Five Bargain Free Agents Who Could Help The Chiefs

It’s clear that the Chiefs both don’t want to spend lots of money and want to let their young guys develop. Taking those things into consideration, here are some bargain-basement free agents who could fill some of our holes.

C/G Richie Incognito, RFA (Rams) – The fiery ex-Husker would be a bargain if you ask me. We would need to surrender a 2010 third-rounder, but we’d have our center of the future. He’s only 25, and while he did have an injury-riddled 2007 season, he bounced back to start 15 games last year. In 2006 he started all 16 games. Is he a little nuts? Sure. But you know what else is nuts? Getting a player of his caliber for this year in exchange for a 2010 third-rounder.

OT Marvel Smith, UFA (Steelers) – He’s had back problems the past two years. That’s true. But he’s still only 30 and has started 108 games for the Steelers this decade. After re-franchising Max Starks, Smith apparently was a luxury the Steelers could no longer afford. He would be an instant upgrade at RT over Damion “Sackintosh” McIntosh.

OT Kwame Harris, UFA (Raiders) - Just because a guy didn’t work out for the Raiders doesn’t mean anything. Hell, being cut by the Raiders is almost a ringing endorsement these days. Definitely not my first choice, but he’s 27 and is a former first-round pick with the athleticism to match.

DE Anthony Weaver, UFA (Texans) – This run-stuffing left defensive end could start for us from day one. He has experience playing in a 3-4 as well, dating all the way back to his Baltimore days. Not a flashy signing, but he would be a definite upgrade for us at the LDE position. I think he’s a player we almost have to look at. Remember, the Chiefs struggled against the pass and the run last year.

OLB Marcus Washington, UFA (Redskins) – A pass-rushing outside backer who’s been a starter for most of this decade (Colts, ‘Skins). He’s 31 and had an off year last year, but I think he could be a solid pass-rushing backer for us, and one who would also provide leadership.

Now, signing all of these guys would be Carl Petersonesque. But taking a flier on one or two of them would be a smart strategy at this point in the free agency period for the Chiefs. I particularly like Icognito and Weaver, because they are healthy and young (25 and 28, respectively).

Addicts, your thoughts on these five bargain-basement options?