The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

Quinn signed with the Chiefs this year rather than accept a more lucrative contract offer from Denver. That would indicate that he is comfortable playing for Crennel.

“He wants a smart football player, a guy who understands the Xs and Os,” Quinn said. “He wants people to understand the game and the scheme to it. He also likes guys who are passionate about football, who enjoy love being at the job and love working at it.

“I’ve only been here a week but you can tell that these guys are tough, hard-working, competitive. … I can see why Romeo really likes them.”

Kansas City Chiefs veteran defensive end Tyson Jackson reduced his scheduled base salary for this year from $8.05 million to $4.25 million, a league source confirmed.

Of that figure, $4 million is fully guaranteed for skill, injury and cap.

The former first-round draft pick from LSU can make another $500,000 in 2012 through playing-time incentives.

A previously scheduled year of the deal, the 2014 season, has been deleted.

Jackson had hit an escalator clause boosting his base salary from $2.505 million to $8.05 million with his 2013 base salary up to a hefty $14.72 million from an original $3.22 million level.

Just part of the $14.72 million is guaranteed for injury and salary cap: $3.22 million.

If Kalil isn’t selected by the Vikings, our sources tell us the Chiefs (who own the 11th overall pick) will attempt to trade up to obtain him. Kansas City recently signed former Texan Eric Winston to play right tackle and have 2008 first-round pick Branden Albert at left tackle. Albert is solid but not great and has only one year remaining on his contract. In 2012, Kalil could take over at left tackle, which would allow the Chiefs to move Albert to guard.

Working against the Chiefs is that they have games with the NFC’s South Division, one of the megapower divisions of the entire league. That means games against high-flyers New Orleans and Atlanta, as well as Tampa Bay (a year removed from 10-6) and rising star Carolina (Cam Newton gives the Panthers a chance in every game). Losses to Atlanta and the Saints (despite all their offseason upheaval) are virtual givens, while the game with Tampa Bay is on the road, and we all know how poorly the Chiefs traditionally play in Florida. We would think the Chiefs could beat Carolina in Arrowhead, so we’re talking 1-3 in these four games.