The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for an offseason that could redefine their roster strength. While they've explored both star and budget-friendly options, there's an intriguing strategy they might consider: poaching talent from their AFC West rivals. This division has always been fiercely competitive, and snagging players from rival teams could give the Chiefs an edge.
Let's dive into three free agents who could make the jump from an AFC West team to Kansas City, starting with a standout defensive lineman.
John Franklin-Myers
The Denver Broncos pulled off a savvy move by acquiring John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets in 2024. It turned out to be a steal, as Franklin-Myers delivered a career-high seven sacks in his first season with Denver, then upped it to 7.5 sacks last year.
His prowess isn't limited to pass rushing. Franklin-Myers also excelled against the run, ranking as the 25th-best defensive tackle in that category according to Pro Football Focus. His versatility is a major asset; he can play nose tackle or slide out to a 5-tech position to pressure offensive tackles.
With a blend of length, power, and density, Franklin-Myers fits the mold of linemen who have thrived under Chiefs' defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The Chiefs could use his consistent presence up front, and while his market value is projected at $7.9 million per year, Kansas City might still compete for his signature.
Da'Shawn Hand
Next up is Da'Shawn Hand, a veteran defensive lineman who might not be a household name but could significantly bolster the Chiefs' run defense. Hand spent 2025 with the Los Angeles Chargers, matching a career high in tackles for loss and disrupting passing lanes with his knack for batting down passes.
Adding Hand would bring reliability to a position that lacked consistency last season. The Chiefs struggled with injuries, including Omarr Norman-Lott's, which left a gap next to Chris Jones.
Hand is expected to be a cost-effective option, with a projected salary of around $3.9 million annually. With the Chargers extending Teair Tart, the Chiefs have a better shot at landing Hand.
Benjamin St-Juste
Benjamin St-Juste's journey has been one of gradual development, from his Canadian roots to a breakout season with the Chargers. Despite a rocky start with the Washington Commanders, St-Juste found his stride in Los Angeles, earning a solid overall defensive grade of 76.3 and a coverage grade of 77.8 from PFF.
St-Juste's size and length are attributes the Chiefs value in their defensive backs. While he might not start immediately, he could provide crucial depth and coverage skills in sub-packages. Plus, his projected salary of $1.7 million per year makes him an attractive, low-risk option for Kansas City.
By targeting these players, the Chiefs could strengthen their roster while simultaneously weakening their division rivals-a classic win-win scenario in the ever-competitive AFC West.