The AFC West has the potential to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season. In 2025, the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers both reached the Play-Offs, while the Kansas City Chiefs missed out for the first time since they drafted Patrick Mahomes. The Las Vegas Raiders have had a rough few years, but with the first pick in the 2026 draft, they will be hoping to be more competitive. Here’s a brief overview of how the free agency shaped up for the AFC West:
Denver Broncos
Free Agency itself was extremely uneventful for the Denver Broncos, who dedicated their resources to re-signing current players rather than bringing in new ones. The one significant move they did make was trading for Jaylen Waddle, giving up a first round pick alongside a couple of mid-round picks to bring the former Miami man to Mile High. It’s understandable why they were quiet, as they were the pace setters in the AFC last season, locking up the #1 seed and securing home advantage throughout the Play-Offs. Sadly for the Broncos, Bo Nix suffered an injury in the divisional round and was unable to play in the AFC Championship game. Sean Payton and Co will be optimistic that the addition of a star receiver will be enough to take them deeper in 2026.
Los Angeles Chargers
It’s hard to look at any of the Chargers’ free agency acquisitions and say there’s a clear star there, but they will be happy with the depth they’ve added. Tyler Biadasz is likely to be a starter straight away for them at center after signing a three-year deal worth up to $30 million. Similarly to the Broncos, the Chargers spent a lot of money on re-signing their current players, with Khalil Mack’s $18 million one-year deal being the standout. It was a disappointing Wildcard Round exit for Jim Harbaugh’s team last season, something that has become all too familiar with Justin Herbert at quarterback. Both Harbaugh and Herbert will be hoping the appointment of Mike McDaniel as offensive co-ordinator will be enough to change their fortunes.
Kansas City Chiefs
For the first time since Patrick Mahomes was drafted by the Chiefs, they failed to reach the Play-Offs. In fact, they’ve appeared in the AFC Championship every season that he’s been there, which makes their failures last year even more surprising. The three-time Superbowl winner faces an uphill battle to be fit for the start of the season after tearing his ACL in Week 15, and when he returns he’ll be lining up alongside last season’s Superbowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $45 million. The Chiefs lost some key members of the defence, with Trent McDuffie being traded to the LA Rams, and Leo Chenal and Bryan Cook both leaving in free agency. Although some may argue their defence will be weaker than last year, the additions of Khyiris Tonga and Alohi Gilman will leave Chiefs fans feeling somewhat optimistic. The general view around them this year is that they can’t be as bad as last year…or can they?
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders were one of the busiest teams in free agency, and it was much needed. They currently hold the first overall pick in the 2026 draft following a dreadful season under Pete Carroll. He has now gone, and the man tasked with turning around a franchise that has desperately struggled in the last few years is Klint Kubiak. A lot of the work done by the Raiders during free agency was improving their defence. Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean both signed hefty three-year deals, while Kwity Paye also made the move to Vegas. Taron Johnson made the move over from the Bills in a trade that Raiders’ fans will hope will sturdy up their secondary. On the offensive side of the ball, one of the highest rated centers in the league, Tyler Linderbaum, signed a three-year deal worth up to $81 million. The quarterback is expected to be Fernando Mendoza, and he will have a new weapon to throw to after Jalen Nailor joined from the Minnesota Vikings. Things are certainly looking up for the Raiders, but in a tough division Klint Kubiak will have his work cut out.
