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The Kansas City Chiefs fell just short of making the Super Bowl for the third straight year with their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game. Patrick Mahomes and company looked like they were on the fast track to the big game before they endured a second-half collapse. The team is still built to win now, though there are some areas of need that Kansas City must address, spanning both sides of the ball. The Chiefs could always use an extra playmaker, particularly at wide receiver, to help take some attention away from stars Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The defense could use help on the defensive line and the secondary. The Chiefs have already made one move in the 2022 NFL offseason, cutting linebacker Anthony Hitchens, a move that will save the team $8.4 million in cap space. That's money that the team could use wisely in free agency. The Chiefs can also turn their attention towards the draft, where they possess the 30th pick. That said, here are four bold predictions for the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL offseason.
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Chiefs Offseason Predictions
4. The Chiefs re-sign Tyrann Mathieu
This will be an essential move for the Chiefs. Tyrann Mathieu has been the heart and soul of the Chiefs defense since his arrival three years ago. If Kansas City wanted to see what life would be like without Mathieu, they should look no further than the second half of the Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills, when their defense repeatedly was beaten over the top for big plays with Mathieu out of the game. Kansas City isn't exactly flush with cash, though the release of Hitchens might allow them to find enough to bring back Mathieu, who is too important on the field and off of it to let go.
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3. The Chiefs draft George Karlaftis
This makes too much sense for the Chiefs. If Mathieu returns, it eliminates the need to look for a safety here. Instead, the Chiefs can turn to the strength of the draft- edge rushers. Karlaftis has the potential to be a strong pass rusher in the NFL, something Kansas City will need if veteran Melvin Ingram isn't retained. The Penn State product is a bit raw per the scouting reports, though his upside makes him worth taking here.
2. Franchise Tag Orlando Brown Jr.
Orlando Brown Jr. was pivotal to the Chiefs offensive line this past year, as the 26-year–old was perhaps the best player on the team's line. Brown finished with a 75.2 overall PFF grade and turned out to be an excellent acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs might not be able to offer long-term money at the moment, but they understand that Brown is crucial to protecting Mahomes' blindside. Kansas City figures out a way to bring Brown back for 2022 by applying the franchise tag.
1. The Chiefs trade for Calvin Ridley
This is very bold, yes. This is assuming things don't work for Calvin Ridley with the Atlanta Falcons, which is the big unknown. Ridley's season was cut short due to mental health problems, with the Falcons saying that they will support the star wideout through it all. Ultimately, Ridley could decide that he wants out of Atlanta. If he does, the Chiefs need to meet the Falcons' asking price. Ridley, 27, had a monster 1,300-yard year back in 2020, where he emerged as a true number-one wideout. Having Tyreek Hill, Calvin Ridley and Travis Kelce would be a nightmare for defenses to handle- and Kansas City would have arguably the league's best quarterback throwing them passes. If Ridley becomes available, the Chiefs need to pounce.
