NFL Free Agency: We break down off-season needs in the AFC West

As NFL free agency approaches on March 10, Sky Sports takes a look at what needs each franchise will be looking to address in the off-season. We last looked at the AFC North. Now it is the turn of the AFC West.

Denver Broncos (12-4)

Peyton Manning led the Denver Broncos to their fourth AFC West crown in four years but the season ended in a disappointing play-off loss at home to the Indianapolis Colts which resulted in head coach John Fox being fired.

Key Free Agents: Julius Thomas (TE), Terrance Knighton (DT), Orlando Franklin (OG), Rahim Moore (S)

Note: The Broncos placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Team Needs:

1.             Tight end – Pro Bowl tight end Julius Thomas is a free agent and looks primed to receive a big deal in free agency. Thomas’ back-ups, Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green, are also scheduled to hit free agency which means the cupboard is exceptionally bare at this position for Denver.

2.            Right tackle – All-Pro guard Louis Vazquez moved to right tackle last season but was nowhere near as effective there. Acquiring a starting right tackle will allow Vazquez to slide back inside and go a long way towards shoring up an offensive line that regressed last season.

3.            Safety – Rahim Moore is a free agent. The 25-year-old was not the same last season coming off a gruesome leg injury in 2013 which nearly ended his career. If Moore leaves, the Broncos will need to find someone to play beside TJ Ward in the deep middle of the field.

Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)

The Kansas City Chiefs just missed out on the AFC play-offs after going 2-3 in their final five regular season games.

Key Free Agents: Eric Berry (S), Rodney Hudson (C), Donnie Avery (WR), Ryan Harris (OT)

Note: The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker Justin Houston.

Team Needs:

1.             Wide receiver – Alex Smith did not throw a single touchdown pass to a Chiefs wide receiver last season. Meanwhile Dwayne Bowe will count $14m against the Chiefs’ cap next season. Donnie Avery and Jason Avant are free agents. Upgrading this position is an absolute must for Kansas.

2.            Safety – Former All-Pro safety Eric Berry was tragically diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer, late last season. Understandably, the 26-year-old’s future is up in the air as he focuses on his recovery but the Chiefs must consider how they will cope without one of the cornerstones of their defence.

3.            Quarterback – The Chiefs’ wide receivers will rightly be blamed for not catching a touchdown pass all season but some of that blame must also be laid at the door of quarterback Alex Smith. Kansas City had a top-class running game and a ferocious defence last season but were let down by the passing game. Andy Reid should jump at the chance to draft a quarterback if the opportunity presents itself.

San Diego Chargers (9-7)

The Chargers were also squeezed out of the play-offs after mirroring the Chiefs’ 2-3 finish down the stretch and time is ticking for 33-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to make his mark in the postseason.

Key Free Agents: Brandon Flowers (CB), Ryan Matthews (RB), Dwight Freeney (DE/OLB), Eddie Royal (WR)

Team Needs:

1.             Cornerback – Brandon Flowers played very well for San Diego last season after coming over from division rivals the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chargers will hope to re-sign him but, as arguably the top corner on the market, he will have plenty of suitors. He will leave a big hole if he signs elsewhere.

2.            Centre – Nick Hardwick was a mainstay of the Chargers offensive line for a decade but announced his retirement in the off-season. San Diego needs to find someone to replace him.

3.            Right tackle – The Chargers are planning to shift 2013 first-round pick DJ Fluker from right tackle inside to guard after being underwhelmed with his performances last season. This means the team must find a tackle to play opposite King Dunlap.

Oakland Raiders (3-13)

The Oakland Raiders once again brought up the rear in the division as they racked up 13 losses but there were some signs of hope for the team as rookie quarterback Derek Carr showed promise.

Key Free Agents: Stefen Wisniewski (C), Tarell Brown (CB), Carlos Rogers (CB), Darren McFadden (RB)

Team Needs:

1.             Wide receiver: The Raiders have some decent young receiving options alongside veteran James Jones but a lack a true No 1 option for Derek Carr to throw to. The team may consider either Amari Cooper or Kevin White with the fourth pick in the draft.

2.            Defensive end: Khalil Mack was a big hit in his rookie season but with veteran Justin Tuck getting up there in age, the Raiders may seek to draft a long-term option to play opposite Mack.

3.            Center: Stefen Wisniewski will leave a big hole in the middle of Oakland’s offensive line if he leaves. The 26-year-old is one of the top young centres in the NFL and should find a healthy market for his services.

As the clock ticks down towards March 10, Sky Sports will be publishing one divisional breakdown a day as we examine each team's offseason needs. Next up is the AFC South.