Kansas City Chiefs Should Target Michael Crabtree in Free Agency

By Dan Schmelzer | Feb 26, 2015

We all know that the Kansas City Chiefs did not throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver in the 2014 season. In an NFL era where we see passing records blown away year-after-year, that is simply a remarkable feat. Quarterback Alex Smith’s dink and dunk style did not give the receivers many chances, but the Chiefs must address their lack of talent at the position this off season, using both free agency and the draft as resources. Michael Crabtree is one free agent receiver that stands out as a viable option for Kansas City.

Crabtree is a six-year NFL veteran who has spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers, after the team selected him with the 10^th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. Crabtree’s best season was in 2012 when he hauled in 85 receptions for 1,105 yards and nine touchdowns. Current Chiefs’ signal caller Alex Smith was the 49ers’ quarterback for over half of that 2012 season, and also throughout the entire 2011 season when Crabtree produced 72 receptions for 874 yards and four touchdowns.

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Smith and Crabtree appeared to have a nice rapport together on the field, before Smith lost his job to Colin Kaepernick in that 2012 season. Crabtree has 26 career touchdown receptions, 12 of which came from the arm of Smith, more than any other passer in the 27-year-old receiver’s career.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported earlier this month that “it seems unlikely” that Crabtree returns to the 49ers. “Crabtree clearly was frustrated with his role at the end of the season, and he recently removed any mention of the 49ers on his Twitter bio, Barrows said. “That was interpreted by some as a signal that he’ll move on.”

Whether his Twitter account is an indication or not, whispers around the league suggest that Crabtree will at least test the free agent market to see what he can get. However, after a 2013 season where he was severely held back by an Achilles injury, and an underwhelming 2014, Crabtree may not be happy with what he finds.

With a tough salary cap situation, and their own free agent players to take care of, the Chiefs are unlikely to be able to pay huge for an upgrade at wide receiver. Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas are nearly locks to return to their respective teams, but even if they did reach the open market, the Chiefs would have to pull off a miracle to be able to afford them. Randall Cobb and even Jeremy Maclin are also likely to receive more money in free agency than the Chiefs will be able to spend.

Crabtree is in the next tier of free agent receivers, and may be looking for to regain value on a one-year “prove-it” deal. Reuniting him with Smith in a comfortable environment could be highly beneficial to both parties.

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

If the Chiefs can land Crabtree in free agency to pair with Dwyane Bowe, and then continue to attack the wide receiver position in the draft, they would drastically improve their receiving core.

While he has not reached the expectations that were placed on him when he was drafted as the 10^th overall pick, Crabtree is still a talented player with plenty of upside. The Chiefs simply need a talent upgrade at the position, and do not have the dollars to spend on more marquee names. At the right price, Crabtree could be the perfect fit for the team.

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