A five-time Pro Bowler and other WRs the Chiefs should target this offseason

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13)

The Chiefs captured their third championship in five years on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, but there’s still room for improvement. Per Pro Football Reference, Kansas City finished with the most drops (44) in the league.

The Chiefs must acquire better pass-catchers to become the first team in league history to win three straight Super Bowls. Here are three wide receivers they should target this offseason.

1. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers   Since they dealt Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, the Chiefs have been looking for a bona fide No. 1 WR. Evans would certainly fill this void. In 10 seasons with the Buccaneers, he’s eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark every year. In 2023, he tied for first in the league in receiving TDs (13 in 17 games), earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod.

The 30-year-old enters free agency in March. Spotrac estimates his market value is a four-year deal worth $23.8M annually. This could be a stretch for the Chiefs, as they’re projected to have $22.63M in cap room. Regardless, K.C. should try to make it happen. Just imagine a trio featuring Evans, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.

2. Troy Franklin, Oregon Tankathon projects the Chiefs will take Franklin with the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. During his final season with Oregon, he recorded 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 TDs, the third-most in the FBS.

NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah pointed out he must overcome drops but raved about his quickness. “Franklin piles up yards after the catch because of his pure speed,” he wrote.

Speedy WRs, like Hill and DeSean Jackson, have thrived in head coach Andy Reid’s offense. Kansas City could use someone who generates game-changing plays. The Chiefs averaged 6.9 yards per pass attempt this past season, 19th in the league.

3. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals Higgins underperformed in 2023, posting career lows in receptions (42) and receiving yards (656) in 12 games. It’s worth noting that rib and hamstring injuries hindered the former second-round pick. In his first three seasons with the Bengals, the 25-year-old surpassed the 1,000-yard mark twice.

In 2022, the Chiefs signed former Pro Bowler JuJu Smith-Schuster to a one-year deal, helping him salvage his career. Reid and company could do the same with Higgins if Cinncinati doesn’t re-sign him and lets him hit free agency.

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