The NFL trade deadline is less than a week away and there are plenty of potential moves for the Chiefs to make, but what if they don't make one? That'll be a story in itself, but until that happens we have laid out five potential free agent routes the Chiefs could go to help bolster their depth.
Zach Brown, LB:
Zach Brown was recently cut by the Philadelphia Eagles last week and it seems like an obvious move to many fans but no contact has been made. Let's face it, The Chiefs are sorely lacking at linebacker and can't stop the run to save their life. Brown has been described as good against the run and a sure-tackler which are two traits the current Chiefs linebacker core does not seem to have. Brown just seems like too much of a fit unless there is something else we don't know about that lead to his release. If nothing gets done at the deadline then Brown would be a no-brainer.
Muhammad Wilkerson. DL:
Muhammad Wilkerson is a very solid interior lineman who could help supplement the Chiefs defense in the middle as well provide a veteran presence. Wilkerson actually visited Kansas City last year before ultimately signing with the Packers where his season ended after three games due to a gruesome ankle injury. The season prior he had 4 sacks, 4 TFL's, and 46 total tackles with the Jets. With Xavier Williams likely out for the year, Wilkerson would be a great insurance signing.
Shane Ray, LB:
Shane Ray was recently cut by the Baltimore Ravens after staying with the team for camp over the summer. Ray, a Kansas City native, would be a low-risk/high-reward signing and a potential opportunity for Ray to rejuvenate his career. Ray started off hot as a rookie in Denver where he had 8 sacks and 5 TFL's so we know that he can do it on this level but injuries have been an issue for him as he couldn't stay on the field in Denver after his rookie year. That being said, Ray now has had plenty of time to heal up and the Chiefs pass rush thus far has been underwhelming. Could Ray and the Chiefs be a perfect marriage? He has a Chiefs tattoo on his back after all.
E.J. Gaines, CB:
Gaines is another player who has ties to the Kansas City area as he went to Missouri for college. That being said, Gaines is another player who has also struggled with injury but when healthy, he's been very solid throughout his career totaling 4 INT's and almost 200 tackles and has also shown the ability to blitz which Spags values. Gaines wouldn't be your typical Revis signing as a cry for help for the cornerback position either. If Kansas City can't get anything done at the deadline, then Gaines would be another player to watch for as he could only help at this point.
Brandon Marshall, LB:
More potential linebacker help? That’s right. The Chiefs are desperate for help at the spot and most players on this list can’t be worse than what they have. Brandon Marshall was a surprise cut by the Raiders this season right before the start of the season and he remains a free agent. Marshall also provides veteran leadership at a position that needs it and he has a Super Bowl resume and over 400 career tackles. He may not be as fast as he was say five years ago, but he can help this linebacker group from getting obliterated over the middle and he’s a real athlete. Think of it like this: Would you rather have Zach Brown and Brandon Marshall or Darron Lee and Ben Niemann playing significant snaps in crunch time?
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