Chiefs' Biggest Keys To Having Successful NFL Offseason

With two Super Bowl titles in the past four years, the Kansas City Chiefs have a prime opportunity to become a dynasty. In the 2023 season, they'll have a strong chance to win yet another championship, considering they'll return key pieces such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and head coach Andy Reid.

But that doesn't mean this offseason isn't important for the Chiefs. They can't not make moves just because they're coming off a Super Bowl-winning season.

There are still ways for Kansas City to improve its roster, especially with some key players about to hit the free-agent market. So it will have a few items on its offseason to-do list in order to set itself up for more success in 2023.

Here are the biggest keys to the Chiefs having a successful offseason.

Promote Nagy to Offensive Coordinator

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Eric Bieniemy had been Kansas City's offensive coordinator for the past five seasons, and he'd been on the team's staff since 2013. However, the 53-year-old won't be back in 2023, as he was recently hired by the Washington Commanders to become their offensive coordinator.

Now, the Chiefs need to decide on Bieniemy's replacement. And they may already have a prime candidate on head coach Andy Reid's staff in Matt Nagy.

After serving as the Chicago Bears' head coach from 2018-21, Nagy came to Kansas City for the 2022 season as the team's senior assistant/quarterbacks coach. He may not have had a ton of success in Chicago, but the 44-year-old has thrived in his history as an assistant.

Although Reid calls the offensive plays for the Chiefs, it's still important for him to have an offensive coordinator who can help maximize the potential of the unit, like Bieniemy did. It sure seems like Nagy could be a great fit for that role, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport already reported that Nagy has quickly emerged as "the top choice." So maybe a promotion is coming in the near future.

Replenish the Receiving Corps

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in action during an NFL Divisional Playoff football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Kansas City traded star wide receiver Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins last offseason, then still went on to win a Super Bowl title. The Chiefs never replaced Hill with a true No. 1 WR, either, but they brought in key free agents such as JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling and drafted Skyy Moore.

Valdes-Scantling, Moore and Kadarius Toney will be back in 2023. But Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman are both set to become free agents, so Kansas City will need to add a receiver or two via free agency, the draft or trade this offseason.

With the Chiefs projected to be $3.5 million over the salary cap (per Over The Cap), they may not be able to sign a No. 1 wide receiver of Hill's caliber. But they'll likely need to bring in at least one more strong WR in order for the unit to reach its potential.

Mahomes always leads the offense to success, even if the receiving corps isn't the most impressive in the league. However, he could put up larger numbers if Kansas City addresses the position in notable fashion this offseason.

Bring Back Brown to Keep Offensive Line Strong

AP Photo/Steve Luciano

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94) in action against the Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (57) during the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

Since Orlando Brown Jr. came to Kansas City via a trade with the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the 2021 season, he's stabilized the left side of the Chiefs' offensive line. Brown has started every game for Kansas City over the past two years, earning Pro Bowl selections each season.

The 26-year-old is now set to hit free agency this offseason. And with how well Brown has played, he could get a big payday on the market. However, there's a chance he won't actually become available.

According to The Athletic's Nate Taylor, the Chiefs are "expected" to use the franchise tag on Brown for the second straight offseason. That means he'd play on a one-year deal once again in the 2023 campaign.

It's not a long-term solution, but it makes sense. Kansas City is in win-now mode, and Brown does a tremendous job of protecting Mahomes' blind side. As long as the Chiefs bring back Brown, it will be considered a successful move this offseason.