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The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a crucial stage of their offseason. With free agency looming, the team must decide how to focus its efforts to retain the core of players that took them to Super Bowl LIX. Despite this, some key players seem destined not to return, including one of their defensive staples.
The Chiefs have around 25 free agents who will seek new horizons this season. The latter unless the team is willing to offer them something better or they accept a franchise-friendly contract, which allows them to continue for a while longer under the direction of Andy Reid.
Amid the uncertainty, some analysts have taken on the task of identifying which teams will be lurking to poach some of these players. Among them, the San Francisco 49ers could have their sights set on one of the Chiefs' defensive linemen who would hit free agency as soon as the market opens.
Niners on the prowl
According to CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin, the Niners are opening the door to letting go of defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. If this happens, they will be in need of a man who can fill in for him and fit more within their salary cap. That man could be none other than Tershawn "Turk" Wharton.
"In an ideal world," Dubin itted, "they (the 4ers) would get someone who has been a more consistent rusher during their career, but Wharton is comming off carer highs in sacks and quarterback hits, and he's heading into his prime. Give him more snaps and maybe he can be even better."
This season, Wharton made 29 tackles, 18 solo and 11 assisted, recorded 6.5 sacks, defended two es, and forced a fumble. At 27, Wharton is coming off a one-year, $2.7 million contract. A perfect fit for San Francisco roster.
Chiefs look like fire sale
The big problem for the Chiefs is that Wharton isn't the only defensive lineman with one foot out the door. His replacement, Derrick Nnadi, is also about to hit free agency, as are Malik Herring, Charles Omenihu, Mike Pennel, Marlon Tuipulotu, and Joshua Uche.
Granted, all of them except Wharton are backups, but their potential departure seriously thins the Chiefs' roster. Whether the team opens its wallet to keep most of them or goes out with its checkbook in hand to see what it can buy on the market, keeping its defense consistent won't be easy or cheap.