Month: February 2024

The Kansas City Chiefs might have won the Super Bowl this season, but that doesn’t mean everything is peachy in Missouri.

In fact, one could argue that Kansas City won in spite of their glaring weaknesses.

There’s a reason why Mahomes played his first away playoff game this season, or why the Chiefs were underdogs in most of their games.

With the offseason coming up, it’s an opportunity for the Chiefs to reload and retool their roster. Of course, that likely means revamping some of their position groups to reload for next season. While all of the talk is around the big time free agents, there’s some under-the-radar players that the team can sign in the offseason.

Chiefs’ needs in 2024 free agency

What do the Chiefs need in the upcoming free agency period? Well, the first and foremost issue to be addressed is the wide receiver position. Kansas City’s wide receiver room was lackluster at best and downright horrendous at worst. Rashee Rice emerged as a possible threat, but Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s maddening inconsistency and Kadarius Toney existing made everything worse.

Another notable area that will need to be addressed is their defense. The Chiefs’ defense arguably carried the team to the Super Bowl, but they’re set to lose multiple players to free agency. Players such as Drue Tranquill, L’Jarius Sneed, Chris Jones, Willie Gay, and Mike Edwards are set to hit free agency.

Left tackle is yet another position that could be due for a change, with Donovan Smith potentially leaving the Chiefs. Considering the talent available in free agency, though, don’t expect the Chiefs to sign a free agent tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

Tyler Boyd, Bengals, WR 

If the Chiefs strategize effectively, they could target some of the premier wide receivers available in free agency. Players like Michael Pittman Jr. and Tee Higgins possess exceptional talent that could significantly enhance Mahomes’ chances of success. Additionally, options like Calvin Ridley or Gabe Davis could also be considered.

Yet, among these possibilities, Tyler Boyd stands out as a potential game-changer for the Chiefs. While he may not rank in the top tier of this year’s wide receiver class, Boyd is a reliable pass-catcher capable of functioning as either a WR2 or even a WR1 within the right offensive system. Depending on their assessment of Rice’s progression, the Chiefs could position Boyd as a primary target or as secondary support.

Furthermore, acquiring Boyd would not only strengthen the Chiefs’ roster but also diminish the arsenal of one of their rivals. By adding Boyd, the Chiefs would not only gain a player of his caliber but also potentially weaken a key weapon in Joe Burrow’s arsenal, further solidifying their position in the league.

Tyron Smith, Cowboys, LT

While it’s true that the Chiefs may not be prioritizing free agency for their left tackle needs, it would be unwise to overlook the opportunity to acquire one of the premier blindside tackles in the league. Tyron Smith’s contract is up for renewal, presenting the Chiefs with a chance to bolster their offensive line.

Last season, Donovan Smith’s performance for the Chiefs was disappointing, marked by numerous penalties and struggles under pressure in crucial moments. For a team renowned for protecting Mahomes, their inability to do so effectively was concerning. While Mahomes excels at evading pressure, neglecting the offensive line is not an option.

Admittedly, there are valid concerns surrounding Tyron Smith’s age and injury history. However, if he proves to be a good fit for Kansas City, they would gain one of the league’s top blindside blockers. Despite his injury setbacks, Smith’s achievements include being named second-team All-Pro and serving as the linchpin of the Cowboys’ formidable offensive line.

Chidobe Awuzie, Bengals, CB

Yet another Bengals player? This time, however, it’s a different story. While L’Jarius Sneed made significant contributions to the Chiefs this season, his future in Kansas City is uncertain. As he heads into NFL free agency, Sneed emerges as one of the top cornerbacks available, attracting attention from multiple teams eager to secure his services.

General Manager Brett Veach will undoubtedly make efforts to retain Sneed, recognizing him as one of the premier lockdown corners in the league. However, contingency plans must be in place in case negotiations don’t yield the desired outcome.

Chidobe Awuzie may not be the top choice among cornerback options. Following an injury in 2022, Awuzie struggled to regain his form with the Bengals last season. Nevertheless, prior to his setback, Awuzie showcased elite skills as a shutdown corner.

In this scenario, the Chiefs are banking on Awuzie’s potential resurgence following a challenging year due to injury. Even if Sneed decides to stay, adding depth to their roster remains a prudent strategy for the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Patrick Mahomes does not strike fans as the typical, garden-variety quarterback. Indeed, his unique playstyle and his ability to come in clutch for his team have mesmerized many.

 

 

In the same vein as his non-conforming style on the gridiron, he also has a car collection that many would not particularly identify as that of a QB of his stature. Although, there are some notable Italian names on that short list.

Starting with the cheapest car on his list, the $35,000 Genesis G70. A luxury sedan with sporty features, Mahomes got his hands on this beauty when he won the Pro Bowl MVP award back in 2019. He should have ideally have a Hyundai car in his collection after he won the Super Bowl MVP award in 2021, but sadly, Hyundai decided against giving out free cars.

 

Mahomes also has a 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan in his garage, and in true Mahomes style, the car comes with unique 26-inch white wheels. Expect Mahomes to deck out anything he can flaunt, especially this British beauty, which costs around $335,000, his second most expensive car.

 

“Stalloni Italiani”: Patrick Mahomes and his stable of Italian behemoths
It wouldn’t be a true superstar’s car collection if it did not have a true superstar of the automobile world. In Mahomes’ case, this space is filled by one of the best cars yet. His crown jewel is a $330,000 2020 Ferrari 812 Superfast, one of the fastest road cars on the earth. Mahomes bought this fine piece of Italian automobile genius after he signed a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs.

He does not stop there either. With his massive contract in place, he also bought his wife and high school sweetheart, Brittany Mahomes, a very expensive gift with wheels. Also from Italy, lady Mahomes received a $200,000 Lamborghini Urus truck. She took to Instagram to post pictures of the truck, and wrote “Nothing like waking up at 8 am to a new car on Monday.”

 

Mahomes seems to have a gifting nature towards those he holds dear. Reportedly, Mahomes bought his father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., a black Cadillac Escalade for his 50th birthday. “Whenever I was young, and he was in MLB, I remember him having the black Escalade,” Mahomes said. “So I ended up getting him one for his birthday.”

Patrick Mahomes has already won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, and now he has a chance to add to the tally. The Kansas City Chiefs finished 1st in the AFC and will enjoy a bye week as the rest of the teams in the playoffs battle it out. However, next week, they will be back on the gridiron for the divisional round. Will the Chiefs blast through whoever steps in front of them, and clinch the Super Bowl?

 

 

From ZERO to HERO: Kelce FLIPS THE SCRIPT, Wins Award He Called “NONSENSE”!

Travis Kelce just pulled off the biggest upset of the year, winning Athlete of the Year at the People’s Choice Awards after SHOCKINGLY calling his nomination “fking nonsense”** months ago!

Remember when Kelce ROASTED the awards show? Yeah, us too. He publicly questioned his inclusion amongst legends like LeBron James and Lionel Messi, even throwing shade at Simone Biles’ husband!

 

But guess what? Kelce walked away a WINNER despite the drama! Did his controversial comments and high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift (who also won BIG) influence the vote?

 

The internet is EXPLODING! Memes are flying, fans are FUMING, and everyone’s asking: WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Was this a calculated move by Kelce to drum up publicity? Did the awards show capitalize on the drama for ratings? The plot THICKENS! ️‍

One thing’s for sure: Kelce’s journey from denouncing the nomination to claiming the award is a VIRAL sensation that’s leaving everyone speechless!

Jason Kelce and wife Kylie Kelce let loose during a recent trip to the Jersey Shore.

The couple were spotted at a local bar in Sea City Isle, New Jersey, over the weekend. A series of social media videos showed Jason, 36, hanging out in a bar with Kylie, 31, by his side.

In one TikTok uploaded on Sunday, February 18, the twosome can be seen chatting. Kylie kept it casual as she rocked a long-sleeved T-shirt, while Jason sported a polar bear–themed winter hat and army green jacket. In another clip from the same outing, Jason chowed down on a hoagie and cheered alongside other patrons as they watched a college basketball game.

The duo’s night out didn’t stop there. Another TikTok video showed Kylie at a bar enjoying some live music. As the band played, she danced on stage and passed out shots to the patrons.

“Let’s hear it for Kylie Kelce, everybody,” the musician said to the crowd. “Our hostess with the mostest tonight!”

Before their night out on the Jersey Shore, the couple participated in several other activities while in town. Earlier on Saturday, Jason attended a charity event hosted by restaurant Mike’s Seafood. The local establishment hosts a 5K called Mike’s Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism to raise money for autism support groups, families of special needs children and special service schools.

 

“JASON KELCE WE LOVE YOU!” the event’s official Facebook page shared alongside pictures of Jason at the event. “Thanks for coming & supporting!”

While many were surprised by Jason’s appearance at the event, owner Mike Monachetti shared that the Kelces always stop by whenever they’re in town.

“Jason and his wife, Kylie, the whole family patronizes Mike’s Seafood, they come in and get takeout [or] they go out back to eat at the Dock Restaurant,” Monachetti said during an interview with 973 ESPN South Jersey on Sunday. “We just feel like we have a strong tie to Jason. His brother, Travis [Kelce], also comes with him, his mom, [Donna Kelce], everybody [in the Kelce family] comes down to Sea Isle City when [Jason] is here in the summertime.”

Jason Kelce and Kylie Kelce. Lisa Lake/Getty Images for Prime Video

Jason’s Jersey Shore antics come shortly after he and Kylie traveled to Las Vegas to cheer on Travis, 34, in Super Bowl LVIII. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in overtime 25-22. After the Chiefs scored the win, Jason joined Travis and his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, to celebrate at several afterparties. While Kylie went to the game, she did not go to any of the nightclubs

Taylor Swift was snapped out and about in Sydney on Tuesday night wearing a black corset top from an affordable designer and an upside-down ‘T’ necklace.

The megastar left the Surry Hills trattoria Pellegrino 2000 wearing the Chicca black top from cult favourite brand House of CB.

She paired the stylish top with a brown belted pleated skirt and a T-bar necklace from jewellery designer Tilly Sveaas.

Taylor Swift style-watchers better be quick if they want to get their hands on the buys as anything the superstar wears sells out in a matter of hours.

Despite her $1billion net worth, Taylor had no qualms sporting the Chicca black top, which is an affordable $169.

Taylor Swift was snapped wearing a black corset top from House of CB for less than $200 while out for dinner in Sydney on Monday night

The superstar wore House of CB’s Chicca black top (left) which is priced at $160 as well as a T-bar necklace from British jewellery designer Tilly Sveaas (right)

The top has threaded ties along the bust that meet in the middle and front-clasping hook and eye fasteners so you can adjust it to be as loose or fitted as you please.

It’s available in XS to L+ in either A-C cup or D-E cup sizes.

Besides the black, the top comes in white with two floral colour ways; ditsy red roses or sweet blue blooms.

Australian customers can order Chicca online through House of Cb with free shipping or find it at Myer or David Jones in-store or online for $176.

Around her neck, Taylor added a touch of gold with British brand Tilly Sveaas’ Gold T-Bar Curb Link Necklace.

The accessory is priced at $590 with a 40cm chain and $695 with a 50cm chain; some fans say the ‘T’ style is likely a subtle tribute to her Superbowl-winning boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Tilly Sveaas’ T-bar collection features a range of similar necklaces with varying chain lengths and widths.

took off in a “getaway car” after his Sept. 24 game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, the two-time Super Bowl champion had made his admiration for Swift known.

Dating back to a 2016 interview when the Kansas City Chiefs tight end said he’d “kiss” Swift during an innocent game, to dishing about his weekend in New York City with the singer that included an appearance on SNL In August, before the NFL season officially kicked off, Kelce sat down with his brother for an episode of their podcast in which the Philadelphia Eagles player asked his brother about the singer — subtly.

When Jason noted that Kelce had “brought back the mustache,” he later asked if his little brother had telling her “I’ve seen you rock the stage at Arrowhead [Stadium]. You might have to come see me rock the stage at Arrowhead and see which one’s a little more lit.”

He added, “We’ll see what happens in the near future.”Days afterward, Kelce opened up about the exciting evening on his podcast.

“I’m enjoying life and I sure as hell enjoyed this weekend,” he said in an episode released Sept. 27.

“Shout out to Taylor for pulling up. That was pretty ballsy,” Kelce admitted before adding, “I just thought it was awesome how everybody in the suite had nothing but great things to say about her — the friends and family. She looked amazing and everybody was talking about her in great light.”

He continued, “To see the slow motion chest bumps, to see the high fives with Mom, to see how, you know, Chiefs kingdom was all excited that she was there — that s— was absolutely hysterical and it was definitely a game I’ll remember, that’s for damn sure.”

Taylor Swift Reacts to Brittany Mahomes Being Named the Most Supportive NFL Wife Among Others

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and admiration, Taylor Swift has voiced her support for Brittany Mahomes, who was recently recognized as the Most Supportive NFL Wife among others. The acknowledgment of Brittany’s dedication and support towards her husband, Patrick Mahomes, has garnered widespread praise and admiration, including from the pop superstar herself.

Taylor Swift, known for her close ties to the Mahomes family and her unwavering support for her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, took to social media to express her delight at Brittany’s well-deserved recognition. In a heartfelt message shared with her millions of followers, Swift commended Brittany for her unwavering commitment to her family and her unwavering support for Patrick Mahomes throughout his career.

“She deserves it,” Swift wrote in her post, accompanied by a photo of Brittany Mahomes with her children cheering on Patrick Mahomes at a Chiefs game. “Bringing all her kids to support their dad is so adorable. Brittany, you’re an inspiration to us all!”

The recognition of Brittany Mahomes as the Most Supportive NFL Wife underscores the crucial role that spouses and partners play in the lives and careers of professional athletes. From attending games and cheering from the sidelines to providing unwavering support during both victories and defeats, NFL wives like Brittany Mahomes exemplify the true meaning of partnership and dedication.

Brittany’s commitment to her family and her unwavering support for Patrick Mahomes has not gone unnoticed by fans and observers alike. Her presence at games, her active engagement on social media, and her visible role as a supportive partner and mother have earned her admiration and respect from fans across the globe.

As the Mahomes family continues to capture hearts both on and off the field, Taylor Swift’s public endorsement of Brittany Mahomes serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family, love, and support in the world of professional sports. With Brittany by his side, Patrick Mahomes has not only found a devoted partner but also a source of strength and inspiration in his journey as an NFL star.

In celebrating Brittany Mahomes’ well-deserved recognition, Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated her unwavering support for the Mahomes family and her deep appreciation for the bond of love and commitment that unites them. As the NFL season progresses, fans can expect to see Brittany Mahomes continue to shine as one of the league’s most supportive and beloved wives.

Kelce, 33, says, “Hoпestly, sports gave me a lot of coпfideпce. I wasп’t the best stυdeпt iп terms of readiпg aпd doiпg math aпd everythiпg.”

Bυt the two-time Sυper Bowl champioп says he “excelled oп the field aпd oп the coυrt,” which helped make him “mυch more coпfideпt iп who I was,” says Kelce. “Beiпg able to jυst get oпto the field or aп eveпt where I kпow I have a lot of coпfideпce, like football, basketball or baseball, that fυeled me.”

Teп seasoпs iп the NFL later, Kelce says he’s feeliпg sυre of himself these days. “My coпfideпce defiпitely bυilt more as my career has excelled, withoυt a doυbt,” he tells PEOPLE.That coпfideпce helped to laпd him a starriпg role iп DIRECTV’s “Overly Direct Sportspersoп” campaigп ahead of the NFL seasoп’s start oп Thυrsday.

Kelce agrees that he’s the perfect gυy for the job. “I woυld say that oп the football field, I’m extremely overly direct, withoυt a doυbt. Especially as a leader, I make sυre everybody’s oп the same page,” he shares.Throυghoυt the campaigп, Kelce calls “foυl” oп faпs’ poor sports-viewiпg habits. “I’m really pυshiпg everybody to go check oυt the DIRECTV Sports Ceпtral featυre where yoυ caп watch NFL games,” he advises, calliпg DIRECTV’s offer “the υltimate football package for football seasoп.”

Kelce is aп admitted “sports fieпd,” he tells PEOPLE.

“I’m a sports faпatic. I absolυtely love jυst throwiпg oп ESPN or the NHL. I’ll always pop a MLB game oп; I’m a hυge Clevelaпd Gυardiaпs faп. Aпd obvioυsly, the NBA is oпe of the most fυп thiпgs to watch. So I’m all over the place, really. Yoυ caп catch me watchiпg aпythiпg.”

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce recently danced close to the line, and potentially crossed it, with comments about how his team has played, and will play, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. His public words, which reflect the things many players and coaches say privately, surely will attract the attention of 345 Park Avenue.

 

 

For now, the NFL has declined comment on the situation.

That’s a common P.R. approach when an organization doesn’t want to draw extra attention to something that currently hasn’t gotten much of it. If the league had no problem with Pierce’s words, saying so likewise would be no problem. If, as we suspect, the league frowns on talking about banging around one of the most popular players in sports and “knocking off the head of the snake,” the NFL won’t want to provide a sound bite that will ricochet around the Internet during a fairly slow week.

It’s safe to assume the Raiders will hear from the league office, now or as the next Raiders-Chiefs game approaches or both. The message will be simple and clear. If any effort to apply extra physicality to Mahomes is detected, flags will be thrown, fined will be levied, and suspensions will be imposed.

Chris Jones is considered to be the top NFL free agent this offseason.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs have 36 pending free agents heading into the 2024 season. On Monday, the football analytics site Pro Football Focus released its list of the top 200 players set to be available. Seven Chiefs players from 2023 made the list.

As mentioned on these pages Monday, the league’s franchise tag window opens on Tuesday and concludes on March 13. The Chiefs’ most likely tag candidate is cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

Let’s round up the seven Chiefs, with some quick analysis below:

No. 1: defensive tackle Chris Jones

PFF: It’s rare for a player of Jones’ caliber to reach unrestricted free agency, and Kansas City did not give up the right to franchise tag him for a second time when the two sides agreed to a reworked contract this past offseason. A tag for Jones would land north of $33 million, which perhaps helps him test the open market for the first time in his career.

Jones is not only one of the best interior pass rushers in the game right now; he’s one of the best ever. He is also capable of lining up outside of tackles as a five-technique, bending around the edge and getting home.

Top free agent comparison: Ndamukong Suh, 2015

No. 10: cornerback L’Jarius Sneed

Sneed was a fixture out wide in 2023 after lining up primarily in the slot over his first three seasons, and he held up quite well in several tough matchups. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo asks a lot of his cornerbacks, and Sneed is sticky in coverage, getting into receivers’ hip pockets and becoming very hard to shake with lateral movement or in the air at the catch point.

Sneed could stand to cut down on penalties, but his aggressive nature would be welcome on many teams, and his inside-outside versatility is a nice benefit, as well.

Top free agent comparison: James Bradberry, 2020

No. 81: linebacker Drue Tranquill

It came as a surprise last offseason when Tranquill’s free agent market didn’t pan out, but he eventually joined the Chiefs on a one-year, $3 million flier. Tranquill is light on his feet and can get washed out of plays against the run, but he more than makes up for it in coverage and as a free rusher. Tranquill has recorded 33 quarterback pressures and 10 sacks dating back to 2022.

As a coverage backer, Tranquill has recorded 36 stops in coverage since 2022, and his 0.85 yards per coverage snap allowed over the span is a top-25 mark. Tranquill possesses the change-of-direction ability to carry running backs on out-breaking routes to the flat, as well as the backpedaling speed to patrol the deep middle in a variety of Tampa 2-esque looks that Steve Spagnuolo likes to deploy and disguise, making his fit and big role in this defense unsurprising despite a lot of draft capital invested at the position in recent years.

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson had a similar profile before signing a one-year, $2.75 million contract in 2021.

Top free agent comparison: Kyzir White, 2022

No. 102: pass rusher Mike Danna

Danna is the epitome of a solid, high-floor player who understands his role, controls his gap and makes plays when they come to him. He’s not the burstiest player off the line but does well to drive opposing tackles back into the pocket. He took on an increased role in 2023 and improved in detaching his hands from blockers to get after the quarterback.

Top free agent comparison: Derek Barnett, 2022

No. 105: linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

Gay is perhaps the best lateral athlete within the Chiefs’ loaded linebacker corps, often drawing the quarterback spy role and earning some of the more challenging coverage responsibilities after starting his career as a pure downhill attacker. The former second-round pick is a quality weakside linebacker who appears to have grown better at reading and reacting, and he also did well in the occasional blitz package dialed up by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Top free agent comparison: Cody Barton, 2023

No. 117: offensive tackle Donovan Smith

Smith struggled in 2023 with oversetting and then losing to the inside, often grabbing defenders and taking penalties once he was beaten. But he’s still a functional pass-protecting left tackle over the course of a season.

Top free agent comparison: George Fant, 2023

No. 148: safety Mike Edwards

Edwards seemingly always forces a turnover if the ball hits his hands. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer carved out a solid role in a Chiefs secondary that utilized a lot of three-safety looks both before and after the loss of Bryan Cook.

My take

Free agency officially begins on March 13, 2024, at 3 p.m. Arrowhead Time, but teams are allowed to start negotiating with free agents (the legal tampering period) on March 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. Arrowhead Time.

Much goes into an organization’s free-agency plan, and things can change quickly, so perhaps general manager Brett Veach pulls a rabbit out of his hat and finds a way to keep Jones and Sneed.

Just considering how much it would take to tag Jones, I think Veach opts to tag Sneed while Jones finally hits the open market (making his representation very happy). Despite his parade comments citing a “three-peat,” my feeling is Jones prices himself out of Kansas City. The tag buys the Chiefs time, and Sneed returns on a nice deal.

All the indications from Tranquill are that he had the best year of his football career (both on and off the field) in Kansas City, so I like him to take a team-friendly contract to remain with the club. Danna is more of a toss-up for me, but I think they drafted Felix Anudike-Uzomah for a reason, and he ends up elsewhere.

I believe another team is going to be willing to give Gay more money than the Chiefs are going to be inclined to match, so it’s likely he’s played his last game in Kansas City. From the vibes of some of his interviews, it seems that he knew that on Super Bowl Sunday.

I see Wanya Morris as the starting left tackle in 2024, and Smith should be somewhere where he can make money and start. I also thought Edwards played well enough to earn more than Veach is going to be willing to pay. And they have been awfully good at drafting defensive backs late.