The Kansas City Chiefs made their moves in free agency but could they be left to regret not signing one star who could have high production in 2024?
General Manager Brett Veach made the appropriate moves in free agency coming off another Super Bowl win, making it two in as many years.
Despite being the world champions, there are still holes to be filled on the roster and the franchise made the moves they deemed necessary.
The number-one signing for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency was wide receiver Marquise Brown. The former Baltimore Ravens first-round pick has been brought in to add a new dynamic the Chiefs lacked last season: throwing the ball deep.
The Kansas City Chiefs struggled on offense in 2024 and have brought in new and old weapons
Patrick Mahomes’ wide receiving core struggled to get grips with the rhythm of the offense and endured a league-leading 44 dropped passes.
Moreover, the two-time MVP was forced to throw short like never before with a career-low 7.0 yards per attempt. In his career as the Chiefs’ starter, he has a season average of 7.9 yards which is further evidence of his struggle downfield.
The Kansas City Chiefs did bring back two-time Super Bowl champion Clyde Edwards-Helaire from free agency on a one-year deal.
However, the franchise has former Ravens star J.K. Dobbins in the building only hours before Helaire put pen to paper on a new deal.
J.K. Dobbins was only used as leverage to sign Pacheco, per former player
Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel believed Dobbins being shown around the facilities – a typical practice for a potential new signing – was only used as leverage.
The Chiefs had the opportunity to bring in the running back but passed up the opportunity in favor of Helaire.
Eventually, Dobbins signed with the Chiefs’ AFC West rival the L.A. Chargers. Therefore, the franchise will now have to face the rusher on two occasions in 2024.
NFL expert believes injury-prone Dobbins has the potential for a huge season
NFL expert Daniel Jeremiah was openly optimistic about Dobbins’ potential season when ranking the rushing cores in every division.
“J.K. Dobbins when he has been healthy has been really good… he has zero adjustments to the offense, he has already played in it. They (L.A. Chargers) are going to run the football, this is an improved offensive line,” he stated on the Move the Sticks podcast.
“All these factors point to if J.K. Dobbins stays healthy. If he stays healthy is the most talented running back on the roster. He will have a monster season if he can stay healthy.”
Dobbins has failed to fulfill a full season in the NFL
Dobbins has been plagued with injuries throughout his NFL career. The running back suffered a gruesome torn ACL in 2021 and his 2023 season was abruptly ended with a torn Achilles tendon.
Apart from his rookie campaign where he was not the starter, Dobbins has suffered an injury-riddled season every year.
Jeremiah is confident if, a big ‘if’, Dobbins can stay healthy in 2024 then he will have a monster season.
If so, the Chiefs may quickly regret their decision to sign Helaire over Dobbins as the backup to Isiah Pacheco.
