Chiefs Check-in: Chiefs bid farewell to DE Frank Clark
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What’s happening in Chiefs Kingdom?
The Chiefs officially said goodbye to a postseason warrior and speculation of what the Chiefs’ offense could look like next season is heating up.
Let’s look at the most recent and relevant Chiefs stories for the morning of March 8.
Latest in Chiefs news
Top Chiefs stories
The Chiefs made defensive end Frank Clark’s release official Tuesday. The fondest memories of Clark’s four-year tenure in Kansas City will be the impact he made in the postseason. He posted 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 32 total tackles in 12 postseason games with the Chiefs. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid both released statements on Clark’s departure, with nothing but kind words to say about the 29-year-old veteran.
In the wake of Clark’s release, Chiefs Wire editor Charles Goldman looked at the Chiefs’ current depth at defensive end. K.C. currently has four DEs under contract for the 2023 season. It’s definitely one of the top positions of need for the Chiefs this offseason. However, don’t completely rule out Clark returning if he doesn’t find what he’s looking for in free agency.
NFL Network’s James Palmer suggested that core of the Chiefs’ receiver group will remain the same in 2023. He stated that the Chiefs view Kadarius Toney as a WR1 and expect Skyy Moore to take a step forward in his development. He also thinks that the Chiefs will make a strong push to bring back JuJu Smith-Schuster. This doesn’t necessarily dismiss the chance of K.C. drafting a receiver early or adding a free agent, but the WR group as a whole may not undergo the makeover that some thought it would.
In case you missed it
The Chiefs opted not to use the franchise tag on pending free agent left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler thinks that the Chiefs will lose receiver Mecole Hardman and safety Juan Thornill in free agency. He also thinks teams may be interested in trading for Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Draft notes
The Chiefs are set to host Pittsburgh DE Deslin Alexandre on a top-30 visit. Alexandre was a two-time team captain, three-time All-ACC Academic Team selection, and four-year starter for Pittsburgh. He fits the bill of what the Chiefs like in a DE, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 285 pounds. K.C. could certainly target a DE early in the draft.
With the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine now finished, many colleges have released their pro day schedules.
Charles Goldman also released a three-round mock draft on Tuesday now that we have more clarity on the statuses of Clark and offensive lineman Orlando Brown Jr.
Around the AFC West
Denver Broncos news
The Broncos signed ex Saints receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey on Tuesday. Humphrey played with Broncos coach Sean Payton for three seasons in New Orleans.
As the NFL’s franchise tag deadline expired, the Broncos did not place the tag on defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones. He will likely test the free agent market.
Las Vegas Raiders news
There is a lot of smoke around the Raiders being interested in drafting quarterback Will Levis with the seventh overall pick. Levis is considered by many to be the most “pro ready” QB in the draft.
Los Angeles Chargers news
The Chargers had a formal interview with South Dakota State tight end Tucker Kraft at the combine. TE could be one of the top position targets for the Chargers this offseason.
Around the NFL
The Giants signed QB Daniel Jones to a four-year contract worth $160 million plus incentives. Jones is coming off the best season of his career, throwing for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Now that Jones is locked up, the Giants officially applied the franchise tag to running back Saquon Barkley.
The Ravens have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Lamar Jackson. Non-exclusive means that Jackson can negotiate with other teams. No teams have yet to express interest in negotiating with Jackson.
After meeting with them on Monday, QB Aaron Rodgers is reportedly open to joining the New York Jets. The two met again on Tuesday to further discuss the possibility of a trade.
The Buccaneers released left tackle Donovan Smith after eight seasons. Could the Chiefs have interest in Smith if Brown Jr. walks away?
