Scoping Out The Pool (Of Talent)
Well, that was one sucky game at Invesco. The fact that we went into the half with a lead, taking out their last remaining lead rusher in the process, and then to turn around in the second half (yet again!!) and allow Jay Cutler and the Donks to control the ball (and the clock) without putting up a single point of our own qualifies for me as a major let down and yet another step backwards. Our complete inability to get even close to Cutler when he was pinned deep in his own endzone facing 3rd and long is stunningly incomprehensible. No excuse for us not beating the Broncos and that’s all I’m gonna say on the subject.
Damn.
It should go without saying that the number one job for the Chiefs organization during the offseason is to address the pass rush, or should I say lack thereof, (as in frikkin’ worst frikkin’ ever in frikkin’ NFL frikkin’ history!). What we lack, above all, is the right person/nel for the task. That is not to say that we lack talent on defense, because we do have talent, but rather we are missing one, perhaps two, game-changers who bring along with them that je ne sais quoi ability to raise all boats. I’m talking the difference between a San Diego defense with Shawn Merriman and one without him.
Beyond that, it seems to me that our next tier of priority would be to explore how best to upgrade talent and depth at OL, LB, QB, and WR. As we all know, free agency hits first and if we go another season without making a major move on that front I swear I might just become a Rams fan (or something even worse as if that were even possible) as a show of protest and utter disgust.
What follows is a preliminary list, in no particular order of importance or preference, of available UFA talent that I want, no wait . . . make that expect, Bill Kuharich and company to take a long, hard look at:
QB J.P. Losman
QB Kurt Warner
QB Matt Cassell
QB Kyle Orton
QB Rex Grossman
QB Kyle Boller
QB Charlie Batch
QB Pat Ramsey
WR Ashley Lelie
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh
WR Devery Henderson
OL Jordan Gross
OL Mark Tauscher
DE Julius Peppers
DE Terrell Suggs
DE Bertrand Berry
DE Kevin Carter
LB Karlos Dansby
LB Ray Lewis
LB Mike Peterson
LB Monty Biesel
LB Angelo Crowell
LB Channing Crowder
LB Willie McGinest
One of the many beauties of this class of UFA’s is that there several of these guys who I think could be had essentially through a first round trade swap. Given that scenario, I think there would still be several guys still available in the mid to late first round with the potential to also add immediate value to this team but without all the risk and pricy-ness that all too often is associated with high picks.
For example, if we were to address our need for an elite pass-rusher through free agency via a 1st round swap, we could, say, more comfortably pursue the tantalizing possibility of sliding Bernard Pollard into the Sam slot and then go draft William Moore to replace him at SS. Just one of many possibilities . . .
Clark Hunt, you want to see this team ascend to the next level? Then listen to what I’m saying and get that the hour is nigh for you to figure out how much you will need to pony up to get this done.
What about it Addictdom? Which UFA acquisition(s) do you feel would make the most dramatic impact to this team? Is there anybody you would like to see added to or removed from this list? Think big! Be creative!
No on…
Warner (old), Grossman (sucks), Boller (sucks), Batch (really?), Lelie (OMG no), Carter (192 years old), Ray Ray (old), McGinest (older than dirt).
I think Karlos Dansby (27) might be the guy, given that the Cards will probably have to cut costs to keep their WRs and QBs on the roster. They also might trade Matt Leinart in order to save money and try to win a Super Bowl with Warner.
Devery Henderson has great speed, but his hands are suspect. And he’s playing with the best QB in the NFL right now.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:52 pmThe only QB’s on that list worth a dang are Warner, Cassel, and Orton. Warner’s a gamble due to his age and spotty play during his career, so that leaves Cassel and Orton. Cassel is still largely unproven and I get the feeling that most of his success is due to the Patriots system and not just to his own talents. So that leaves Orton, who I’ve always liked, but that would mean we’re abandoning the Thigpen ship, which I don’t like. Thiggy just needs to finish the season and get a training camp and preseason as the starter under his belt. If we keep the spread and him together, good things will happen. We can’t keep blowing big leads forever……or can we?
December 9th, 2008 at 4:05 pmQB J.P. Losman – Possible candidate
December 9th, 2008 at 4:08 pmQB Kurt Warner – Playing like an MVP this year so the Cards will probably bring him back. His agent has and the Cards are already talking. He’s like 37 years old anyway…not sure where you were going with this one.
QB Matt Cassel – Not interested in bidding other teams for a player that is likely to command $9-10 million per year. Plus, the Pats might franchise him and then try to trade.
QB Kyle Orton – Looks like the Bears might keep him.
QB Rex Grossman – Worse than our current options.
QB Kyle Boller – Worse than our current options.
QB Charlie Batch – Worse than our current options.
QB Pat Ramsey – Worse than our current options.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh is likely gone but we have MUCH bigger needs than wide receiver.
The Panthers are going to try and re-sign Gross (who is playing LT. Personally, I’d prefer to go with the guy who we drafted with the 15th overall pick just 7 months ago).
Carolina will likely wrap up Peppers (or franchise him even though that could cost in excess of $17 million).
There’s a reason QBs, DEs, and LTs that are decent or above rarely hit the open market.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:12 pmAll – what I provided was simply a list of available UFAs at positions where I think we can use some help. LB and DE should be obvious. WR and QB remain areas where can we use either depth or additional talent or both. Just because I listed somebody doesn’t necessarily mean I am in favor them.
Adam – Problem is with Lelie’s attitude or what?
Two words. Randy Moss.
Clyde (and others) – seems to me we still lack that deep threat WR with wheels.
X – I’m not suggesting replacing Thigpen as the starter (unless we draft Bradford maybe). I’m thinking more along the lines of which veteran would be a good back up for him.
Other than maybe QB, my preference would be to stick with guys at least a year or two under 30. Mostly however our feel our focus in free agency should be to pick up an elite pass rusher and/or a veteran LB and other than Lewis, I expect most of the LBs & DEs listed to be on the market and it would help this team considerably to make a bold move in free agency this year. The talent is there to justify it and unlike what happened last year, I’d like to see us use free agency a bit to open up our options in the draft.
Bear in mind we continue to have key positions of need and the draft can’t supply them all. In particular, we are still hurting for (at least) a couple of good OLs, a deep threat WR, a QB, 2 or more LBs, another DT, and at least one DE.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:47 pmIf I was going to target one of those guys I would look long and hard at Terrell Suggs, though its hard to guage the chances of Baltimore letting him walk.
He’s a 26 year old tweener that can play OLB and DE and has 46 sacks in 6 years. His sack totals are down this year, but his tackles are up. The best part about him is that he will have played on a D that knows how to get the job done and will bring that attitude with him.
He’s already been franchised once and is looking for a big money. Unfortunately Baltimore doesn’t have a lot of essential FA’s to sign so they can target him. If they do decide to let him go though….
He’s a bit of a thug, but no one has ever accused him of half-assing it which is the problem with Peppers.
On the same note, I would look long and hard at Lewis just for the attitude and leadership he brings. God knows DJ and the crew need someone on the D who will lite a fire under their asses. Ray Ray will definitely do that, even if we have to put up with his seizure like pre-game dances. KC would have to overpay for him, but can you really put a price on not having your fans vomit everytime the D takes the field?
December 9th, 2008 at 4:59 pmif its a backup we need, then any of those guys will do, except the abominable Grossman
December 9th, 2008 at 5:15 pmAll these guys with the exception of maybe Dansby and Suggs do not fit the younger mode that we are going. Plus these guys will cost too much for the Chiefs liking.
We are in some trouble unless we can pick up a pass rushing stud in the draft.
Ugh!
December 9th, 2008 at 5:44 pmRay Lewis alrady re-signed with baltimore this year.
December 9th, 2008 at 5:46 pmMy problem is that Lelie is Randy Moss — without any talent. Hasn’t him sucking for the Broncos and Raiders been enough proof that he’d suck here?
December 9th, 2008 at 6:06 pmNice Adam, Lelie is terrible, good for an occasional deep pass but other than that disappears to much.
December 9th, 2008 at 7:18 pm#1. Juluis Peppers DE #2 Terrel Suggs DE
December 9th, 2008 at 8:06 pm#3 Albert HaynesWorth DT #4 Mike Peterson LB # Jeff Saturday C
I say we spend some of that cap money on J.P. Losman and let Thiggy, Quinn, and JP show us who starts.
December 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pmJordan Gross can play RT solid…Of course we would still leave Albert at LT…And of course the Panthers are trying to re-sign him…if they weren’t would we care about him? (In the name of Darling, do not answer that…)
Gross, Suggs and a LB (Dansby, whoever)
I think they are gettable…
December 9th, 2008 at 8:53 pmAnother name to consider is McNabb. Unless something drastic happens with his contract and the Philly faithful all decide that prozac is the way to go, he’ll be on the street or available for trade.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:06 pmi say we try to sign Bart Scott and Terrel Suggs that way we get a solid middle linebacker, and a very good pro bowl quality player that can play DE or OLB.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:21 pmI dont know why sign an aging qb? By the time the team mature he will be all used up.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:31 pmI agree…Verily…
December 10th, 2008 at 12:11 amWell for each Category
QB:
QB J.P. Losman (Could be interesting worth it depending on price)
QB Kurt Warner (Great player but doesnt fit considering age)
QB Matt Cassell (Not Sold Sorry)
QB Kyle Orton (Sold but why would the bears not resign him?)
QB Rex Grossman (lol)
QB Kyle Boller (lol squared)
QB Charlie Batch (stop it)
QB Pat Ramsey (seriously, well maybe as a backup)
WR Ashley Lelie (Im a hawaii fan so i know more about Lelie than anyone on here, he was a good receiver in college but hes mainly a deep threat needs to run routes better and show up in games, hes not better than Bowe and Bradley IMO but hes better than our others)
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Would be a nice upgrade but likely expensive)
WR Devery Henderson (so so on this one)
OL Jordan Gross (Think this would be a nice upgrade)
OL Mark Tauscher (NA)
DE Julius Peppers (good but price)
DE Terrell Suggs (would be awesome)
LB Karlos Dansby (I wanted him to get drafted by us out of college, felt the same way about DJ and Boss Bailey, i think Dansby would be huge if we could get him)
December 10th, 2008 at 2:00 amLB Channing Crowder (Another possible upgrade)
Also i agree with what someone said earlier about having bigger needs than WR, Bradley was a huge sign.
OL, LB, DE thats got to be the top 3
If Bradford falls to us in the draft i say we have to take him. And hey maybe we can scoop us Crabtree next year? hah wishful thinking :/
And since im a hawaii fan (and i pimped out Colt Brennan last draft, who performed well for washington when actually seeing the field btw)
This year’s pimp out will be
CB Ryan Mouton
LB Adam Leonard/Soloman Elimimian
Why do i pimp these guys out?
1) They will probably all be late picks or FA, i mean i would hope they go early but hey im a realist.
-Mouton: Best athlete Hawaii has had on the team, Best player on defense the past two years in my opinion. He’s fast he has played CB, WR (but the defense sucked when he left corner) so they switched him back, he could also play safety very useful. I know we have Carr and Flowers but it would be a late pick and at the very worst he would be a beast on special teams.
-Leonard/Elimimian: Have been an All-Wac Duo the past two years, sure its a smaller conference but they have been solid and reliable playmakers, they have some size and they are fast. Leonard was recruited by bigger schools but got injured prior to college and fell to Hawaii. Leonard is a character guy as well and he’s not one to get into trouble off the field. Let me at least say this Elimimian or Leonard would in my opinion be a huge upgrade over what we had at MLB this year (not counting DJ)
So thats my campaign because we would only send a 6th or 7th or maybe even a FA sign on them (unless i misinterpreted their draft stock but i havent heard much so im just guessing). Anyway watch the Hawaii bowl against the Irish and let me know thoughts!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:20 amHow bout we change the parameters of this here question…
If the Chiefs could trade a 1st, a 3rd and TG for any ONE player, FA or not, realistic or not, who would that player be?
Jarad Allen?
How bout Justin Tuck or
Uri Osemandiarrieahbecauseof5hourenergy?
The point is, if you could have any player in the league do you really want a QB like Manning or Brady or do you think the D is where we HAVE to go.
I think it HAS to be D. It’s no coincidence that Arizona has the best offense of all the teams that are going to the playoffs and probably going to get bounced out first.
Until this team fixes it D we’re stuck. And isn’t that sound like the same refrain we’ve heard since DT left the building.
December 10th, 2008 at 9:10 amThe problem I have with our WR situation is that we still need a burner on the outside. Bowe is better suited for the slot and would no doubt continue to be awesome in that role. My 2¢.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:11 ammushin is right, Ray Lewis would a great addition to the Chiefs because of the leadership he brings. Personally, I think he is a thug and I don’t really want him and I doubt he would ever leave the Ravens. Suggs and Dansby would be guys I would target. Thigpen’s development may make it harder to bring in a FA QB. After the draft would be a better time to examine who is out there for QB’s and what starting jobs they think they can compete for. DD, I agree that we need a burner for WR. Franklin may be that guy. Also, burners can be found in the later rounds of the draft.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:44 ammoose -
As I stated at the outset, our D has talent, a lot of it in fact. We’re only missing one or two pieces and I believe the best and quickest way to complete this defense is to go out and acquire one proven leader and then maybe a proven performer on top of that. Because of where we appear to be picking in the draft, the 1st round selections that help us are likely to be either gone (Michael Johnson, Curry, Orakpo) or a reach (Laurinaitis, Selvie, Spykes, E. Brown).
One thing that needs to be said about really good veteran LBs is that they seem to play forever so it might be a bit short-sighted to rule out guys like Biesel, Peterson, or even Ray Ray strictly on the basis of age.
Anyway, my short list for right now would include J Peps, Suggs, Dansby, Biesel, and Crowder. Assuming they don’t resign, I see no reason why we couldn’t land at least one of these guys and to do so would in my mind make all the difference for this defense. If we make a big move on D through FA, we’ll be in a great position to use our first pick on the best available OT if we have a top 5 option or the best available OL or LB if we’re further down. Either way, we should be in pretty good shape on that first selection.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pmIm glad we dumped Jareds ass, his attitude and outlook does not fit with the Chiefs. I think he is very much a young man at risk still.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pmStill, it would be nice to have had Jared’s 12.5 sacks (so far) this season. No regrets though, this is a major rebuilding year for us, and viewed in that light, we absolutely made the better deal. We won’t be going to the Superbowl this year and neither will the Vikes. I think most of us can live with the Chiefs performance this season because our expectations were pretty low. By the same token, I wonder how many Minnesota fans will be able to live with this season after going 1 and out in the playoffs (assuming they even make it that far)? LOL.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:29 pmI sure do miss his thumpin’ sacks Double I will always say that.
December 10th, 2008 at 5:01 pm[...] Scoping out the UFA Talent (Arrowhead Addict) [...]
December 10th, 2008 at 10:08 pmTheres NO WAY we sign Ray Lewis, let alone will Baltimore let him go.
BUT we CAN steal Bart Scott (Ray Lewis’ protégé)…
NOW HE can bring leadership. Some say he’s a little long in the tooth, but he’s a young 28, he can tackle, and he can bring to the CHIEFS the leadership that he’s learned from Ray Lewis.
December 11th, 2008 at 6:12 pm