2021: FA WR's: Corey Davis or Curtis Samuel?

[Dante84]

Nate Taylor (from The Athletic) seems to think Veach might be interested in one of these 2 in Free Agency.

So, after factoring in price tag, age and talent, who would you rather have?

Corey Davis, WR, Titans (age 26)

Spoiler!

The Chiefs definitely want to be in the mix when it comes to the plethora of talented receivers on the market. As such, Davis could be a primary target for the Chiefs. He had the best season of his four-year career last year, recording 65 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games for the Titans. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Davis has improved his route running and was a reliable receiver last season. He has the ability to break tackles in the open field and averaged 2.73 yards per route run in the regular season, the eighth most among 276 qualifying players.

The Chiefs will need a No. 2 receiver if veteran Sammy Watkins signs with another team in free agency. But Davis is capable of being an upgrade from what the Chiefs received from Watkins last year (in part because of Watkins’ injuries). Sheil Kapadia, one of The Athletic’s national analysts, has Davis as the No. 5 free-agent receiver in his annual listing of the best available players. Such a ranking puts Davis in range for the Chiefs to sign him to a multiyear contract, with much of the money in the deal to be paid following next season.

Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers (age 24)

Spoiler!

Veach could make one of the better under-the-radar moves this offseason were he to convince Samuel to sign with the Chiefs. If Davis signs a large contract early in free agency, Samuel would be a suitable backup option, an ascending player who is becoming more consistent than perhaps some fans realize. Samuel has good speed, and he caught 79.4 percent of his targets last season while racking up a career-high 77 receptions for 851 yards and five total touchdowns. The Chiefs could offer Samuel a multiyear deal with his salary increasing after next season, and his production could stay the same, or even slightly increase, playing alongside Mahomes, Kelce and Hill.

Nate also mentions these other players:

Spoiler!

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles (age 34)

Spoiler!

This just makes too much sense, right? Here’s what we know: Andy Reid has always appreciated Jackson, who played for Reid for five seasons. We also know this: Veach has always loved Jackson, so much so that he helped convince Reid to select Jackson with the 49th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Even at 34, Jackson still has the speed to get behind opposing defenses. He recorded an 81-yard reception last season for the Eagles. As a possible role player in Reid’s offense, Jackson could have several chances to produce highlights in one-on-one opportunities with opposing defenses forced to give more resources to covering Kelce, Hill and speedy receiver Mecole Hardman. Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, has yet to win a championship in his 13-year career, but he could have a strong chance to play in the Super Bowl by joining the Chiefs on a one-year deal.

Trent Williams, OT, 49ers (age 32)

Spoiler!

Even at his age, Williams is too talented of a left tackle to not pursue. The Chiefs are in an advantageous position, too, as Williams is most interested in playing for a contender at the end of his impressive 10-year career. As a Pro Bowler last season, he finished fourth among tackles in ESPN’s pass-block win rate.

Another reason Williams can fill a need for the Chiefs is because of the season-ending injuries that tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz sustained. Fisher, 30, sustained a torn left Achilles tendon late in the AFC Championship Game, and his rehab could continue into next season. If Fisher is released, the Chiefs save $11.9 million in cap space with a $3.1 million cap hit. Schwartz, 31, missed most of last season with a nagging back injury. The Chiefs would save $6 million while taking a $3.7 million cap hit if Schwartz is released.

Alejandro Villanueva, OT, Steelers (age 32)

Spoiler!

Villanueva is another intriguing tackle for the Chiefs to consider. At this point in his seven-year career, Villanueva is likely to perform better as a right tackle. The Chiefs should desire Villanueva’s durability, as he has never missed a game. The Chiefs are eager for the return of rookie tackle Lucas Niang, who opted out of last season amid the pandemic. Villanueva, though, would be a worthy gap-year player if Niang needs to use much of his rookie season to develop.

Jon Feliciano, G, Bills (age 29)

Spoiler!

Based on the past few seasons, the Chiefs could continue to add depth to the guard position by signing Feliciano. Veach and Reid have been comfortable in previous years having the Chiefs enter training camp with several players competing for the starting guard positions. It’s possible that the Chiefs could have Feliciano, Nick Allegretti, Andrew Wylie, Kelechi Osemele and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif all on the roster in August. Feliciano started nine games last season and has the talent to be reliable, whether it’s as a starter or not. If the Chiefs were to sign Feliciano, they could focus much of their attention in the upcoming draft to identifying talented centers and tackles.

Zach Banner, OT, Steelers (age 27)

Spoiler!

Not a particularly flashy name or player, Banner does have value as a versatile lineman who can play tackle or guard. In his three-year career, Banner has started just two games. He earned the starting right tackle spot last year for the Steelers, but he tore his ACL in the season opener. With a successful rehab, Banner has the potential to be at least a swing tackle for the Chiefs, perhaps replacing Mike Remmers.

Jonnu Smith, TE, Titans (age 25)

Spoiler!

The quest to find a steady second tight end to pair with Kelce continues for the Chiefs. Smith has plenty of talent and would be a nice upgrade from Nick Keizer and Deon Yelder, who combined for just 13 receptions and 99 yards last season. At 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds, Smith has the athleticism to be a productive blocker and receiver for the Chiefs. In his fourth season, Smith recorded a career-high 448 receiving yards and scored nine total touchdowns. Adding Smith would help the pass-happy Chiefs continue to pass the ball at a high frequency.

Mike Davis, RB, Panthers (age 28)

Spoiler!

NFL teams realistically need three quality running backs to get through a successful season. The Chiefs might already have their three backs in Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams and the return of Damien Williams, who opted out of last season. But adding one more running back, especially one who can be a capable receiver, is still a possibility for the Chiefs. When called on to replace the injured Christian McCaffrey, Davis had a nice season last year, recording 1,015 all-purpose yards and scoring eight total touchdowns. If Davis cannot find a starting job on the free-agent market, he could make the most of his touches with the Chiefs.

James White, RB, Patriots (age 29)

Spoiler!

Entering his eighth season, all of them with the Patriots, White can be a solid contributor in a backup role. He recorded 496 all-purpose yards last season. If the Chiefs attempt to sign White, they could believe that he is capable of having better production than Le’Veon Bell had last year if the team has several injuries at the position. As a three-time champion, White’s experience with the Patriots could also be valuable within the Chiefs’ locker room.