Let’s check in on the Kansas City Chiefs’ division rivals in the AFC West after the first week of free agency:
Las Vegas Raiders
At one point, edge rusher Maxx Crosby appeared to be headed to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the 14th-overall pick this year and a 2027 first-round pick. However, on Tuesday night, the Ravens decided not to move forward with the deal.
Baltimore ultimately backed out of the reported agreement, and Crosby will seemingly continue to don the Silver and Black for the 2026 season.
Crosby will have a new teammate alongside him in the trenches. Former Indianapolis Colts’ first-round pick, defensive end Kwity Paye is joining Raider Nation on a three-year, $48 million deal after recording four sacks and nine quarterback hits last season.
On Monday, the Raiders were busy spending money, needing to upgrade the roster with the thought of Crosby gone. One of their biggest priorities was addressing the offensive line. Center Tyler Linderbaum — a three-time Pro Bowler for the Ravens — signed a three-year, $81 million deal to anchor the middle of the line. Linderbaum, played a key role during quarterback Lamar Jackson’s most-recent MVP season.
The Raiders also made a move in the secondary, acquiring Taron Johnson and a seventh-round pick from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a sixth-round pick. Since 2022, Johnson has led all cornerbacks with 122 defensive stops.
The defense improved further with the additions of linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker. Formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dean signed a three-year, $36 million contract, while Walker — once a first-round pick by the Green Bay Packers — agreed to a three-year, $40.5 million deal. Dean recorded a career-high four sacks last season but appeared in only 10 games. Walker played 14 games and finished with a career-high 128 combined tackles.
Dean and Walker previously played together in college at the University of Georgia and were both selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Players returning to the team include cornerback Eric Stokes, who signed a three-year, $35 million deal, and edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, who agreed to a one-year, $11 million contract.
Quarterback Geno Smith was traded to the New York Jets for a sixth-round pick, bringing his time with the Raiders to an end. As the saying goes in Raider Nation, “Once a Raider, always a Raider.”
Other signings
- Wide receiver Jalen Nailor (three-year $35 millioin)
- Kicker Matt Gay
- Fullback Connor Hayward
- Wide receiver Dareke Young
Denver Broncos
The Broncos haven’t been active in free agency so far, focusing mainly on re-signing players from last year’s roster.
Running back J.K. Dobbins was the most surprising player to return, agreeing to a two-year, $16 million deal. Dobbins rushed for 772 yards and scored four touchdowns before his season was cut short by a Lisfranc ligament tear in his left foot.
In Dobbins’ absence, rookie backup running back R.J. Harvey proved he could handle the additional workload, helping the Broncos reach the AFC Championship Game. The team also re-signed running back Jaleel McLaughlin to a one-year deal.
Other re-signings include linebacker Alex Singleton (two years, $15.5 million), linebacker Justin Strnad (three years, $18 million), wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey (one-year deal), and fullback Adam Prentice (one-year deal).
One of the biggest surprises by the Broncos organization was the release of linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Greenlaw spent one season in Denver, appearing in eight games while recording one forced fumble and one interception.
Los Angeles Chargers
In my last Around the AFC West, I wrote that outside linebacker Khalil Mack would hit free agency; well, that didn’t happen. The Chargers brought Mack back on a one-year, $18 million deal. Mack clearly believes the Chargers have what it takes to contend for a Super Bowl.
Other players returning include linebacker Denzel Perryman, cornerback Deane Leonard, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, offensive tackle Trevor Penning, and Trey Pipkins III.
Los Angeles also strengthened its offensive line by signing center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal. Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Cole Strange added depth to the line after agreeing to a two-year, $13 million contract.
Other signings include:
- Fullback Alec Ingold (two years, $7.5 million)
- Tight end Charlie Kolar (three years, $24.3 million)
- Running back Keaton Mitchell (two years, $9.25 million)
