Like the Patriots and the AFC East during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era, the Kansas City Chiefs of the Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid era have had their way with the AFC West. Really, the Chiefs have pretty much dominated the entire AFC since Mahomes became Kansas City’s starting quarterback in 2018.
The defending champion Chiefs are the early favorite to repeat in 2023. To do that, the Chiefs will first have to capture a division that they have won each year since 2016. The Chiefs will also have to address several positions this offseason during free agency and the draft.
The West’s three other teams are also trying to strengthen their rosters in order to challenge the Chiefs for divisional supremacy. The Chiefs’ main challenger in the West, the Los Angeles Chargers, are hoping to make it further in the playoffs in 2023 after failing to protect a 27-0 in their eventual wild card playoff loss to the Jaguars. The Raiders and Broncos are also looking to be a factor in 2023 after both clubs endured highly disappointing 2022 seasons.
The 2023 offseason is a pivotal one for each AFC West team. With that in mind, here’s a look at each team’s biggest needs with free agency and the draft just around the corner.
Denver Broncos
Needs: LG, C, RT, LB, DT, TE
Projected cap space: $11.95 million (12th)
Without a first round pick, the Broncos will have to be extra diligent in free agency. Offensive line is undoubtedly GM George Paton’s top priority this offseason.
Fortunately for Denver, there are several good offensive linemen who are set to enter free agency. Included in that group are guard Matt Pryor, tackles George Fant, Mike McGlinchey and Jawaan Taylor, and centers Ethan Pocic and Austin Blythe, among others.
Linebacker is another area that needs bolstered after trading Bradley Chubb last year and with Alex Singleton set to enter free agency. There are a slew of talented and affordable inside linebackers in this year’s free agent class, including Tremaine Edmunds, Anthony Walker Jr., Devin Bush, and Kyle Van Noy.
While they’re set at receiver, the Broncos should consider giving Russell Wilson one or two reliable tight ends. They’ll have their choice in free agency, starting with former Dolphin Mike Gesicki. More affordable options here include Austin Hooper, Robert Tonyan Jr. and Hayden Hurst.
Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: WR, OT, S
Projected cap space: $526,422…
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