NFL Free Agency Grades: AFC West
Denver Broncos | Grade: B-
Keeping Justin Simmons on a long-term deal while upgrading at cornerback is a good look for the Broncos under Vic Fangio. Kyle Fuller was a gem of a signing and Ronald Darby is a talented player. Having said that, they lost Phillip Lindsay on the market, a player who was valuable for the offense, while overpaying for Darby and not doing much else. It’s not that what they landed was bad but, rather, that it almost wholly summates what they’ve done this offseason.
Kansas City Chiefs | Grade: B
It’s understandable why the Chiefs let Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz go given their recent injuries and Kansas City undoubtedly made a big splash on the interior of the line with the additions of Joe Thuney, Kyle Long and Austin Blythe. Adding Jarran Reed to the defensive line is another smart signing but, with some holes still to fill and little money left, you can’t give the reigning AFC champs top marks.
Las Vegas Raiders | Grade: D
Free agency made it even more difficult to believe in the notion that Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock have a firm grasp on the future of the Raiders. Their offensive line has been torn down to the studs after being a bonafide strength while they may hve overpaid for Yannick Ngakoue and took swings to further improve the defensive line with Solomon Thomas and Quinton Jefferson. But to make matters worse, signing Kenyan Drake at this point was borderline offensive.
Los Angeles Chargers | Grade: B+
It’s possible that the Chargers overpaid for Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler but it was necessary to protect their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert, and I’m fine with that. Moreover, while Jared Cook is less talented than now-Patriot Hunter Henry, it’s not a massive downgrade. We’ll have to see if they can contend with secondary losses but investing in the future of Herbert is a wise move from where I’m sitting.