Thread by @MattConnerAA

How the #Chiefs are adjusting to a changing NFL landscape (a thread): It's important to note the league is watering down its own product going forward in two ways:
1. 18-game season (likely next year)
2. Adding that 7th playoff spot in each conference

A longer schedule means each game is a bit less meaningful in the end, and more postseason spots means a team can be worse and still make a Super Bowl run. This is vital, because NFL franchises now have a better chance to grow/get better as a season goes on.

Think of the Chiefs through this lens. Last year, the defense went from atrocious to solid but they took their lumps and coaches had to adjust. That will get easier with another game, which means early season losses won't sink a team so quickly.

Moving forward, this means a team with a very young core could develop could really blossom in the course of one regular season. Add the NFL's trade deadline in November, and that young team could now have two full months to assess/grow before adding vets at areas of need.

Right now, the Chiefs could pay for vets (trade/FA) at places we *think* they need or they could use these picks and see how positions look after a few games and *then* make their moves for players on teams who will sell mid-season (and for MUCH cheaper prices).

Remember two years ago, cornerback looked pitiful in the offseason and then Sneed starts week 1, Breeland looks solid, Ward is there, and Fenton contributes. Suddenly the team looks fine despite not making any moves. (This was when "trade for Patrick Peterson" was the rage.)

In summary, the Chiefs can let the kids play for a bit, assess the roster as the season goes on, make moves at midseason responding to proven needs, and still make their postseason run. The result is lower costs, an emerging core, and informed responses.