The AFC West was one of the most fascinating divisions to watch unfold in 2022. The expectations for the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos were all very high. While, the Chiefs cashed in on their second Super Bowl title in four seasons, the Broncos and Raiders underperformed leading to some major changes heading into 2023. The 2022 Chargers had some highs and lows, but ultimately had their season end with a blown 27-point lead in the playoffs.

Key Offseason Dates

March 7th: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Tag on Players.

March 13th-March 15th: During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 14 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 16, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2022 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 15.

March 15th: The 2023 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m., New York time.

Kansas City Chiefs

*Image: Christian Peterson / Getty Images / 2022*

Key Free Agents: LT Orlando Brown, WR Juju Smith-Schuster, DT Derrick Nnadi, DE Carlos Dunlap, OL Andrew Wylie

Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: DE Frank Clark, WR Marquise Valdes-Scantling, RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Draft Picks: 9

Salary Cap Space: $526,422 (per spotrac.com)

Biggest Needs: DE, OT, WR, DT, QB

Despite the fact that the Chiefs are the reigning Super Bowl champions, I expect them to be active this offseason. Figuring out what to do with Orlando Brown will be the team’s number one priority. Brown who is entering his age 27 season could command upwards of $20 million annually on the open market. Brown didn’t miss a start in 2022, and earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nod. The Chiefs used the franchise tag on Brown last offseason paying him $16.6 million in 2022. The Chiefs have the power to use the franchise tag on Brown again, but this time it would cost them around $20 million. Whether it’s Orlando Brown or not, the Chiefs will need to figure out left tackle.

I also expect the Chiefs to clear some space and money this offseason, and that list could be headlined by pass-rusher, Frank Clark. The Chiefs would save close to $21 million if they move on from Clark. Unless the two sides can reach a contract restructure, I can’t see Clark playing on his $20.5 million base salary. Clark had five sacks last season, playing less than 70% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Keep an eye on how the Chiefs elect to tackle to the receiver position. The Chiefs managed to win the Super Bowl with an average receiving core, headlined by guys like Juju Smith-Schuster, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. I expect them to upgrade through free agency, the draft, or via trade. Patrick Mahomes will have some more offensive weaponry in 2023, book it. Also, expect the Chiefs to address their backup quarterback situation with 37-year old Chad Henne announcing his retirement after the Super Bowl.

Los Angeles Chargers

Key Free Agents: S Nasir Adderley, CB Bryce Callahan, WR Deandre Carter, LB Drue Tranquill, LB Kyle Van Noy

Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: WR Keenan Allen, TE Gerald Everett, G Matt Feiler

Draft Picks: 7

Salary Cap Space: -19.6 million (per spotrac.com)

Biggest Needs: WR, S, TE, CB, DE

The Chargers find themselves in a difficult position financially after spending big on CB J.C. Jackson, DE Khalil Mack, WR Mike Williams, and S Derwin James in 2022. The Chargers have been doing everything they can to guarantee success while QB Justin Herbert is on his rookie deal. Aggression has been a constant theme for the Chargers, but could the spending stop in 2023?

I don’t envision a true spending spree for the Chargers in 2023, but their roster could be re-tooled after a select few moves. One that might not be too popular amongst Chargers fans is the release of WR Keenan Allen. He’s coming off a 2022 season in which he missed seven games due to injuries. Allen, who is entering his age 31 season, would save the Chargers $21 million in cap space if released. A contract restructure could also be in the cards for Allen if he’s willing to take a substantial pay cut. Chargers TE Gerald Everett could also find himself in a similar situation as Allen, especially if the Chargers could look to upgrade at the TE spot. The draft might be the best place for the Chargers to upgrade their skill-position players.

S Nasir Adderley’s future with the Chargers seems quite uncertain. He could receive over $8 million annually in free agency. With that being said, I’d be surprised if the Chargers keep him in LA next season. Adderley has been one of the few bright spots of the Chargers secondary, as he’s played over 90% of the defensive snaps for three consecutive seasons.

Las Vegas Raiders

*Image: Steph Chambers / Getty Images / 2022*

Key Free Agents: QB Derek Carr (released), RB Josh Jacobs, DT Jerry Tillery, WR Mack Hollins, CB Rock Ya-Sin, CB Anthony Averett, DE Clelin Ferrell

Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: WR Hunter Renfrow, TE Darren Waller, C Andre James

Draft Picks: 9

Salary Cap Space: $46.3 million (per spotrac.com)

Biggest Needs: QB, OG, S, CB, OT

Derek Carr did not fit in with Josh McDaniels’ offensive scheme, which ultimately led to his release. The Raiders offseason could go in a number of different ways, especially in regard to the quarterback position. The Raiders have the cap space and the roster to take a shot at a veteran quarterback option. Some veteran choices could be Aaron Rodgers or Jimmy Garoppolo. Head Coach Josh McDaniels is familiar with Garoppolo from his time in New England, and Aaron Rodgers and star receiver Davante Adams were very close in Green Bay. Both would present the Raiders with win-now options. But, they also could take a look at a quarterback during the Draft with the seventh overall-pick. They would likely have an opportunity to draft a top-three quarterback. Drafting a quarterback buys Josh McDaniels some time, and could allow the Raiders to reset for the imminent rebuild.

After the quarterback position is figured out, the Raiders will need to make a decision on the league’s leading rusher, Josh Jacobs. After a career season in which Jacobs rushed for over 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns, he’ll have plenty of suitors. Franchising Jacobs would cost the Raiders about $10 million in 2023. Josh McDaniels saw the Patriots cycle through countless running backs during his tenure in New England, will he do the same thing in Vegas and let Jacobs out of town? Jacobs may not be the only skill-position player that could find himself leaving Las Vegas. Keep an eye on TE Darren Waller. He’s coming off a season in which he was held to 28 receptions in nine games. Waller signed a $51 million extension last year, but, there was clearly a rift between Waller and the team in 2022. The Raiders would save about $4 million if he’s released.

Offense may draw headlines with the Raiders, but the reality is that defense, specifically the secondary should be a priority for the Raiders. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, having solid secondary play is a must. Expect the Raiders to spend some significant capital on their secondary this offseason.

Denver Broncos

Key Free Agents: DE Dre’Mont Jones, OG Dalton Risner, LB Alex Singleton, S Kareem Jackson, OT Cameron Flemming

Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: RB Chase Edmonds, OG Graham Glasgow, DT Mike Purcell, WR Jerry Juedy

Draft Picks: 5

Salary Cap Space: $11.9 million (according to spotrac.com)

Biggest Needs: OT, CB, DE, DT, RB

The 2022 Broncos underachieved more than any team in the NFL. Getting Russell Wilson back on track is a priority for this team, especially after the team gave him a $242 million contract extension last September. The Broncos getting Sean Payton on board was a great first step, but the roster still has some work to be done.

The offensive line presents the biggest question mark for the team heading into 2023. With uncertainty at OG with Risner heading into free agency, and with LT Garett Bolles returning from season-ending surgery. The Broncos don’t have the draft capital to take a high end offensive lineman, so expect them to make some upgrades via free agency. Bringing back Risner would be beneficial and likely affordable, at around $10 million per season. Risner has been a staple on the Broncos’ offensive line the last four seasons, playing over 90% of the offensive snaps each season.

WR Jerry Juedy’s name has been brought up in potential trade talks, but keeping young talent at the skill-player position is likely in the fold for Head Coach Sean Payton. While Juedy would likely land the Broncos a second-round pick, I can’t imagine Payton taking away an offensive playmaker for Russell Wilson. I imagine that Payton is going to want to maximize Juedy’s talent, not trade him. But, with Sean Payton and the helm, nothing can be ruled out, so at the minimum it is a possibility.