One of the Chiefs’ AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

One of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

The Kansas City Chiefs are the overwhelming favorites to win the AFC West in 2023.

After writing the Chiefs off last offseason, the national media has seemingly come to terms with the fact that Kansas City owns the AFC West for now.

 

 

Of course, anything can happen in 2023. It’s not like the Chiefs can just waltz to their eighth straight division title. There will be plenty of competition from Kansas City’s AFC West rivals — most notably the Los Angeles Chargers who have a star quarterback of their own in Justin Herbert.

 

 

One of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

 

 

It would be a major upset if the Chargers won the AFC West in 2023. But while nearly everyone is predicting the Chiefs to win the division, the Chargers should at least be a formidable opponent for Kansas City this fall.

That is as long as the offseason drama the Chargers are dealing with doesn’t rip the locker room apart.

Herbert, the No. 6 overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, might not have the leadership skills necessary to take the Chargers to the next level.

 

 

One of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

 

 

The former Oregon Ducks quarterback apparently has yet to reach out to wide receiver Quentin Johnston, the No. 21 overall selection by Los Angeles in last month’s draft.

Johnston, a former TCU standout, told reporters at the Chargers’ rookie minicamp this week that he hasn’t heard from Herbert since getting drafted.

From The Athletic: Johnston said quarterback Justin Herbert has not yet reached out to him. “He followed me on Instagram when I first got drafted,” Johnston said. “I ain’t really get a chance to talk to him yet. But hopefully soon.”

 

 

One of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

Ouch. That’s a tough look for Hebert. Especially when we’ve heard stories already about the connection being built between Patrick Mahomes and rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice.

Even New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones texted rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, a third-round pick by the Giants, on draft night to welcome him to the team.

Those simple gestures are just something that leaders do. They don’t need to be prompted to do it, either. It just comes naturally.

One of the Chiefs' AFC West rivals is already dealing with some major offseason drama

Herbert might want to work on his leadership skills before challenging Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC West. If he can’t properly handle his duties as a quarterback in May, what makes anyone think he’ll deliver in November and December when there will be more on the line?

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