Chiefs can address expected linebacker departures in free agency

A look at three replacement options at the linebacker position for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seahawks SAM Mychal Kendricks

Kendricks has a myriad of problems that makes him a less-than-ideal candidate for most teams, but a perfect candidate for Kansas City. He’s currently awaiting sentencing for an insider-trading scandal and he tore his ACL in Week 17 of the 2019 season. These should be red flags all the way, but the salary-cap-strapped Chiefs could look to add Kendricks on a prove-it style contract. They have familiarity with the player because Kendricks was drafted by Andy Reid with the Eagles in 2012.

The 29-year-old would be a good replacement option for Reggie Ragland, that is if he can stay healthy and avoid jail time. Kendricks has experience playing the SAM linebacker in a 4-3 under scheme. He also had a standout season in 2019 prior to his injury, recording 71 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, four passes defended and an interception.