NFL Free Agency 2022: The worst move made by all 32 teams

NFL Free Agency: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
NFL Free Agency: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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NFL Free Agency
NFL Free Agency; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates during the second half of the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs worst move in 2022 NFL Free Agency

Letting Tyrann Mathieu walk and replacing him with Justin Reid

The Kansas City Chiefs have had a tough offseason, in general.

Trading Tyreek Hill was a strong consideration on this list, but it’s hard to fault the Chiefs for drawing a line in the sand for a player who has a checkered past and who is already 28.

As huge as losing Hill is for the Kansas City offense, I don’t think enough attention is being paid to just how big of a loss Tyrann Mathieu is for their defense.

Obviously, the league is a bit lower on Mathieu than the masses. Nobody has signed the Honey Badger and we’re into the month of April already.

Still, Mathieu was a catalyst for that Chiefs defense. He found ways to come up with huge plays time and time again, and it wasn’t like the Chiefs just couldn’t afford him.

They went out and signed Justin Reid to replace him in their defense. While Reid has shown to be a very solid player at times early on in his career, he’s coming off of some down years with the Houston Texans.

The Chiefs not only have to replace Mathieu’s production but also the leadership qualities and intangibles he added on that side of the ball. It may prove to be more difficult than they anticipate.