The Kansas City Chiefs, in the midst of reaching their 4th Super Bowl in 5 years, have shown themselves to be a formidable force in the National Football League over the course of the past half-decade.
Kansas City Chiefs The Dominant Force In The NFL
Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes II has become the undisputed top QB in the NFL – for the moment, whilst defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo has turned the Chief’s D into one of the most feared units the league.
However, despite strong playoff showings against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and 1st seed, Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs’ offense still leaves much to be desired, and outside of world class performances from Kelce, the team remains void of a true number 1 receiver, and even looks shaky on some depth options.
The drop-plagued Kadarius Toney and inconsistent deep threat, Marques Valdez Scantling combined for fewer than 500 yards in the regular season, despite the former’s 1st round pick status and the latter’s 3 year, $30 million contract.
Kansas City In Need Of Offensive Reinforcements?
Yet, despite excellent play from their ‘bell cow’ back, 2nd year pro and former late round gem, Isiah Pacheco, the man most recently paired with the Chiefs in a look-ahead to the March free agency window is none other than former All-Pro running back and Tennessee Titan, Derrick Henry.
According to Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, the Chiefs are one of two teams that fit the bill for Henry’s ideal potential landing spot.
“Given that he’s earned more than $56 million as an NFL player, landing a high-end salary might not be Henry’s primary goal. He’ll want to be fairly compensated, sure, but a chance to compete for a Super Bowl may supersede a desire to further pad his bank account.
If that indeed is the case, the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs would be two appealing low-budget destinations.”
Would Derrick Henry Be The Best Addition For Kansas City?
Benyon is right; Henry has made a reasonable amount of money (for a top NFL professional), and is unquestionably set up for life, barring some unforeseen circumstances or material changes.
So it is true that, in the twilight of his career, Henry may be thinking about the titles he didn’t win and the Super Bowls he didn’t attend rather than how to squeeze the most money out of his remaining years in the league.
And, if that is in fact the case, a perennial contender like KC makes about as much sense as anyone.
However, it is important to bear in mind the fact that Pacheco has become in many people’s eyes, a top 10 running back in the league, and with two years remaining on his uber cheap, rookie deal (as a 7th round pick), he is set to stay with the team as their lead back for the next couple of years at a minimum.
Would Henry like to win a Super Bowl, but with limited touches and playing a bit part role behind a younger, faster back in his prime? Perhaps, but I am not sure he would make it his first choice, especially if he has to take a pay cut to make it Missouri.
Moreover, it does not really make a ton of sense for the Chiefs; they don’t truly need another elite tailback behind Pacheco (although another would certainly not hurt), and to spend their small amount of cap room – with much being taken by the highly compensated Patrick Mahomes, when they are already in desperate need of receiver reinforcement, would be a misallocation of resources.
So, ultimately, Baltimore would probably be a better destination, especially with lead back, JK Dobbins, coming off an ACL tear and going into the final year of his contract. As for Kansas City – save the money on Henry and go get yourself a top receiver!
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