5. Kansas City Chiefs
Free Agency: The Chiefs didn't make any big splashes in free agency and I think Andy Reid had good reasons not to. He hasn't had too many free agents that panned out for him in years past so it seems like he steered away from it this off-season. However, they did sign cornerback Sean Smith who will play opposite of Brandon Flowers this season which I thought was a solid signing. Smith has been inconsistent his whole career and maybe a fresh start with a new team can help him improve his game. He is a big, strong, physical corner who can play very good man coverage. He'll be able to jam his receiver at the line to make the receiver off balance and this should improve the already impressive secondary. Other than Smith the Chiefs signed players that will had depth to the team such as Akeem Jordan, Zac Diles, Frank Zombo, and Geoff Schwartz. All will probably be back-ups, but will play a good role in some capacity.
Trades: Trading a 2nd round pick for Alex Smith was a bit of a reach in my opinion. I think he has turned around his game, however, for majority of his career he hasn't put up the numbers you want your quarterback to have. I have to give him credit though because his record from his last 26 games is 20-5-1. That is a very good record for a starting quarterback. He now goes to a situation where he will run the West Coast Offense under Reid. Smith will have a solid defense to work with, a great home run threat running back in Jamal Charles, a solid receiving corp, and a first overall draft pick in Eric Fisher blocking for him. Even though I think they gave up a little too much for him, Alex Smith should improve this Chiefs team greatly in 2013.
Draft: Chiefs had a pretty solid draft. Eric Fisher is a obviously a day one starter and will be an All-Pro for years to come. He was a brick wall at the Senior Bowl and that caught the eyes of many scouts. This just proves how important the Senior Bowl is to the seniors. A small school guy like Fisher who was considered a mid first round pick, dominated the game and turned out to be the first overall selection. The Chief's next pick came in the third round where they selected Travis Kelce, the tight end out of Cincinnati. The little brother of center Jason Kelce from the Philadelphia Eagles, Travis is a solid tight end that will give Alex Smith another target to throw too. He does everything right and I wouldn't be surprised if he started on the first day of training camp. Guys like running back Kniles Davis, linebacker Nico Johnson, and cornerback Sanders Commings will all provide good depth which is much needed for a struggling Chiefs team.
Overall: Improving the Kansas City Chiefs is quite simple. Just don't finish last. If they can win 3 games this year it's an improvement. However, I can see this team winning at least 9 or 10 games this year. They won't win the division since Denver seems to be the powerhouse of the league, but don't be surprised if Andy Reid and company can turn this franchise around and land a wildcard birth.