Post Lockout Sprint, Who Do The Chiefs Sign?

Now that the lockout is over and we are looking at ten (ten!) years of labor peace, Addicts and fans everywhere can breath a sigh of relief. For the NFL, however, there is no sigh of relief. Instead, the Chiefs are deep into a mad sprint of signings. Surely, Scott Pioli had a plan, like all responsible teams. However, plans are plans and he has to adjust fast to changes. Already the Chiefs are busy signing UDFA’s, filling out the bottom of the training camp roster. Almost all of these names will be forgettable. One or two may make the team and another couple could end up on the practice squad.

Signing veteran free agents is another front the Chiefs need to deal with. A couple of vets were brought back. Ron Edwards signed with the Panthers. The Chiefs are rumored to be trying to bring Shawn Smith back. Smith can swing between NT and DE. Even if he resigns, that would not close the door on signing a vet NT. If the Chiefs can’t sign Aubrayo Franklin, we would be looking at one year stop gaps like Pat Williams or Kelly Gregg. Pioli didn’t try hard to ink Ron Edwards, so he must have a plan. It will be interesting to see how this position plays out.

Slot WR is another position where we could see a vet FA signed. Already, my first choice, Lance Moore, signed back with the Saints. Steve Smith would be good, but the rumor is that he is headed back to the Giants. The Chiefs are reportedly sniffing around Steve Breaston. (update, Breaston signed with the Chiefs. That’s what you get for writing an article a day in advance in a fast moving market).

The Chiefs are very thin at offensive tackle. After Albert and Richardson, the Chiefs have…… nothing. Ryan Harris could be a nice pickup and would be available since the Broncos are moving away from a zone blocking scheme.

The last position I want to talk about is RB/FB. Yes, we drafted Shane Bannon in round seven. A seventh round draft pick should not stop Scott Pioli from pursuing a quality NFL player. Le’Ron McClain would be a excellent fit. McClain wants to carry the ball. The Chiefs could use him as a between the tackles runner and blocking fullback.

With the exception of Franklin, these are not top tier players that would command a huge contract. Signings like this would vault the Chiefs into strong playoff contender status.

Addicts, those are my signings. Who are you looking at and why?