The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into yet another important offseason. After an appearance in the AFC Championship Game, Kansas City will be looking to add short-term improvements in 2022 NFL free agency that can push them to another Super Bowl.
Unfortunately, general manager Brett Veach doesn't have all that much cap space to work with. The Chiefs are currently in the red as they head into free agency, making avoiding bad contracts incredibly important, but it's not like they have to add too much to make a Super Bowl run. Remember, this team really should have made it if not for an uncharacteristic collapse.
With that being said, here are two free agents the Chiefs should stay away from in 2022 NFL free agency.
2 free agents Chiefs must avoid signing
2. DJ Chark
On paper, pairing Chark and this Chiefs offense is a pretty good matchup. His speed fits right in with what Kansas City loves to do, and Patrick Mahomes could use help at wide receiver.
However, there are several massive concerns that should scare the Chiefs away from the former Jacksonville Jaguar. Chark has only had one really good season in the NFL, but it's likely that he'll still demand a somewhat large contract. He's a young, speedy receiver who has shown a lot of upside. Guys like that don't usually sign for cheap. Chark is also coming off of a season-ending injury, which is never a good sign. The LSU product has had injury troubles his entire career, as he has never made it through a full season without missing some time.
There are plenty of better options at receiver for Kansas City. Cedrick Wilson, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, has proven himself to be a solid receiver who can play in the slot and outside. He shouldn't demand a huge payday, and he's good enough to walk into Kansas City as an established starter at wide receiver. Tre'Quan Smith of the New Orleans Saints is another intriguing prospect. His asking price will be on the floor, and he has the potential to develop into a decent second receiver behind Tyreek Hill.
In theory, this would be a great addition for the Chiefs. It would solve their cornerback problem and give them another leader on the defensive side of the ball.
In reality, it's a fit that doesn't really work for anyone involved. Gilmore is a high-level player who will likely demand huge money, but there are concerns surrounding him. The former New England Patriot only played in eight games last season and played several of those on strict snap counts.
Gilmore is also 31 years old already, which makes giving him a multi-year deal an unappealing prospect. Kansas City just doesn't have the cap space to shell out a huge amount of cash for one player, especially a player who could be sitting on the sideline at any point.
The Chiefs will likely look to fill the void at cornerback elsewhere. The draft could be huge for them, as prospects like Andrew Booth Jr. and Kaiir Elam should be available when Kansas City is on the clock. Some free agent options include Steven Nelson and Joe Haden. Both guys are proven veterans who shouldn't demand huge contracts. They also eliminate most of the risk factor, as everyone knows what those veterans are capable of.
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