After what was arguably the most surprising, twisting and drama-filled post-season in the history of the NFL, a well-deserved recovery period was needed for the gridiron fans among us. But recovery only takes so long. The 2022-23 season began just over a week ago, and with it came one of the most exciting periods in sport – NFL free agency and the trade market’s opening. With the majority of key season-defining moves made by now, it’s time to review the state of what could potentially be the first ever division to host four playoff teams – the 2022 AFC West.

 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: B-

Notable Additions: WR Juju Smith-Schuster, WR Marques Valdes-Scantling, S Justin Reid

Notable Departures: WR Tyreek Hill, CB Mike Hughes, WR Demarcus Robinson

What will obviously dominate headlines for the Chiefs is the loss of star receiver Tyreek Hill, who undoubtedly helped elevate QB Patrick Mahomes’ game as the fastest wideout in the league. Whilst Mahomes and the Chiefs will severely miss his route-running and explosive speed, the haul of 5 draft picks that they received for him will likely be used to draft a top receiver in the upcoming draft, of which there are many, or to swing a trade for Seahawks star DK Metcalf – who now looks to join a Super Bowl contender after Seattle have firmly moved into rebuild mode. Short-term, the Chiefs clearly suffer in losing a top 5 receiver in football, but long-term, with Hill approaching 30, the move may turn out to be one they can accept.

Elsewhere, the signing of Juju Smith-Schuster helps Kansas City remain boastful of a top offensive unit in the NFL, but clearly neither he nor Valdes-Scantling can replace the game changing ability of star man Hill. The signing of safety Justin Reid, likely to replace the seemingly outgoing Tyrann Mathieu, is a shrewd one, too. Had the rest of the division not levelled up massively, with all 3 opposing teams strengthening on paper, the Chiefs’ offseason would perhaps not look so negative.

 

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: B+

Notable Additions: WR Davante Adams, WR Demarcus Robinson, DT Vernon Butler

Notable Departures: QB Marcus Moriata, LB Marquel Lee, WR Zay Jones

The Raiders sent shockwaves around the league in their acquisition of the league’s best wideout Davante Adams, giving him $141m over the next 5 years, which until Hill’s completed contract with the Dolphins was the largest receiver contract in NFL history. Whilst it’s unquestionably a huge sum for a non-quarterback, it remains Davante Adams that we are talking about: a record breaker in all rights. His signing elevates the Raiders to deep playoff contention.

The Raiders have beefed up their interior, too, adding defensive tackles Butler and Nichols, both of which should make this Las Vegas defence a scary prospect in the upcoming campaign; Something that could not be said last season. However, the biggest signing for Vegas likely is their head coach Josh McDaniels – an offensive coach likely to bolster and add new ideas to an exciting offensive unit for Vegas. Their offseason is among the strongest in the league but is unfortunately bettered elsewhere in the division.

 

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: A-

Notable Additions: CB J.C. Jackson, OLB Khalil Mack, TE Gerald Everett

Notable Departures: DT Justin Jones, LB Kyler Fackrell

With franchise quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm in L.A, there is little doubt as to the potential of this offensive unit. In head coach Brandon Stanley, they have consistency, a rare asset in today’s NFL – particularly seen by the Raiders and Broncos in their own division. The priority was to aggressively pursue offensive linemen for LAC, and that is exactly what they did. Signing Khalil Mack, who recorded 19 combined tackles in 2021, adds to Joey Bosa to create backup for Herbert that he hasn’t seen in his rookie or sophomore campaigns – an important step to creating a Super Bowl challenger.

Perhaps the most important piece of offseason work for the Chargers was not a new signing, however, but the retention of free agent wideout Mike Williams, who remains Joe Herbert’s most reliable deep option. His stay in LAC is extended, firming up an extremely enticing offensive scheme in the City of Angels, which has also bolstered its defensive side with cornerback J.C. Jackson – considered probably the best available by consensus. It rounds up a brilliant offseason for L.A, who firmly push themselves into Super Bowl contention.

 

DENVER BRONCOS: A

Notable Additions: QB Russell Wilson, DT D.J. Jones, CB K’Waun Willianms

Notable Departures: QB Teddy Bridgewater, QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant

The Broncos have their quarterback. Their first legitimate franchise quarterback since the departure of the great Peyton Manning, Wilson looks to challenge for the Vince Lombardi with immediate effect. Denver is now poised to make a huge step forward offensively, with elite young options at receiver, the promising Albert Okwuegbunam at tight end, and young stud running back Javonte Williams at the former Super Bowl Champ’s service. Be warned: this offense is not one to take lightly this season.

In the trade with Seattle, Denver lost tight end Fant and defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two pieces that were part of last year’s starting unit for the mediocre broncos. Denver recovered their defensive line with the acquisition of D.J. Jones, a highly touted lineman, and remain high on their young buck Okwuwegbunam, who missed the majority of his last two seasons to injury. Denver are now an all-around top team, and the AFC West will be sure to treat them with the respect they deserve: that of a Super Bowl contender.