Chiefs nearly became even more unbeatable as elite WR makes huge admission

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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As far as the NFL hierarchy goes, it is the Kansas City Chiefs and then it is everyone else. Unfortunately for the LA Chargers, they have to share a division with the Chiefs and have to play Patrick Mahomes twice a year.

Having two games against the best team in the league already makes it tough enough to make the playoffs. Add in the fact that winning the division is harder than any other division in the sport and it is clear to see why there has not been much success from the other teams in the AFC West in recent years.

The Chargers are looking to change that in 2024 with Jim Harbaugh bringing a new culture to the organization as the head coach. Even with Harbaugh, Kansas City is going to be very tough to beat and even harder to usurp in the AFC West.

Thankfully, though, the Chiefs are not the best version of themselves that they could have been this season. While they are undoubtedly still the best team in the league, the Chargers (and the rest of the league) dodged a nightmare scenario as All-Pro wideout Mike Evans was actually considering teaming up with Mahomes this offseason.

Mike Evans joining the Chiefs would have been a nightmare for the Chargers

The Chiefs are already hard enough to beat, just imagine if they were to add one of the best receivers in the league who continues to produce at an elite level. Evans put up 1,255 yards and 13 touchdowns last season with Baker Mayfield as his quarterback. Just imagine what he could have done with Mahomes under center.

Thankfully, Evans decided not to ring chase with the Chiefs and take the most money to stay with the Buccaneers. The fact he already has a Super Bowl ring likely factored into the decision as well. If the Chiefs had beaten the Buccaneers in 2021, and Evans didn't have a Super Bowl as a result, then maybe his decision would have been different.

Thankfully, the Chargers do not have to game plan for Evans and Travis Kelce in the Chiefs' passing offense. However, there are still some dynamic weapons that will make Kansas City harder to beat than last year.

The Chiefs added Marquise Brown, getting him on a bargain contract in the process. Kansas City also drafted speedster Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Worthy is going to be a field-tilter defenses have to account for, especially with Mahomes under center.

So while the Chiefs didn't add an elite, big-name wide receiver, they still added prominent pieces that will optimize the offense in 2024. Now it is on the Chargers to make a leap under Harbaugh, and hopefully steal at least one game from their rivals.

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