Top Free Agents on the Market for KC Chiefs Before Training Camp

As training camp approaches, there are still good players on the market who the Chiefs can add to boost their roster.

As of the publishing of this article, it is less than a week away from the start of training camp for the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. The approaching date presents a pseudo-deadline for an addition or two occurring. For that to happen, though, the Chiefs would have to create cap space — likely through a Chris Jones extension — which has been reported as Kansas City being "optimistic" it gets done. 

Assuming the Jones extension occurs at some point, there are a few players still on the market that the Chiefs can add to the roster as they go after another Super Bowl win.

Dalvin Cook - Running Back

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs on the field during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City is solid at the top when it comes to the running back position. You can always have more depth, though, because it's a position of attrition. Cook would round out the room with another body with a good skill set in the rushing and passing attacks. Last year, Cook went over 1,000 yards on the ground for the fourth straight season. He would provide an experienced body to pair with Isiah Pacheco and help keep Jerick McKinnon fresh for the postseason. With the depth at the running back position across the league, Cook may not command a ton in free agency and could be an option for the Chiefs to raise the floor of their backfield.

DeAndre Hopkins - Wide Receiver

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

For Chiefs fans, Hopkins is the belle of the ball. The former All-Pro receiver would have easily cleared 1,000 receiving yards last year if not for a suspension because of PEDs. He can still be a No. 1 receiver and would be a great second option to Travis Kelce in Kansas City. Right now, the Chiefs are relying on many young guys to take the next step. Adding Hopkins would lessen the pressure on them, as well as provide an all-time great for them to learn from. If Brett Veach and crew can get a deal done with Jones, their next call may be to Hopkins to iron out a contract.

Carlos Dunlap - Defensive End

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) celebrates with the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023. Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles

Surprisingly, the available defensive ends are a deep group. Dunlap would be the seamless fit because of the familiarity from last season. The Chiefs are lacking a true veteran presence in the defensive end room. Charles Omenihu is the most experienced on the roster but is only entering his fifth season. The Chiefs have always had a seasoned veteran in the defensive end rotation, whether it be Terrell Suggs, Melvin Ingram or Dunlap last year. Bringing back Dunlap would give the Chiefs a great locker room leader and an intelligent player on the field to give consistent play as needed.

Shelby Harris - Defensive Tackle

Jan 14, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Shelby Harris (93) gestures after a play in the second quarter of a wild card game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how rookie Keondre Coburn may play a more significant role than expected on the defensive front. That's because of the question marks behind Chris Jones in the defensive tackle room. Signing Harris would provide answers. He'd instantly become the starting nose tackle, as he is coming off one of his career's best run defense seasons. The pass rush for Harris comes and goes, but the Chiefs are in a position where they need stability next to Jones and the other defensive linemen. Any time you can improve in the trenches this late in the process, it is an opportunity that should be capitalized upon. Adding Harris would do that for Kansas City and make their front even scarier.

Dawuane Smoot - Defensive Lineman

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) takes to the field before a regular season NFL football matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Dallas Cowboys 40-34 in overtime. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Jki 121822 Cowboys Jags Cp 101

This name is a very interesting one. Smoot, unfortunately, tore his Achilles late in the 2022 season. That's the reason he's currently unsigned. He racked up 22.5 sacks over the last four seasons as a rotational pass rusher in Jacksonville. While Smoot may not be able to play until later in the season, taking a flier on him could be a late boost for the Chiefs. If he is healthy come playoff time, he might add that extra bit needed in the pass rush department as Kansas City goes after another title.

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