Improving the Chiefs defense was the biggest goal of general manager Brett Veach following the 2017 season. When the 2018 season was said and done, the Chiefs actually did worse on defense, prompting swift changes to the defensive coaching staff.
During the 2019 offseason, Veach will continue to work on building a better and tougher defense for the Chiefs. Some additions will come through the draft, and others will come through free agency. I’ve identified three pending free agents that I think can immediately make a difference on the defensive side of the ball. The Chiefs should prioritize and pursue each of these players as soon as the free agency period begins March 13.
Anthony Barr, OLB | Minnesota Vikings
Barr had a down year statistically in 2018, but he still managed to do a great job defending the run. He ranked 18th among all linebackers against the run, according to Pro Football Focus.
One of the big goals for the Chiefs in 2018 was to improve against the run. After Derrick Henry and the Titans ran the ball down their throats during the 2017 playoffs, it was an area that clearly needed improvements. So Veach went into free agency and the NFL draft with that goal in mind. The only problem is, they got worse.
The Chiefs ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per game in 2018. In 2017 they ranked 25th in rushing yards allowed per game. It hurts more knowing they handed out a big contract to Anthony Hitchens, who failed to make a big impact. So the Chiefs undoubtedly need to improve their linebacker play in 2019. It’s certainly one of the reasons for their defensive struggles.
Adding a player like Barr only makes sense if you’re going to maximize his talents and put him in the position to do what he’s best at. He’s not going to be a guy that you often want in coverage. In the Chiefs’ new defensive scheme, Barr’s best fit is as a strongside outside linebacker. He’d be playing up against the line of scrimmage, with the goal of defending the run and rushing the passer. On clear passing downs the Chiefs will probably be in a sub package that wouldn’t have Barr on the field.
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Landon Collins, safety | New York Giants
Collins and the contents of his locker were the talk of New York on Wednesday. Whether Collins leaves the Giants or not remains to be seen, but drama over the items in a locker doesn’t exactly build confidence about his return.
Collins was selected No. 33 overall by the Giants in 2015, while Steve Spagnuolo was still the defensive coordinator with the team. Collins had his three best seasons under the tutelage of Spagnuolo and thrived in the responsibilities accompanied by his scheme. Spagnuolo was able to best utilize Collins’ skill set and get the most out of it.
Safety was a position marred with injuries for the Chiefs in 2018. Daniel Sorensen started the season on injured reserve. Eric Berry was day-to-day for literally the entire season. Armani Watts was injured and placed on injured reserve just as he started to get comfortable. Eric Murray looked good at times but also dealt with injury. The depth at the position was so thin at one time that the Chiefs had receiver Marcus Kemp practicing there as an emergency option.
It’s hard to find success when dealing with so many injuries. Regardless, change is coming for this safety unit, and adding Collins would be a great start.
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Kareem Jackson, CB | Houston Texans
If you look at all the corners the Chiefs have added since Veach has been running the show, there are really only two types: the low-risk youthful corner and the low-risk veteran corner. Jackson would fall in the latter category, but he still has a lot of good football left in him.
In 2018 Jackson played both strong safety and corner for the Texans. He still ranked higher in the Pro Football Focus corner rankings than any Chiefs corner by a whole 16 spots. Jackson’s interceptions and tackle numbers were also up from his previous two seasons.
The big benefit of Jackson is that you’re getting a veteran leader in the secondary. It’s a presence the Chiefs have sorely lacked, especially recently when Eric Berry hasn’t been on the field. Having a player that can be a coach on the field at each level cannot be understated.
It’s unclear if Jackson could be coaxed from the Texans. He’s played his entire career there, and they’ve made it to the playoffs a few times in recent seasons. Robert Alford’s contract with the Cardinals likely set the market for Jackson, so expect something in the three-year, $22.5 million range for him wherever he goes.
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