NFL
Chiefs to make the biggest capture in the NFL
With the Kansas City Chiefs already being the top contenders to win Super Bowl LIX, the team is looking to make themselves practically unstoppable by giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes a new weapon.
Last year, the Chiefs’ receiving corps was their weakest link. While the defense carried the team, Mahomes struggled to get his receivers to catch passes consistently. Outside of veteran tight end Travis Kelce and rookie Rashee Rice, there were few receivers Mahomes could rely on.
To avoid the issues that plagued them during the 2023 season, the Chiefs’ management took advantage of free agency and the draft to reinforce their aerial attack. With a three-peat in mind, the Kansas City front office brought in star free agent Marquise Brown and used their first pick in the draft to select Xavier Worthy.
At first glance, an offense with Kelce, Brown, Worthy, and Rice seems invincible. However, team owner Clark Hunt and general manager Brett Veach cannot ignore Rice’s off-field problems and are therefore looking to add another top playmaker to their roster.
In search of a new target for Mahomes
According to analysts, Hunt and Veach could have their sights set on the same receiver who gave them 41 yards from scrimmage in Super Bowl LVIII: San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine believes Samuel would be a great addition to the Chiefs’ roster. The possible arrival of the five-year veteran could fill the hole that Rice’s likely suspension would leave.
“The Chiefs’ receiver situation is easily the scariest element of the offense. Rashee Rice emerged as the top option last season, but his status for the 2024 season could be in jeopardy based on his off-field actions this offseason,” Ballentine explained.
On the other hand, Samuel’s production with the 49ers has been gradually declining, and a change of scenery could benefit him. The South Carolina product has flourished under coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, but playing for Andy Reid, one of the NFL’s best tacticians, and under Mahomes’ leadership could bring out the best in the receiver.
Samuel’s numbers
In 2023, Samuel contributed 892 yards and seven touchdowns on 15 pass catches, plus 225 yards and five scores on 37 rushing attempts. In total, the 49ers receiver has 5,129 yards and 102 touchdowns from scrimmage.
Adding a weapon of Samuel’s caliber to Mahomes’ arsenal would make the Chiefs virtually unstoppable and solidify their status as top contenders for the NFL title, potentially becoming the first team to win three championships in a row.