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NFL Free Agency 2019: 3 targets for each team

By William Schneiderhan

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Le'Veon Bell (26) looks on during the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 10, 2017 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 20: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass in the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game game between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs on January 20, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 20: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass in the third quarter of the AFC Championship Game game between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs on January 20, 2019 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes led the charge for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He won MVP, and the team’s success surprised many. Although they lost to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, the team looks poised to be back with a few roster tweaks.

Adrian Phillips, S

The Chiefs have around $25 million in available cap and that may increase if they cut some players. Signing Phillips would address perhaps the team’s greatest need: a safety.

Eric Berry was out most of the season in 2018, which glorified the need for safety help. However, adding Phillips with a healthy Berry would make a glaring weakness a legitimate strength.

Phillips, a 2018 All-Pro and Pro Bowler, won’t be cheap, but his versatility to play various defensive back positions and even some linebacker would be worth every dime.

Shane Ray, EDGE

Sacking the quarterback wasn’t an issue for the Chiefs in 2018. They were tied for the league-lead with 52. Nine of those came from Justin Houston, but he is a strong cut candidate this offseason.

Therefore, the Chiefs should look to add Ray on a short-term deal. At age 25, newly hired team defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may be able to mold him into a real threat as an edge-rusher, whether that’s from outside linebacker or defensive end.

In Ray’s last full season in 2016, he racked up a career-high eight sacks. With a new team and coaches like Andy Reid and Spagnuolo, he could really re-launch his career.

Jason Verrett, CB

The addition of Phillips would slightly alleviate the dire need for another cornerback for the Chiefs. However, if they miss on him, or if the market is low, they should pursue Verrett.

Again, Verrett is much like Ray where the team could sign him for a short-term deal. He missed all of 2018 due to an Achilles injury, therefore teams may be lukewarm on him after sustaining such a major injury.

The 27-year old is a former Pro Bowl corner, but his health has limited his progression. He would be worth the risk for the Chiefs, and the cornerback pool isn’t too eye-popping this free agent class.

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