Frantic Free Agency: AFC West Teams Potential Needs, Losses and Landing Spots

Free agency madness is officially about to happen.

The players have agreed to a deal in principle at the time of my writing this, and ESPN reports free agency could happen as soon as this afternoon. With that in mind, let's break down one of the busiest divisions in free agency, the AFC West.  

Denver Broncos

Possible losses: Ryan Harris is an adequate right tackle and definitely worth investment in considering it probably won't take a lot to resign him. After that, things don't look half bad for the Broncos. Brian Dawkins could look for work elsewhere but will just stick around in all likelihood.

Possible signings: Denver's defense was atrocious last year, allowing an incredible 29.4 PPG and an average of over 150 rush yards a game. They are weak at defensive tackle and ignored it during the draft despite knowing they were moving to a 4-3 from the 3-4.

This screams that they are confident they can grab a guy or two from free agency, the best DT available being Brandon Mebane. He is a young at 26 years old and still has ceiling left to explore. The Broncos are only a million under the cap, so they're probably going to have to do some work in their own end to make room for a free agent or two to come in.

Kansas City Chiefs

Possible losses: Tamba Hali was franchised long ago, but for the most part any rumblings on the Chiefs losing Hali in the future are just rumblings. Wiegmann recently said he was going to return for one more year, and only for the Chiefs, and outsider linebacker Mike Vrabel just retired. That leaves the most two important UFA's as Ron Edwards and Shaun Smith, both starting players on the defensive line. The Chiefs are over $30 million under the cap, making the resigning of these solid players all the more likely. Brandon Carr and Wallace Gilberry are must have's for the future, but will be restricted.

Possible signings: This all depends on what perspective you take. The Chiefs could use a truly dominant nose tackle that occupies blockers and blows up run plays. That is exactly who Aubrayo Franklin is, and the Chiefs have the money to make a bid for him while the 49ers do not. Signing him in free agency would be a big win.

Outside of that, a third receiver to pair with Bowe and rookie Jon Baldwin is a priority. Steve Breaston could come cheap, is probably underrated, and has past connections to Hayley from his Arizona days.

Arguably, right tackle is their largest need. Willie Colon would work quite well. They may also look at outside linebackers Matt Roth and Manny Lawson if they do not believe Andy Studdebaker or rookie Justin Houston can be capable starters soon. 

Oakland Raiders

Possible losses: Oh boy. Nnamdi Asomugha is going to end up leaving, seeking a team that he can help propel to the promised land. The Raiders stand virtually no chance of signing him, being a team that cannot get to the promised land in his prime and the small problem that they are already $10 million over the cap.

Robert Gallery has already publicly said he's leaving the Raiders (how many people have said that over the years now?), and that leaves the offensive line in a worse position than it already is. Zach Miller will be highly sought after, and even though he wants to come back to the Raiders, I'm not sure if he'd take a pay cut to do so.

Michael Huff has turned into a very solid safety, and there are some safety starved teams out there. Michael Bush is a good back that they need to pair Darren McFadden with if they plan on being a top rushing team again next year, something Jason Campbell desperately needs, especially considering the vast majority of the Raiders offense came from it's backfield and yards after catch from their running backs.

Possible signings: If the Raiders sign anyone, it should be offensive linemen. Somehow Bush and McFadden were able to run behind the poor blocking they were given last year, a testament to both of their talents. Jason Campbell could barely hold himself upright. The two most notable linemen the Raiders might want are Jared Gaither and Harvey Dahl, both of which would be instant upgrades. It all comes down to money for the Raiders and who they will and will not be able to afford in the end.

San Diego Chargers

Possible losses: The Chargers are one of the teams that could possibly be devastated by free agency. Eric Weddle has quietly become one of the best safeties in football, and with teams like Dallas out there with lots of money to spend and little talent at the position, he will likely be gone.

Perhaps the most disturbing thing is that all three of their starting inside linebackers (that is to say any ILB that started a game for them last year) will hit the market. It just seems unlikely to think they could keep them all. Luckily all indications currently point to Vincent Jackson remaining franchised. Their other two starting wide receivers, Malcolm Floyd and Legedu Naanee are also free agents, and one of them is likely to leave.

Antwan Barnes, an extremely underrated pass rusher, may also leave. Jeromey Clary, the right tackle, will also be allowed to look at his options. The other starting safety Paul Oliver is free to leave along with Jacques Cesaire, a starting defensive end. When it comes down to it, 13 Chargers started more than five games last year on defense, and six of them are up for free agency.

Possible signings: Takeo Spikes is the best linebacker available, and that's good news, but there's a lot of drop off after that may not be able to repair their defense if free agency disaster befalls San Diego. Paul Posluszny plays in the 4-3 and will be in high demand but could easily make the switch.

The Chargers will suffer losses to their current roster, but keeping the majority of their key players is what it comes down to. They are way under the cap, so it will be a part of the strategy in signing the right guys and possibly finding deals on the open market.