regret Letting Willie Gay Jr. Walk

Drue Tranquill is one of the best coverage linebackers in the league, but Leo Chenal and Nick Bolton have struggled. Bolton, in particular, has routinely been targeted in coverage, raising questions about whether he'll earn the lucrative contract extension he desires.

If Gesicki had caught the open TD, Kansas City easily could've lost to Cincinnati. Moving forward, the linebackers simply have to improve in coverage. Justin Reid does too, though he's battling surprise injuries to his hands after Week 2.

Fans can't be overly upset about a 2-0 start. Nonetheless, covering tight ends has been the Chiefs' biggest weakness. Gay wasn't an exceptional cover linebacker, but his absence has been felt.

Considering he could've been kept for just $3 million, this may represent one of the few mistakes Brett Veach has made. Kansas City regrets the decision right now and if things don't improve, the choice could wind up costing them multiple games down the road.

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