In this edition of the Kansas City Chiefs Report, we delve into several exciting updates and potential moves for the team as they gear up for the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

We’ll explore the possibility of signing veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, the recent contract extension for tight end Noah Gray, and what these developments mean for the Chiefs moving forward.

We also touch on key areas where the team might look to improve as the season progresses.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been in the spotlight recently with various rumors and updates swirling around the team’s roster and potential new additions.

One of the most talked-about topics is the possibility of signing David Bakhtiari, a seasoned offensive tackle currently available in NFL free agency.

Bakhtiari, known for his impressive career as a two-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, has been identified by Last Word on Sports as a top free agent target for the Chiefs.

According to Last Word on Sports, while the Chiefs have one of the best interior offensive lines in the league, their tackle situation remains somewhat problematic.

The team recently started Kingsley, a second-round pick, who struggled in his NFL debut with a PFF grade of 48.9, ranking him 57th out of 63 eligible players.

The outlet suggests that bringing in Bakhtiari could provide immediate improvement at the tackle position and offer a more stable option while Kingsley continues to adjust to the NFL.

However, it’s crucial to note that the idea of benching Kingsley after just one game is somewhat premature.

While Bakhtiari’s experience and skill set are undeniable, the Chiefs should be cautious about making drastic changes to their offensive line so quickly.

Instead, the focus should be on bringing Bakhtiari in as a valuable depth option.

His presence could offer insurance in case Kingsley and Jawan Taylor, who also had a challenging first season in Kansas City, do not perform as expected.

Additionally, Bakhtiari could serve as a swing tackle, providing flexibility and protection against potential injuries.

David Bakhtiari’s recent injury history, including a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season, might be a concern.

However, his performance in the 2022 season, where he played 11 games and had a pass block grade of 87.8, an overall grade of 79.8, and a run block grade of 68.5, demonstrates that when healthy, he remains one of the top offensive linemen in the league.

Moreover, Bakhtiari’s expressed desire to win a Super Bowl aligns perfectly with the Chiefs’ current ambitions, making him a potentially attractive addition to the team.

As fans debate the merits of signing Bakhtiari, another significant development has emerged: the Chiefs have announced a new contract extension for tight end Noah Gray.

The details of this extension were revealed shortly after the Chiefs’ opener against the Baltimore Ravens, and it provides a glimpse into the team’s financial strategy and future planning.

Gray’s new deal effectively supersedes the final year of his rookie contract, resulting in a raise while reducing his cap hit for 2024.

According to Arrowhead Pride’s John Dixon, Gray’s rookie deal would have counted $3.2 million against the cap in 2024.

However, the new extension will pay him $7.1 million for that year, including a $1.1 million base salary and a signing bonus that can be spread across four seasons. This adjustment lowers Gray’s cap hit from $3.2 million to $2.6 million, providing the Chiefs with additional financial flexibility.

Gray, a fifth-round pick out of Duke, has shown promise and has been a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ offense.

In the 2023 season, he achieved career highs in receiving yards, touchdowns, and average yards per reception, tying his career high in receptions.

While Gray may never fully replace Travis Kelce, his contributions as a solid number two tight end are valuable.

The extension reflects the Chiefs’ recognition of Gray’s potential and the importance of maintaining depth at the tight end position.

Looking ahead, the Chiefs are likely to explore further roster adjustments and potential extensions.

Key positions that could benefit from upgrades include cornerback, defensive line, safety, offensive tackle, and wide receiver.

The team’s decision to extend Noah Gray while managing their cap space indicates a strategic approach to maintaining flexibility and preparing for future needs.

As for potential extension candidates, offensive guard Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton are two players who could be next in line for new contracts.

Both have demonstrated their value to the team, and extending them would ensure that the Chiefs retain key contributors for the foreseeable future.

While it’s difficult to predict which player will receive an extension first, there’s a strong case for both Smith and Bolton based on their performances and impact on the team.

In summary, the Kansas City Chiefs are navigating a critical period of roster management and strategic planning.

The potential signing of David Bakhtiari and the recent extension of Noah Gray are pivotal moves that reflect the team’s commitment to strengthening their roster and maintaining flexibility.

As the Chiefs prepare for their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals and look towards the rest of the season, these developments highlight the ongoing efforts to build a championship-contending team while managing financial and roster considerations effectively.