There is a big ol’ bull’s-eye on the backs of the Chiefs.
Not only are they defending Super Bowl champions, but they’ve won the AFC West four straight years, dating to when the Raiders were in Oakland and the Chargers were in San Diego.
Denver’s division title drought goes back to 2015, the Chargers haven’t been crowned champs since 2009 and the Raiders’ last West title came in 2002.
In an attempt to change their fortunes, all three have made a number of moves during free agency. Here is a look at what they’ve done:
———
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos used their franchise tag on safety Justin Simmons and made a splash with trades for cornerback A.J. Bouye, a former Pro Bowler, from the Jaguars and five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jurrell Casey from the Titans.
Denver also signed former Chargers running back Melvin Gordon to pair with Phillip Lindsay in what amounts to a formidable backfield on paper.
Other notable additions: G Graham Glasgow, TE Nick Vannett.
Other moves: Cornerback Bryce Callahan, who missed the 2019 season because of injuries, restructured his contract, per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, helping Denver free up $1.8 million in cap space this year. Pelissero reported the Broncos put a second-round tender on defensive lineman Mike Purcell. Denver also plans to release quarterback Joe Flacco.
———
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Chris Harris, the KU product who spent nine season in Denver, remained in the division by signing with the Chargers. He joins a loaded secondary featuring cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Desmond King and safety Derwin James.
While Harris commanded the headlines, the Chargers also bolstered their offensive line with the additions of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner, whom they acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers.
Bulaga and Turner won’t be blocking for Philip Rivers, though. The longtime Chargers quarterback signed a with the Indianapolis Colts.
Tight end Hunter Henry received L.A.’s franchise tag.
Other notable addition: DT Linvall Joseph.
Other moves: NFL.com reported the Chargers placed a second-round tender on cornerback Michael Davis, while tendering exclusive rights free agents defensive end Isaac Rochell and offensive tackle Trent Scott. Quarterback Philip Rivers signed with the Colts.
———
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
The Raiders’ moves during free agency so far seem to be good matches for splashy Las Vegas.
On offense, they signed quarterback Marcus Mariota, the second overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, to serve as a backup to Derek Carr. They also added wide receiver Nelson Agholor, veteran tight end Jason Witten and former Chiefs guard Eric Kush, who spent three season in Kansas City (2013-15).
Defensively, the Raiders added Corey Littleton, an excellent coverage linebacker, cornerback Eli Apple and safety Jeff Heath.
Other notable additions: DT Maliek Collins, LB Nick Kwiatkoski, TE Nick O’Leary.
———
©2020 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.)
Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.