2023 NFL Free Agency: What’s Next for the Super Bowl Champs?

This article will cover each impactful offensive player that will be a 2023 free agent in the AFC West. Each section will show how much cap space every team has going into the offseason and the percentage of snaps each key free agent has played in 2022. Finally, we will touch on the potential impact these free agents could have on the team if they were to leave in free agency this offseason. For example, if Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman leave this off-season, how will this impact the Kansas City Chiefs receiving core behind Travis Kelce in 2023?

Team: Denver Broncos
2023 Cap Space: $11.9 million under
Notable Free Agents:

1. The Denver Broncos could be looking at a complete rebuild of the offensive line under new Head Coach Sean Payton as three key players in swing tackle Cameron Fleming, left guard Dalton Risner, and right tackle Billy Turner are free agents.
2. Heading into 2023, starting running back Javonte Williams will be coming off a serious leg injury which could thrust the RB2 in Denver into a prominent role early on next season. Both backup running backs Latatvius Murray and Mike Boone are free agents this offseason. Resigning Murray makes the most sense as he has experience in Sean Payton’s system from his days in New Orleans. However, keep an eye on Chase Edmonds, a talented pass catcher who could fill a Reggie Bush/Darren Sproles-type role in this offense.

Team: Kansas City Chiefs
2023 Cap Space: $526 thousand dollars under
Notable Free Agents:

1. After rebuilding their offensive line just two years ago it looks like the Chiefs will once again have to go back to the drawing board. Both starting tackles Orlando Brown and Andrew Wylie are free agents who could provide an issue with their limited cap space heading into this offseason.
2. Last offseason, the Chiefs made a splash by trading top wide receiver Tyreek Hill and did a great job filling that void on their way to a Super Bowl. They will have to do it again this offseason, as four of their six top targets will be free agents. These departures could mean big things for Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore in 2023.

Team: Los Angeles Chargers
2023 Cap Space: $19 Million Dollars Over
Notable Free Agents:

1. The Chargers are in a bind this offseason as they are 19 million over the cap. The situation only worsens when you factor in that Justin Herbert is in line for a monster payday as soon as this season. This could lead to players like Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett being cap casualties this year. However, if this does happen, look for players like Josh Palmer, Tre McKitty, and Donald Parham to see expanded roles next season, while Mike Williams could find himself in a WR1 role in 2023.

Team: Las Vegas Raiders
2023 Cap Space: $46 million dollars under
Notable Free Agents:

1. The Raiders do have significant cap space heading into 2023. However, after the release of former starter Derek Carr, they now have to figure out their quarterback situation this offseason. Bringing in a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo could force them to spend anywhere from $20 to $30 million. This, along with retaining Jarrett Stidham, leaves the Raiders with a lot less money to work with in free agency.
2. The next most intriguing headline for the Raiders is what they will do with Josh Jacobs. Jacobs is coming off a career year, going over 2,000 combined yards and 12 total touchdowns. If Jacobs walks, we will see quickly how this coaching staff feels about fourth-round rookie Zamir White after free agency and the NFL draft. If White comes out of this offseason as the favorite to lead the Raiders in touches, he could be one of the best breakout running backs in 2023.

Sources: RAZZBALL.COM, FFTODAY, SPOTRAC, OVERTHECAP, PFF.COM, TWITTER, PROFOOTBALL REFERENCE, AND SICSCORE.COM