We’re back with another update for Kansas City Chiefs fans on AFC West rivals. Each week we highlight six recent and relevant stories about Kansas City’s division rivals: two stories each about the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers.
Below you’ll find stories from the week of March 20-26.
Broncos sent a perfect tweet after the Tyreek Hill trade
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
“Fans from every other team in the AFC West were quick to react with celebratory memes on Twitter following the news that the Denver Broncos, Las Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders will no longer have to face Hill twice a season.”
The rest of the AFC West will indeed rejoice as Hill has left the division. Hill gave AFC West teams fits with his playmaking ability. Since 2016, Hill has 2,335 yards from scrimmage, 22 offensive touchdowns, three kick return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown against AFC West opponents.
Broncos traded for Russell Wilson with an extension in mind
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
“Right now, Wilson has a very team-friendly contract with relatively low salary cap hits of $24 million in 2022 and $27 million in 2023. He’s currently scheduled to become a free agent in 2024, but Denver has no plans of letting Wilson hit the market.”
This feels different from when the Broncos got Peyton Manning because everyone knew Manning only had a handful of years left. Wilson, on the other hand, thinks he can play 10 more years. It’s possible we’ll see Wilson in Denver for a long time.
Raiders sign former Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
“The Raiders have signed former Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson. Robinson has spent his entire six-year career in Kansas City, where the former fourth round pick appeared in 97 games with 42 starts.”
The Chiefs say goodbye to Robinson who was a consistent WR3/WR4 for the team over the past five years. Robinson had some pretty solid highlights over the years so it’s sad to see him go to a division rival, but it’s probably time for K.C. to get some new blood at the position anyway.
Raiders have begun contract extension talks with QB Derek Carr
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
“According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, the Raiders have already begun contract talks with Carr. While there is no set date to get a deal done, the expectation is that one will be completed and signed before the start of the season.”
Any doubt that Carr would be the Raiders’ quarterback of the future can go out the window now. He’s the guy in Vegas. He now has Devante Adams at the receiver spot to help him out, too. No excuses, right?
Chargers signing TE Gerald Everett
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
“According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Los Angeles is giving Everett a two-year, $14 million worth up to $13.5 million max, with $8 million guaranteed.”
It’s a light news week for the Chargers who had a busy first week of free agency. One of their latest signings is Everett, who could enjoy a nice career boost with Justin Herbert as his new quarterback.
Checking in on Chargers' Super Bowl odds after first wave of free agency
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“In the first wave of free agency, the Chargers upgraded their roster with the additions of Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Gerald Everett.
After these signings, it improved Los Angeles’ odds of Super Bowl LVII, as they went from 20-to-1 (+2000) to 15-to-1 (+1500), which ties them with the Cowboys and Browns, according to Tipico Sportsbook.”
I’m actually surprised that the Chargers don’t have higher odds considering their roster and Herbert’s talent. Russell Wilson and the Broncos are all the rage right now, but I still think the Chargers are the Chiefs’ biggest threat to winning their seventh-straight AFC West title.
