Five ways the Chiefs can improve before the draft

With the season wrapping up, the Chiefs will be faced with an important few months, as they will have to bring in new players and figure out what to do with their most troubled spots.  Here are a couple of suggestions that could lead to a much more productive season next year that involve getting a new quarterback through either trade or free-agency.

1. Alex Smith (trade)

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Alex Smith is a proven commodity, as he boasts an outstanding record of 20-5-1 in his last twenty-six outings (.7885). Smith has shined the last two seasons, but with Colin Kaepernick taking over in San Francisco, the 49ers will be looking to move him.While Smith has looked good, the only danger is that the Chiefs would likely have to swap first round picks with San Francisco, meaning they would lose their number one overall pick. However, this deal could be worth the cost considering that Smith's 70% completion percentage this year is his highest since joining the NFL, and dangerously close to an NFL record. Furthermore, in the last regular season and a half he has thrown for thirty touchdowns, to only ten interceptions. His efficiency without an elite receiver speaks for itself, and he could be worth the first pick in the draft, and more.

2. Kirk Cousins (trade)

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Kirk Cousins has seen game action three times, playing in place of RGIII. The rookie from Michigan State has been impressive as he has a passer rating of 101.6 through those games.  Cousins is 1-0 as a starter, but was probably most impressive when he came in against the playoff-bound Baltimore Ravens and threw for a touchdown, converted on a two-point-conversion to tie the game, and led the team on an overtime drive that ended in a game winning fieldgoal. In his one start Cousins threw with efficiency, and his stats showed that as his completion percentage was above 70%. Cousins may be young, but he has certainly established himself as a mobile quarterback, so the Chiefs could go after him. The Redskins have him under contract, but what they don't have is a first round pick the next two seasons because of the trade to acquire Robert Griffin III. The Chiefs could offer the Redskins their second round pick, which would be the thirty-third pick in the draft (the first pick of the second round). The pick is high enough that it is practically a first-round pick, and certainly carries the quality and value of one. Regardless, Cousins would be a great fit for Kansas City.

3. Michael Vick (free-agency/trade)

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Interestingly enough, Michael Vick still has a contract, but it appears that the Philadelphia Eagles will release him at the end of the year. Vick has struggled this year, although injuries have been a large part of that.  It cannot be denied, however, that Vick is one of the greatest rushing quarterbacks of all time, as he has over 20,000 passing yards and 5,500 rushing yards in his career. His season was cut short, but Vick still had more touchdowns (twelve), than interceptions (nine), which is something that no Chiefs quarterback can say. Should the Eagles retain Vick the Chiefs might be able to take him away for a third or fourth round pick. Either way, it would be extremely exciting to have a running quarterback in Kansas City, especially one with the speed of Vick.

4. Mark Sanchez (trade)

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The feelings about how terrible Mark Sanchez is are well overblown. Sanchez has had a down year, but with no weapons on offense, no running game, a battered offensive line, a limited defense, and poor coaching he can't exactly be faulted. With only a 55% career completion percentage, Sanchez has been far from dazzling, but two seasons ago he did have thirty-two total touchdowns to only eighteen interceptions.  With a solid running game and a couple of good wide receivers, Sanchez could thrive in Kansas City, especially if the Chiefs could keep Dwayne Bowe. Sanchez still has a lot of money left on his contract, but the Chiefs can afford it, and for that reason, they could get away with giving the Jets a fourth round pick for him. And it goes without saying that Sanchez has the experience for the job, as he led the New York Jets to the AFC Championship Game, twice.

5. Tim Tebow (free-agency)

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Tebow is interesting, because the Chiefs have a great running game, one that is far better than Denver's a season ago. Tim Tebow would bring excitement to Kansas City, along with ticket sales, but he would also bring leadership and playoff experience, something that could really come in handy.  Tebow thrived in Denver's system because they could afford to rely on their defense, run game, and special teams, something the Chiefs will be able to do if they sign Tebow, and then draft for defense.  Should the Cheifs pick up Tebow as a free agent then the focus for the draft would be defense, defense, defense, and more defense, starting with taking Manti Te'o first.  The Chiefs already have great special teams, and a great rushing attack, so with a solidified defense Tebow could actually be a good fit for Kansas City.

The benefit of acquiring any of these quarterbacks through free-agency is that it allows the Chiefs to use every draft pick for defense. his combination could bring life to a team that played atrocious football in the 2012-2013 season. It will be interesting to follow if the Chiefs will make any pre-draft moves, or if they will settle for reaching for a quarterback with their first or second pick.