Another week of the 2020 NFL offseason has come and gone. It’s time for us to check in on the rest of the AFC West and see what’s happening with the Kansas City Chiefs’ division rivals. Below you’ll find some of the top stories of the past week for the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
Raiders made offer to acquire free agent DE Jadeveon Clowney
“While those types of players are rare and don’t become available very often, there is one still available on the open market; Jadeveon Clowney. While the sack totals don’t always tell the whole story, Clowney has been one of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers for the past few seasons.”
The Raiders have reached out to the former pro-bowler Jadeveon Clowney to strengthen their pass rush. Las Vegas was happy with the production of their rookies Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell, so with the addition of Clowney the Raiders could have one of top pass rushes in the NFL.
Maxx Crosby gets recognition from Cameron Jordan
“Crosby wished Jordan a Happy Birthday, calling him ‘One of the greats in our game today’ to which Jordan responded ‘Bro you next up.'”
The Raiders may have stuck gold drafting Maxx Crosby in the fourth round in the 2019 draft. He had 10 sacks in 12 games and is already getting recognition from the leagues top pass rushers. If his success continues, he could be a problem for the Chiefs moving forward.
Broncos’ Justin Simmons signs franchise tag
“After the franchise tag is signed, the Broncos will have until Wednesday, July 15 to reach a multi-year extension with Simmons. If a deal is not signed before the deadline, Simmons will play on his tag in 2020 and become an unrestricted free agent in 2021.”
Denver will have its star safety for at least one more season and giving the Broncos a playmaker in the secondary. Simmons was able to pick Patrick Mahomes once in the 2019 season, so it will be interesting to see if he can do it again for a consecutive season.
Chargers’ Keenan Allen mentioned among NFL’s best wide receivers
“For years now, Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been left out when discussing the best players at his position, despite putting up numbers that rank near the top.”
Keenan Allen is discussed amongst the top wide receivers in the NFL, but this season he will be without Phillip Rivers for the first time in his career. It will be interesting to see if he keeps his numbers up with Tyrod Taylor or Justin Herbert leading the offense.
Best- and worst-case scenarios for Chargers
“It will be difficult to fend off the Chiefs for the division title, but if everything goes in their favor, the Bolts are more than capable of making the playoffs, especially with there being another postseason spot added starting this season.”
The Chargers with a best-case scenario season was predicted to go 9-7. That would not be enough to take the divisional title from the Chiefs, but with the new playoff format, they may sneak in as a wild card team if the season goes well.
