Best of The Herd

Legal tampering just opened and we’re riding the wave, in for Colin with the wire buzzing and updates flying.

Breaking news: Kenneth Walker is heading to the Kansas City Chiefs.

That helps a ton if they need to lean on the ground game while Patrick Mahomes works back, but it doesn’t erase losing Trent McDuffie, so the defense still needs answers.

We’ve built Mahomes up for good reason, but the offense hasn’t been lights-out since Tyreek left and after Bieniemy moved on, and lately the defense has carried the biggest moments.

So is the window tightening in Kansas City; great addition at running back, yes, but the bigger questions are Mahomes’ timeline and whether Spags’ group can keep winning games while the offense finds itself.

Let’s bring in TJ Houshmandzadeh, who’s been working with this receiver class and was on the ground at the combine.

Quarterbacks and receivers are joined at the hip, and you saw it in Buffalo when Stefon Diggs elevated Josh Allen; I’m thrilled for wideouts because the money reflects how pivotal that partnership is.

Malik Willis to Miami and Tua moving on raised eyebrows; what’s your read on the fit?

There’s always a job for accuracy and timing like Tua’s if health cooperates, and with Willis I’d expect a run-heavy plan with controlled attempts while a defensive-minded coach protects him.

Best receiver in this draft and why?

I’ll stump for a sleeper I train, Jacobi Lane, who’s big and surprisingly quick, but Carnell Tate is my top guy because separation comes from how fast you stop, not just how fast you go.

Back to the Chiefs: is the dynasty aura fading?

Right now the window looks closed with Mahomes rehabbing, young defenders exiting, and no fear-inducing receiver, though Andy Reid and Mahomes can always flip a season.

If you’re Justin Jefferson, what do you want at quarterback in Minnesota?

Competition, period, because he can’t repeat last year’s slog; Kyler would fit if he grows as a leader, and if it’s JJ McCarthy he needs to earn it and rise.

What’s the pulse in Cincinnati after a choppy year for the Bengals?

Defensive pride has to show up or frustration will mount, and if they do not surround Joe Burrow properly soon, I could see his patience lasting about two more seasons.

Another move: Travis Etienne is signing with the Saints.

That pairs nicely with Alvin Kamara if he’s still there, but the NFC South is a coin flip with Tampa hovering, Carolina showing flashes, and Atlanta still sorting out quarterback.

More notes: Travis Kelce is returning to Kansas City, Indy locked up Alec Pierce and moved Michael Pittman to Pittsburgh, and Malik Willis’ Miami deal is three years with significant guarantees.

Interesting terms but not automatic job security, so it’s smart to wait and see like the Matt Flynn example in Seattle, and if Miami drafts a mid-round challenger the better guy should play.

For now, keep the excitement measured on Willis and remember the Dolphins have not won a playoff game in a long time, so proof on Sundays will settle the debate.