We recently asked the readers of Arrowhead Addict what three unrestricted free agents the Chiefs should pursue this offseason. Here’s how you voted…
First off, I want to congratulate our readers on a job well done. Alan Faneca and Flozell Adams, are too old and Lance Briggs would been a luxury pick. Additionally, Bryant Johnson and Drayton Florence would be worth a shot, but will serve as back-up options in our plan. Same with Maurice Williams. The other thing to remember is that trading for DeAngelo Hall beat out signing Asante Samuel in a recent poll. That means we will campaign for Hall–and Florence as a back-up option–rather than Samuel. This is a smart decision, because there’s no way we ante up the cash to sign Samuel with our “beer budget.”
Of course, I’m being a smart ass there, because the Chiefs will have at least $20-million in cap room to potentially spend this offseason–more moolah than they’ve had in a long time. What should the Chiefs spend all that cash on? Here’s what you decided (with a little deciphering from our staff)…
Campaign No. 1: Sign A.) OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh; Or B.) OT Maurice Williams, Jacksonville
This is the pivotal move of our off-season. It looks like Zach will probably be right–OT Jake Long will likely be gone at five. I said probably. With this draft’s handful of great players anything can happen. It does look like he will be gone, though. Why have I changed my tune? Because St. Louis has become enamored with him. They don’t really need him, but I digress.
Long’s likely unavailability means it is imperative that we sign either Starks or Williams. Doing so will keep us from reaching on Ryan Clady, who, mark my words, is definitely a reach at five. Unfortunately, it looks like the Falcons are leaning towards QB Matt Ryan. If the Dolphins can’t trade back they will probably pick DE Chris Long. Personally, I don’t think they’ll be able to trade back. Why? Because it looks like RB Darren McFadden will still be there at the four spot. If Jerry Jones or anybody else wants Run DMC, their likely trade partner will be the Raiders.
That pretty much leaves us with DT Sedrick Ellis, gambling on DT Glenn Dorsey’s bum back or reaching on a player like CB Aqib Talib or Clady. The situation could look even worse if Chris Long, and not Dorsey, is the best player available. Although it is not outside the realm of possibilities that a team would trade up to snag Howie’s boy. Or Vernon Gholston, the 37-bench-rep/4.67-40 phenom defensive end from OSU who once beat Jake Long to record a sack.
Signing an offensive tackle in free agency allows us to pick the best player available at five or trade back without having to worry about our glaring hole at tackle. There are plenty of good cornerbacks, quarterbacks, O-lineman and wideouts that will be there in the second half of round one, not to mention round two. I also think we can wait until round two or three to draft a guard. This move also allows Damion McIntosh to move to right tackle, a more natural position for Dame Mac.
Campaign No. 2: A.) Trade For DeAngelo Hall; B.) Sign Drayton Florence
Some of you have argued that cornerback isn’t important in the Cover 2. Obviously, most of us disagree after watching Pat Surtain and Ty Law play attempt to play last season. Normally, Hall would be out of our price range, but these are not normal conditions. The Falcons have played their cards and have no leverage. Everyone and their uncle knows he’s got a one-way ticket out of the ATL that owner Athur Blank has personally stamped. The Chiefs have also been linked to Hall on multiple occasions. No, not just by us–by the NFLN and others.
That mean’s the Chiefs obtaining Hall via trade is at least feasible. It all really depends on the price. Our third pick in the second round this year and a future third? Done deal. Our 2008 first round pick? No thanks.
That’s where Florence comes in. He might be a cost effective solution that will make all Chief fans happy. An additional bonus is that we would be pulling talent away from the Chargers. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie just ran a 4.33 40 and could be there early in round two, so there will be more options here if we pass on Florence and Hall. My guy Chevis Jackson is another option. Still, the Chiefs must do something with Benny Sapp and Law heading out of town. Surtain and Ty Brackenridge can’t hold down the fort on their own. The Chiefs absolutely have to add another CB, either through the draft, free agency or a trade.
Campaign No. 3: Sign A.) WR Donte’ Stallworth, New England; Or B.) WR Bryant Johnson, Arizona
Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez desperately need a third amigo. Brodie Croyle and Larry Johnson could use a wideout who stretches the field, too. Stallworth was easily our top vote getter WR-wise, and his breakaway speed would be a great compliment to Bowe. At the same time, many Chiefs fans are high on Johnson. Johnson certainly has talent, but as an avid fantasy footballer I have seen him squander that talent more often than not. Still, he would come considerably cheaper than Stallworth, and there is no way the Cardinals can afford to re-sign him. He could very well come in and do what Joe Horn once did when he left K.C. for The Big Easy.
Adding a free agent receiver might not seem crucial, but it is a move we need to make. Unless we luck out and can grab a DeSean Jackson or James Hardy in round two, we won’t get a difference maker at WR in the draft. We have to acquire a solid No. 2 WR to open up our offense. We have to give Brodie Croyle (or Joe Flacco 
) more help, and punish defenses for stacking eight and nine men in the box. Or we could just actually play my main man Bobby Sippio.
Yes, I mentioned Joe Flacco here. If we luck out and get to trade back, I wouldn’t be opposed at all to us picking a quarterback like Brian Brohm or Joe Flacco. For some reason I think both will end up being picked later than they should. I guess it’s just a lack of the hype factor that surrounded Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell last year. Zach and I both love Joe Flacco, and if he is sitting there in round two he would be hard to pass on. Especially if we have a strong free agency period. The guy has a rocket arm and exudes confidence like few QBs do.
This all is a whole lot to digest, but I think we’re thinking along the right lines. I also want to mention Indianapolis Colts free agent guard Jake Scott here. New Orleans Saints center Jeff Faine is another option. Hopefully, Bill Kuharich, Herm Edwards and “The Grim Reaper” Ray Farmer are reading.
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Wow! What a great post!!!!!!! All the major sports writers have nothing on this site and its insight. Well thought out. I just hope the Chief’s brass are putting this much stock into this free agent stuff. Scenario #1 would be great and most likely! Scenario #2 would be nice but seems unlikely (since the Falcons want a number one pick for Hall). Scenario three just doesn’t excite me. I am not really impressed with either of those receivers, but they would be an upgrade. Dont’ forget, Herm Edwards is in love with Jeff Webb whether we like it or not. Great job! Lets hear from you Chiefs fans.
Well, whether we like it or not, even Herm can’t think Jeff Webb is really a No. 2 Wr. Thanks for the compliment, Jeremy!
Another great post Adam. However (and you probably won’t like this) I frankly am a bit disappointed that another free agent option has been given such short shrift on this blog – namely Rex Hadnot. I’m not picking on you but all I’ve heard said on the subject is that you used to cover the Dolphins and for some reason he didn’t impress you. Can you elaborate?
For my part, I’ll just copy and paste from here on what I stated/argued on another post. . . From my perspective, I see Hadnot as a guy who has started all 16 games for 3 years consecutively now and as far as I can tell has been Miami’s most consistent lineman. He plays center, guard, and I think he’s also back up at tackle – couldn’t we use a little depth at all 3? He seems to me to have above average skills at in-line blocking and even better as a pulling guard. I mean aren’t those the sort of skills that the Chiefs currently lack but could really use?
And if he sucks as bad as you would like people to believe, then why did USA Today just yesterday list him among their “Valued 7″ free agent picks?
I need some answers here!!!
USA Today is obviously slipping. Saying he was Miami’s best O-lineman is kind of like saying someone was the best member of President Bush’s cabinet–not exactly a compliment, or at least a left-handed one.
Miami’s offensive line was arguably worse than ours was last year. They did find a gem of a center in Samson Satele in the second round, though. that should give us all a little hope. I guess I’ve been a little hard on Hadnot. If we sign him, fine, that’s cool. I just don’t want to see him be our top OL FA signing. He’s just not talented enough to warrent that.
And everyone is going to have their own personal faves. Notice that I didn’t mention D.J. Hackett or Drew Carter?
Hey, I like Drew Carter too!!!
As for his relationship to Miami, I’m not a believer in guilt by association. Parting shot, Hadnot seems to me like he could be the next candidate for King Carl’s treasure trove of hidden gems. I.e. Quality at a bargain basement price.
As much as the prospect of a Jake Long-led Offensive line excites me, I can’t help but wonder what might happen. There are so many great players high on talent, this is a really top-heavy draft. Chris Long, Gholston, or one of the DT’s alongside Jared Allen? *drools* Matt Ryan, TG, and DBowe, the terrible trio? I think this draft will leave the Chiefs in a good position no matter what.(but Jake is still the best choice)
Okay, I’ve posted here before as a Chiefs fan in Atlanta. Believe me when I say this: we DO NOT want D Hall in a Chiefs uniform. He’s a cancer. A lot of the sports radio talk here in the Dirty is that there are a number of his teammates who can’t stand his "me first and only" mentality. When a player brags to an opponent about his being voted into the Pro Bowl right after he’s been burned for a game-winning touchdown, he’s not a Chief. We don’t need to go back to the Chester McGlockton, Monday night meltdown era. Hopefully, Jake Long is sitting there when we hit the podium, or we can trade back for one of the other quality tackles. Remember, Tony Ugoh was a late first rounder for the Colts last year, and plugged in from day one guarding Peyton Manning’s blindside. Just so everyone understands, I bleed the red and gold, I just hate thinking of a selfish child like D Hall suiting up for us, especially at the loss of a high second rounder in a very good offensive line draft. The Falcons are praying someone is stupid enough to throw a big deal at them, let’s just hope Carl isn’t their Huckleberry. I really agree with most of the other options in FA/draft in the blog, especially Max Starks. Go Chiefs!
Great post. I really like the way that you laid it out with the two options. If we could get option A on 2 out of 3 I’d be pumped. If we get 1 out of 3 I would still be happy. I totally agree on drafting Flacco in the second round if he is there. I would really be surprised if he is still there, although it would be hard to decide between one of the remaining corners and him if he is still there. Like you said, if free agency goes well (and we get a corner) it would be easier to pick him in that spot.
Cornelius, Tamba Hali is one of our best players. That being said, why would we waste our highest pick since D.T. and money on that position? I won’t even discuss drafting Gholston or Long. Not gonna do it. By the way, I heard we were actually looking at Brian Brohm. Just a rumor, but it could be a factual one.
I am all aboard all 3 Campaigns! . . . .EVEN though there isnt one for Allen Faneca
… and even though he practically got just as many votes as the Top 3. Oh Well
Cornelius, I totally agree with you… (not on the DTs scenerio. But) That we’re gonna end up with a great draft… Sean, I see where youre coming from n all, but I think D.Hall was just in a bad situation in ATL… A cancer? Isnt that what they said about LJ? Hahaha! Look at him now.
Faneca is just too old. There is no way the Chiefs would even consider him at 31 and an outlandish price tage.
I was really just using that as an example to illustrate how we’re gonna come away with a better team.
As for D-Hall, I think it’s a little hard to judge him on what went down in the ATL. That franchise is a mess. Vick, the Schaub trade, Arthur Blank thinking he’s Jerry Jones, Bobby Petrino, treating Algee Crumpler like a second-rate citizen…A mess, I tell you. What vet had a good year down there last year? That’s my point.
Cornelius, I understand. But us throwing money at a Lance Briggs or drafting Gholston is my worst nightmare right now. What a tremendous waste of resources that would be.
Adam, I KNOW I need to stop with the Faneca talk… but I just dont think it’d hurt to sign him, just cause he’s 31… The price, now THATS a different story… if he asks for money that is nowhere near what we wanna spend, then forget it. . . Im just thinking how great it would be to pick him up… AND D.HALL all the way!
Nice post. The money is starting to be saved. Eddie Kennison has just been cut according to Warpaint Illustrated. Who’s next?
Before we start spending our 20 million, have we taken into consideration how much we have to spend to resign Jared? Is this 20 million taking that into account?
Thanks Eddie Kennison for the good years, and those once in a while great spectacular catches. But no thanks to all those dropped easy balls, or that one time you were running into the end zone and had the ball hit out of your hands and fumbled it. Anyone remember that play or that year about 2/3 years ago?
Merlin, you know me–I aboslutely included that $9 M or so. http://arrowheadaddict.com/2008/02/20/20-m-plus-to-spend-but-on-whom/
If Faneca would sign for cheap, he would surely sign with the Cardinals. He loves Wisenhunt and Grimms. If we get him, that is because we spent a good amount of money, which I wouldn’t be to happy with. Age plus expensive is not a good formula for us.
Who ever wrote this article seems to have a lot of faith in Joe Flacco becoming a top tier QB in the NFL.
I can see signing a guard or center before we signed a tackle. I would revise this if moving Dmac to guard is really a viable option. Signing a corner like Florance is a move I can see happening. I don’t see paying big money for another WR. Dbowe and Tony have a 3rd amigo, his name is Larry Johnson. I do see a vet WR being signed, but not for big bucks. If I were Carl, I would look at signing a player at the following positions: O-line, CB, blocking TE, FB, WR. We may not fill all those positions, but those are the major possible positions, IMO.
I do have a lot of faith in Joe Flacco–especially in round two. I’ll take Flacco in round two over Croyle in round three any day of the week.
Wouldn’t you rather us take a guy like Brandon Albert or Gosder Cherilus in the Second and give Brodie a chance. We need a line. Let’s see what Brodie can acually do. The only differences I see between Flacco and Brodie are their height, Brodie’s durability and his ballsiness. I would love to see us take B. Albert, granted he’s still there, and then take a guy like Josh Johnson in the 4th or Kevin O’Connell in the 5th.
I watched some videos of Flacco due to your prompting. He definitely looks solid. The "small school" knock always tends to piss me off. Flacco, like Matt Ryan, was surrounded by a less talented cast that he made look much better with his playmaking ability (and Ryan has a fat INT number now because he had to force those plays), although Flacco athletically looks better than Ryan. A mobile, playmaking QB like one of these two would be a great fit for the Chiefs, I think.
Brandon Lloyd was released today by the Redskins, he is a player I would love to see in KC. He is a hometown kid(Blue Springs I actually played against him in High School) and he would be on the cheap since he performed well below expectations in DC. He never really got a fair shot with the skins, maybe he could get it here.
Flacco has a rifle for an arm, too. Best arm in the draft power-wise. He also only lost four games as a long-term starter. Impressive no matter where you play. I think he beats Brodie across theboard–he’s bigger, stronger, more durable, I think he’s more confident…I just like him better. Besides, competition breeds success. We all know that.
Theres an up and downside to to picking up Brandon Lloyd… I mean, I know that Washington was kind of excited about signing him. Yet he was stuck behind Santana Moss and Randle El… I think he MIGHT be a good addition to this team… BUT the downside I was talking about happens to be the fact he might be out of his capabilities so much that he may never get back to form.
Roc27, thanks for your reply. I totally get what you’re saying about the comparison between LJ and D Hall as far as the cancer statement, but I’m a huge LJ fan. Every time he hits the field, he puts the team on his shoulders and runs with it. We’ve never, including the Jim Mora era (coach famous for being a "players coach"), seen D Hall be a team first guy. I agree, none of the vets here in ATL had a good season, but that doesn’t change the way he acted in the years prior to this one. Anyway, a Drayton Florence makes a lot of sense at a lower price. Kudos to Eddie K, thanks for being a great player for us! I do think we’ll have some good options with a second-tier receiver in FA, and I wouldn’t be against Flacco in round two, depending on what we do in the first round.
The key really would be to sign a quality CB in FA, rather than have to take an early round pick on one. That would open up our options and enable us to take players like Flacco.
Sean. Yeah. I totally what youre saying. And I understand your concern… but when a player isnt happy on a team, it just doesnt work. Given the fact also that D.Hall has been with the team for a bit, all the while beinh UNDER 25 years old. But lets not take away from his play… and at that I believe when players are happy, they’d be less of a burden to a team ( i.e. Randy Moss, &T.O. )
But from a different standpoint. . . I wouldnt die if we didnt snatch him up. This years draft has a gang of ‘em… I’d Hate to pass up on DRC… And he just might be there in the early 2nd round…
Whats up, I just got back and saw the new poll – I can’t see where to put my comments so I am going to put them here…..I took a different take on the two most important positions that need to be adressed than even I expected….I voted for OT and FB…..I would have voted for blocking TE next if there was a third option…..I am to the point now that we need to PROTECT Croyle (to see if he is good) and open holes for our biggest playerLarry give me ther frikin rock Johnson…….I know there are other holes and we have been and still will debate them, but bottom line I want the Chiefs come next fall to be able to tell the team we are playing "Hey, we are running the ball and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it!"
SO on that line of thinking give me Jake Long, Owen Schmidt, and Max Starks – end of discusion
Dave, the problem with that is where do you play Dame McIntosh with three tackles? What if Jake Long isn’t around, which is entirely possible? And you can’t just run the ball in the pros–you have to have some sort of aerial attack. I don’t think that’s what you are saying, but I just wanted to go on the record.By the way, I do think we need a fullback. I do think, however, that move can wait for later in the draft of FA. Schmitt in the third wouldn’t kill me, though. Depends on FA, Iguess.
Campaign 1 is the most important because it puts us in a better position to trade down and get early round extra picks which would not only put us in strong position to address offensive line needs but also address the CB and/or QB situations. Adam, I totally agree with your comment about needing competition at the QB position.
Campaign 2 I’m not sold on at all. I think we are developing talent at CB through Brackenridge, Patterson, & Sapp and we just need to bring a guy or 2 through the draft. Perhaps one of the corners that can also double at safety? Additionally, CB is a position in a draft that we need to think about in terms of amping up the return game – say Reggie Smith in the 2nd round?
Campaign 3 is certainly worth pursuing because I doubt we will take a shot on any of the top tier guys in the draft because I think that the OL and CB needs are more pressing. That said, Donnie Avery (Houston, 5′11″, 186, 4.35) would be an ideal pick for us in round 3 if he falls that far. His stock seems to be falling off of late so it’s beginning to look like a real possibility. Harry Douglas (Louisville, 5′11″, 170, 4.36) in the 4th or Dexter Jackson (Appalachian St, 5′9″, 178, 4.36)in the 5th are 2 other zipsters with potential as #2 receivers. Avery and Douglas can also double as returners.
A couple of news/rumor updates to pass along: Casey Weigman will not be resigned (um, Hadnot anyone?) and Huard is rumored to be headed for the axe. On the QB question, unless we take Matt Ryan with our first pick, or we have an extra pick in the 2nd, I would rather see us wait until deeper in the draft to look to fill that position. For my money, I’d try to get Dennis Dixon in the 5th because he’s a guy that can make plays with his legs – never a bad thing for a rookie QB in my opinion. And btw, I’ve liked a lot of what I’ve seen with Printers and so I think he may yet develop into a very serviceable #2. Or maybe we can package Printers into a trade for somebody else’s center?
Foci for day 2 picks should be FB, WR, TE, S, QB, C, OG, & K.
Adam, your right- don’t take that wrong - I know you can’t just run the ball….what I am saying is that our Protection and Blocking are the most important things to fix this offseason to me….I don’t care who, how, or why….just fix it – and how you fix it is depth at the OT position and using a true FB………Yes – I know Jake Long might not be there….And as far as the problem with three tackles….either have one play guard (McIntosh) or heaven forbid we have depth at the Tackle position…….
Adam, are you saying Sapp is for certain leaving?
Ok. Well, 1st things 1st… Double D… I know where your coming from with the CB situation… but at the same time, Paterson has only been average for us in Special Teams. Benny Sapp has shown us what he’s capable of… and it hasnt been much… D.Hall brings to the table the ability of being a good Cover 2 CB and a great ALL around CB… I think it’d be great. And maybe, JUST MAYBE Surtain can get a boost from Hall’s play.
And by the way, I DO like Brack as the next CB to take over for Pat and head into KC’s future… Brack and D.Hall. THATS what Im sayin!
And on the other side of the ball… Dave You hit it right on the head as far as Im concerned. Long, Starks and a consious effort to try to draft Schmitt. A NATURAL FB… Put Long at LT, Waters at C, Mac at RG and Starks at RT… and either sign a FA (or draft) Gaurd and put him at the right. Lets not forget about Alibi.
Roc, et al – We’ve got Niswanger and Svitek to think about as well. Svitek has yet to put in a whole season and Niswanger is developing so, in terms of depth, I wouldn’t exactly count either one out at this point. And, unless the Chiefs bring in a center through FA, trade, or he loses his job to a draftee, don’t be surprised if Niswanger is our starting center next year.
I dunno, I thought Sapp showed signs of solid improvement down the stretch. It takes time for a guy like him to grow into the cover 2 but I think he’s doing okay and will be alright.
KC star is reporting that Law, Bell, Reed and Dunn are being released…
Well, if we have Niswanger as our C next season. Id be fine with that cause that’d only give LJ a strong Left side to run to ( Jake Long & Brian Waters… ouch.) … and Benny Sapp is good. I just dont think he’s good enough to be our starting CB. I Love him as our reserve. I does good off the bench.
Maybe Benny can start somewhere like for the NY G-Men… only cause the lose DBs to injury, like who done it… apparently they get injuried playin’ Madden for cryin’ out loud… Haha!