Former Raider is still available as a replacement for the ailing Chief before the playoffs

Former Raider is still available as a replacement for the ailing Chief before the playoffs

The Chiefs’ roster is mostly set ahead of the postseason, although the front office can still make a move that will give the team the best chance to win a historic third straight Super Bowl.

WR Justin Watson has struggled this season and showed in Week 16 why he should be on the bench going forward. Although Kansas City has a premier trio at the position in Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown, free agent wideout Hunter Renfrow is an ideal last-minute option that could serve as an insurance policy should any of those three suffer an injury.

Considering how many ailments the Chiefs dealt with in 2024, it would be wise to ensure the offense has as much depth as possible at key positions.

It’s bizarre that Renfrow hasn’t joined a team this season. At just 29 years old, he caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns for the Raiders in 2021, earning a Pro Bowl nomination. Even though he was signed solely as a defensive player to serve as an emergency option, it’s still a acquisition that Brett Veach needs to consider.

Watson has routinely struggled to follow up on deep passes this year. Regardless, he played the second-most snaps of any receiver on the team and only caught 19 total passes. While he’s unlikely to be a key part of the rotation in the playoffs, Renfrow’s sophisticated route running would still be an improvement over what Watson currently offers.

This late in the season, missing a signing would make a big difference in the long-term prospects. However, Veach has insisted he will leave no stone unturned to claim a third straight championship, making Renfrow a legitimate option despite the schedule.

With multiple expiring contracts looming at receiver, signing Renfrow would also allow the coaching staff to evaluate him to determine if he is worth signing for next year’s team. It’s right on the street, so the cost would be minimal.

All in all, there are no real disadvantages, but plenty of advantages. While it’s unlikely, the Chiefs could be better in the most important games if they let Renfrow step into the tires as Watson’s replacement.

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