3 lessons the Jaguars could learn from the Chiefs' Super Bowl VLIII run

Keeping up with the Kansas City Chiefs (and beating them) has become a good parament of how good of a team you are. Unfortunately, the Jacksonville Jaguars have failed the test three times in a row, dating back to 2022. They fell to the Chiefs in the regular season and later saw them again in the divisional round of the playoffs. The result was the same.

Fast forward to 2023, and it looked like the Jaguars were ready to take on the Chiefs when they faced them in Week 2. They weren't, proving to be no match for the defending Super Bowl champ. Now, the Jags will get to see them play the San Francisco 49ers on the biggest stage. It would be a good idea to take notes. In particular, they should pay special attention to these three things that helped Kansas City reach the Super Bowl.

3. The draft is your source talent but free agency is also important

Like any other team, the Chiefs have had misses on the draft, but most of their players are homegrown, whether it's Patrick Mahomes, wide receiver Rashee Rice, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, or center Creed Humphrey. That said, they know the value of adding players in free agency who can contribute immediately.

Last offseason, Kansas City signed linebacker Drue Trunquill and right tackle Jawaan Taylor. The year before, they placed the franchise tag on Orlando Brown Jr. but they also inked wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and safety Justin Reid among others.

The point is that the Chiefs will be proactive in free agency if they know they have a need. Last year, the Jaguars had several needs but opted to see how things would play out before making a move. That dearth of urgency held them back in 2023, as most of their needs weren't taken care of and remain unaddressed. Had they dipped their toes in free agency, maybe Jacksonville would've made the postseason.