Kansas City Chiefs: 5 offseason needs

4. Improving the pass rush

The Chiefs desperately need to improve their pass rush next season. They finished the season tied for 24th in sacks with 31. Even though they added a great defensive back in Kendall Fuller it doesn’t make a difference if they can’t get to the quarterback.

They already have one of the best edge defenders in the league in Justin Houston, but in today’s NFL one guy isn’t enough. You need multiple guys that can get after the quarterback, and make an impact by getting pressures and sacks. Former first-round pick Dee Ford missed 10 games last season, and quite frankly hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. The Chiefs could cut or trade him (as long as he passes his physical) and save just over $8 million that could be used elsewhere.

Tamba Hali is aging and is likely a candidate to be cut in order to create more cap space ($8 million). Frank Zombo has never been the most talented rusher on the roster, but plays his role very well on special teams and against the run. The Chiefs drafted Tanoh Kpassagnon last year to possibly be a reliable edge rusher. If they feel he’s improved enough they could just make him their second edge rusher across from Houston.

The Chiefs rarely blitzed last season, mostly because their secondary wasn’t as good as it was in years past so getting pressure with four guys needs to be a point of focus this offseason. This is one position that has multiple options both in free agency and in the draft. It’s doubtful that the Chiefs go into next season without making some kind of move at this position.