The #Chiefs will have to negotiate these four key situations during the 2024 offseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions for the first time in franchise history, and the first team since the 2003-04 New England Patriots to hoist Lombardi Trophies in consecutive seasons.
It is now time for the Chiefs to focus on free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. Two of Kansas City’s top contributors, Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed, are set to hit the open market, and with just over $27 million in cap space available, it may prove to be difficult for the Chiefs to retain both of them.
Kansas City is in the midst of a dynasty, and the Chiefs haven’t been afraid to sacrifice key pieces to keep their championship window open.
With that in mind, take a look at the most important situations the Chiefs will have to address this offseason:
Kansas City #Chiefs offensive lineman Nick Allegretti told Jim Rome that he played through a torn UCL in Super Bowl LVIII.
The Kansas City Chiefs relied on their depth throughout the strenuous 2023 season. Injuries to starters threatened the team’s chances of another championship, but invaluable performances from backups like offensive lineman Nick Allegretti have kept them on top of the NFL.
The absence of All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was a concern heading into the matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, but Allegretti filled in successfully. He recently appeared as a guest on the Jim Rome Show to reveal a significant injury he dealt with in the Super Bowl LVIII victory.
“I haven’t suffered an injury like that until then, I immediately knew,” Allegretti explained. “It was something that you heard a pop, you felt it, and knowing minimal about anatomy, knew that something was wrong in my elbow because my elbow is not supposed to bend that way.
“Fortunately, we had the two-minute warning, and I had a couple (of) seconds to gather myself, figure out that my arm (was) still bent, and I was able to go. It was a tough situation, but fortunate enough, I was able to still play.”
Allegretti managed to still play effectively despite the injury to his UCL, not allowing a sack in the overtime period as Patrick Mahomes led the game-winning drive.
“I was probably playing at about a five,” Allegretti said, rating his pain from 1 to 10. “It was one of those things that I could confidently use the arm, knowing that, most likely, the UCL was already gone, so I wasn’t going to tear it any worse. So, if I could deal with the pain, I could play. So it was one of those things.”
The veteran offensive lineman was clutch and showed tremendous grit to finish the game. His performance in relief is a reminder of how much the team played for one another this season.
Kansas City will be down a First-Team All-Pro and a standout from last year’s Super Bowl win.
The Kansas City Chiefs are relatively healthy as they seek to become the first team to capture back-to-back world championships since the 2003-04 New England Patriots in Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers, but they will be down a couple of impactful players.
First-Team All-Pro starting right guard Joe Thuney, who suffered a pectoral injury in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills, missed the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. There was hope he’d return for the Super Bowl, but that optimism ended on Saturday.
Thuney was placed on the injured reserve as running back Jerick McKinnon was activated in his place. With Thuney out, experienced backup Nick Allegretti will make another start, the 18th of his career.
However, Thuney isn’t the only player who is set to miss the game.
Receiver Kadarius Toney — who hasn’t played since a Week 15 win over New England and has been inactive in every postseason game so far — will not play Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney, who scored a touchdown during Kansas City’s Super Bow win over Philadelphia one year ago, is not expected to play today for Super Bowl LVIII, per league source. Toney was off the final Super Bowl LVIII injury report.https://t.co/rc099JWYD0
Toney drew some attention following the AFC championship when he seemingly suggested during an Instagram livestream that he was not injured as the Chiefs had indicated on their weekly reports.
He was not listed on the injury report during the lead-up to the Super Bowl. Coach Andy Reid said he had been practicing, but his status remained up in the air.
Toney was a standout in last year’s Super Bowl win over the Eagles, catching a touchdown pass. However, he has struggled to stay on the field this season, both due to injuries and mistakes. He appeared in 13 games with two starts but made just 27 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown.
ACC alumni take stage at Super Bowl 2024, highlighting the conference’s deep impact on the NFL.
As Super Bowl LVIII draws near, the spotlight intensifies not only on the competing teams and their marquee players but also on the paths that forged these athletes into today’s pros of the gridiron.
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) stands out with a notable presence; Georgia Tech, Miami, and Clemson each boast a pair of alumni, asserting the conference’s influence. Meanwhile, Duke, NC State, and Virginia Tech contribute one player apiece, bringing the ACC’s total representation to an impressive nine active players for the big game.
Leading the charge from the ACC is Joe Thuney, an NC State graduate, who anchors the offensive line for the Kansas City Chiefs with exceptional skill and consistency.
Deon Bush, a former Miami Hurricane whose college career was marked by consistent recognition, including multiple All-ACC honors. Both Thuney and Bush won a Super Bowl in 2022 with the Chiefs.
Joining Bush from the Chiefs is Jon Feliciano, another Miami product, whose massive presence on the offensive line was heralded during his time in the ACC.
The kicking game often flies under the radar but holds immense importance, as demonstrated by Harrison Butker, a Georgia Tech alumnus. Butker’s record-breaking career with the Yellow Jackets set the stage for his ascendancy in the NFL. Butker’s leg could very well be the deciding factor.
Not to be overshadowed, the San Francisco 49ers boast their own ACC talent with runningback Jordan Mason, a force to be reckoned with from Georgia Tech.
Chamarri Conner, hailing from Virginia Tech, brings tenacity and sharp defensive instincts to the Chiefs’ backfield. Noah Gray, a former Duke Blue Devil, adds depth and versatility to the 49ers’ offense. Gray is remembered by Duke fans for his reliable hands.
Justyn Ross and Ray-Ray McCloud III are both former Clemson standouts at wide receiver and are also both members of the 49ers.
The ACC’s influence on the grandest stage of American football continues to expand annually, showcasing the depth and talent within the conference. This year, however, it’s the SEC that dominates the roster representation with an impressive twenty-three players, claiming the top spot among conferences at the Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Deon Bush, DB – Miami
Harrison Butker, K – Georgia Tech
Chamarri Conner, DB – Virginia Tech
Noah Gray, TE – Duke
Derrick Nnadi, DT – Florida State (Injured Reserve)
Justyn Ross, WR – Clemson
Joe Thuney, G – NC State
Cornell Powell, WR – Clemson (Practice Squad)
San Francisco 49ers:
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jon Feliciano, OL – Miami
Clelin Ferrell, DL – Clemson (Out)
Jordan Mason, RB – Georgia Tech
Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR – Clemson
T.Y. McGill, DL – NC State (Practice Squad)
Jackson and the Ravens offense imploded with three turnovers, and the team is 0-8 in team history when committing three or more turnovers in the postseason.
Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Baltimore tied a season-low with 10 points.
The consensus favorite for NFL MVP, Jackson will have to wait another year to escape the notion that he’s unable to win games in the most crucial moments.
With a critical offseason and major decisions ahead, the Ravens cleaned out their lockers and had exit interviews with the coaching staff. Afterward, they met with the media, and here are the instant reactions.
The consensus favorite for NFL MVP, Jackson will have to wait another year to escape the notion that he’s unable to win games in the most crucial moments.
Jackson and the Ravens offense imploded with three turnovers, and the team is 0-8 in team history when committing three or more turnovers in the postseason.
Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as Baltimore tied a season-low with 10 points.
With a critical offseason and major decisions ahead, we’re looking at takeaways and observations from the shocking loss.
We’re looking at ten takeaways from the first half as the Kansas City Chiefs hold a 17-7 lead over the Baltimore Ravens
The Chiefs heard all the noise and responded upon entering M&T Bank Stadium, jumping out to an early lead on the Baltimore Ravens and taking a 17-7 lead into halftime.
Sunday is the 5th time the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens have trailed by double digits at halftime (0-4 in the first four games).
Three other times, it has been vs. the Chiefs (2019 and 2020).
Kansas City answered the questions about Baltimore’s physicality, attacking the Ravens in the trenches on both sides of the football.
With the second half underway, we’re looking at takeaways from the first half.
Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce tried to chump Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and make him move so Patrick Mahomes can warm up
We’re a little over an hour away from the Ravens and Chiefs kicking off the AFC title game, and star tight end Travis Kelce just added some drama to the contest.
Baltimore’s All-Pro kicker, Justin Tucker was down in the Chiefs end of the field warming up with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce and the Kansas City offense took the field for some early pregame warmups of their own.
Travis Kelce told Justin Tucker he needed to move because their QB Patrick Mahomes had to warm up. So Kelce kicked his ball away and threw his helmet. 😂 pic.twitter.com/pFF0DC1yA7
After watching Mahomes take a couple of dropbacks with Tucker still stretching, and his helmet in the Chiefs way, Kelce took upon himself to tell the kicker to move, while tossing his helmet.
Social media reacts to everything, and this altercation was no different.
Ravens vs. Chiefs inactives: Baltimore to employ 9 defensive backs against Kansas City
We’re a little over an hour away from the Ravens and Chiefs battling for the AFC Championship game, and Baltimore has 9 defensive backs active aganst the Kansas City offense.
Mark Andrews and Marlon Humphrey are officially active.
We’re looking at five reasons why the Baltimore Ravens will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game
The time has come, and we’re a little over 3 hours from one of the biggest AFC Championship tilts in NFL history when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium.
Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.
Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
With pregame warmups already underway, we’re looking at five reasons the Ravens will win the AFC Championship.
