KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (13-5)
OPEN CAMP: July 27, St. Joseph, Missouri
LAST YEAR: First-year starter Patrick Mahomes shattered nearly every franchise passing record while winning league MVP award and leading Chiefs to third straight AFC West title. Kansas City reached AFC title game despite one of NFL’s worst defenses, falling to New England in overtime. Offseason has been spent overhauling that side of ball with new coordinator and key players.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: FS Tyrann Mathieu, LBs Damien Wilson and Darron Lee, DEs Frank Clark, Alex Okafor and Emmanuel Ogbah, CB Bashaud Breeland, TE Blake Bell, RBs Carlos Hyde and Darwin Thompson, WR Mecole Hardman, SS Juan Thornhill.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: OLBs Justin Houston and Dee Ford, CB Eric Murray, SS Eric Berry.
CAMP NEEDS: WR Tyreek Hill remains suspended from team as NFL investigates domestic violence case that resulted in no legal fallout, so building depth behind Sammy Watkins is crucial. Chiefs also must sort out depth at RB and identify TEs to play behind Travis Kelce. Defense is adjusting to new 4-3 scheme of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with plenty of new personnel, with Clark and Mathieu key additions.
EXPECTATIONS: Chiefs made big step forward last year in reaching AFC title game, but still have not played for championship since Super Bowl 4. Window is now with Mahomes still on rookie contract and pricey new additions on defense. If their young QB can come close to replicating performance last season, and rebuilt defense can show improvement, Chiefs should be class of West once again.
___
More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Please read our comment policy before commenting.