Lost in the almost endless stream of Peyton Manning information is the fact that the NFL’s free agency signing period is set to open on Tuesday. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve got Manning Fever. At the time I’m writing this, there is a report out of Denver that says the Chiefs are out of the running for Manning. If at the time this article posts word has gotten out that Manning has officially signed, I have one of two possible things to say:

If the Denver Post is wrong and he signed with KC then its “WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!! WE GOT MANNING!!!!!!!! WE’RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!!!!!!!!!!

or

If he signed with anyone else “Manning is washed up! We don’t need him. We’ll be just fine without him as long as we build on the offensive line, get our injured star players back to full strength, and continue to build on what was already a very good defense.”

If he hasn’t signed yet, then we’ll stay in wait-and-see mode. Look, I won’t lie, if Manning picks the Donkeys over the Chiefs, it will hurt. It also means I’ll be jacked up twice a year for our up-and-coming defense to go knock the stuffing out of him. However, regardless of what Manning decides, the Chiefs simply MUST be active and aggressive come the start of free agency on Tuesday. This team (with or without Manning) needs to fill some holes. So whether you’re on Cloud Nine because Manning is a Chief or drowning in your sorrows because he’s not, you need to remember that building a Super Bowl contender means having a great all-around roster. So I thought it would be a good idea to make up a short list of some of the big names at key positions that the Chiefs could target in free agency. It would make my day if in the first 24 hours of free agency the Chiefs signed one or more of the following players.

Nose Tackle: Paul Soliai, Sammie Lee Hill, or Antonio Garay

Nov 20, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai (96) before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 35-8. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Paul Soliai (28 years old, 6-4, 355 lbs.) is (in my opinion) the clear top NT available on the free agent market. Sione Pouha was probably a close second, but Pouha just re-signed with the Jets. That leaves Soliai as THE only big time NT available. Even though right tackle may be a bigger need, the lack of quality free agents available at that position also makes Soliai the biggest possible big splash signing that would drastically upgrade the Chiefs for next season at any position (not counting a certain QB that we’ve already discussed, a lot). If the Chiefs can’t land Soliai then I see two other free agent options. My next choice would be a lesser known player, Sammie Lee Hill, from Detroit. Hill is only 25 years old and listed at about 6-4 and 330 lbs. He has played in 44 games with 15 starts in his three years in Detroit and is known to be a stout run defender. Obviously the Chiefs would have to feel he was capable of playing the NT in a 3-4 after playing in a 4-3 in Motown, but if so, he offers more upside then the other “name” NT on the market, Antonio Garay (32 years old, 6-4, 320 lbs). Garay is a good player and would upgrade the position as well, but if the Chiefs don’t grab one of those options then the NT position could be a real concern next year.

Offensive Line: Carl Nicks or Ben Grubbs

September 26, 2010; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Ben Grubbs (66) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at M

Like I just said above, RT is the biggest need on the offensive line but there really aren’t any “big splash” offensive tackles available to sign. Also, I believe the options at OT in the draft are better then those in free agency. If the Chiefs wanted to add some big time talent to the offensive line in free agency it would be with one of these Pro Bowl caliber offensive guards. Carl Nicks may just be the best OG in all of the NFL. The only problem is that he has let it be known that he expects to be paid like he is as well. Despite the Chiefs great salary cap situation, I don’t know that they would sign both Nicks and Manning. Frankly, Nicks and Soliai might be pushing it. However, if they don’t land Manning and/or don’t break the bank on a NT then Nicks could be a legit option. If they do somehow sign Manning and/or pay big money for a NT than Baltimore’s Ben Grubbs would be a great second option that shouldn’t cost as much as Nicks. If Nicks really is wanting LT type money, Grubbs may end up being the better value for the price anyway.

Running Back: Ben Jarvis Green Ellis or Mike Tolbert

Oct 2, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New England Patriots running back Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis (42) is pursued by Oakland Raiders defensive tackles Jarvis Moss (94) and John Henderson (79) at the O.co Coliseum. The Patriots defeated the Raiders 31-19. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

I think its safe to assume that the Chiefs are going to be on the market for another running back to share the load with Jamaal Charles. Jackie Battle did well last season, but I think the fact that KC has not re-signed him yet is a sign that they are looking for an upgrade at the #2 RB spot. This makes sense for a couple of reasons. First, Jamaal Charles is a small framed back coming off a major injury. It would make sense for the Chiefs to be looking for a #2 RB that could step in and be the feature back should Charles have some kind of a set back. Second, the Chiefs led the league in rushing two seasons ago using a two-back system. Adding a quality back like Green-Ellis or Tolbert to pair with JC would put the Chiefs in a great position to get back to the top of the league in rushing. I prefer Green-Ellis because I think he would make a better all-around back should Charles miss time, but Tolbert has proven to be a solid all around back in his own right.

(On a side note, I’m actually hoping the Chiefs draft Boise State’s Doug Martin in the second round to be their #2 RB, but signing one of these two would be a solid way to go too and would free up another draft pick to fill other needs.)

Quarterback: (If not Manning) Kyle Orton or Chad Henne

Jan 1 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton (8) prepares to pass during the first quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

Obviously, Peyton Manning would be the ultimate QB signing for the Chiefs, but if that doesn’t work out then they still need to bring in someone to compete with Matt Cassel. I’m not sure if I could give either Orton or Henne an upper hand in this one. Orton knows the team from his time here last season and Henne knows new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll from their time together in Miami. Neither one is an automatic upgrade over Cassel, but either one is capable of challenging him for the starting spot. Last season should have proved to Scott Pioli that you must have a #2 QB that you trust starting games. If the Chiefs have lost out on Manning, then they better pony up for one of these two options.

I think we all know that the Chiefs could use more help/depth at many other positions as well, but I believe that in terms of big names or players that could be big time contributors next season these are some of the main names you should be watching for once free agency starts. I believe the Chiefs can be a playoff team next season regardless of what happens with Manning. However, they are going to need a couple of guys off this list to make it happen. So make sure you don’t decide if the Chiefs “aced” or “flunked” the offseason based on what happens with #18. There’s a lot more to it than that.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post has been brought to you by CouponCodes4u.com. Get terrific deals on apparel, only through CouponCodes4u.com. Looking for Nike Apparel? Check out these Nike Promo Codes. And for all other apparel needs, be sure to check out FansEdge Coupon Codes and many more from CouponCodes4u.

According to Brian Williamson of ESPN.com, the Chiefs have $62 million in cap space going into the 2012 season. Chiefs Nation has its fingers crossed that they will actually spend said money. If they do, this is where methinks it should go, in order of priority:

1.) Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe and CB Brandon Carr.

I put these two together, partially to make a point. I think it is important to point out just how cool it is that the Chiefs have two top-10 free agents and the cash to re-sign them. Carr was a fifth-round pick and represents the type of talent this team needs to draft, reward and build around in the future. Not all fifth rounders are going to become quality starters, but it sends a powerful message throughout the organization that no matter how you make it to Arrowhead, if you work hard, develop and don’t get into locker room drama or off-the-field problems, you will be heavily rewarded.

Only one can get the tag, so all things being equal, it makes the most sense to franchise Bowe, because the franchise number for wideouts is $1.2 million cheaper than it is for cornerbacks this year. I’m also more enthusiastic about Carr long-term than Bowe. Bowe is fantastic at times, but he’s had enough issues to where there are more concerns about giving him a monster long-term deal. Carr has been a solid workman – no drama, no quitting, no mug shots. Giving Carr a long-term deal should be easy, whereas some other issues may be worked out with Bowe and the franchise tag gives them another year to do that.

All of that said, it may make more sense to front-load the contracts for these two guys. A four-year deal for each of these guys would probably average about $8 million per year each. But, because the Chiefs are sitting on a cap mother lode, they may as well dump a lot of that salary in bonuses this year – paying each of them, say, $15 million and leaving them with a base salary of $6 million or lower for the next three years. This gives the Chiefs a lot of extra flexibility moving forward.

Plan B:

I mean, I guess you go after Stanford Routt and Vincent Jackson if you for some reason can’t lock up Carr and Bowe. But, while Jackson has a bit more downfield speed than Bowe, I think the two of them are at best equal to Bowe and Carr overall. Routt got tons of penalties for Oakland last year, and Jackson has more attitude issues than Dwayne.

2.) New Orleans G Carl Nicks

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Paddy pointed to Nicks two weeks before the Super Bowl, and he is still very right. He will be pricey, but very rarely do the best in the biz come available at their position while still young. Nicks is 26, and considered by many to be the best guard in the NFL. If we’re going to shell out this season, this is some conspicuous spending I can get behind. Although the Chiefs were decent in the interior of their O-line last year, their overall depth is dreadful. Snagging Nicks gives the Chiefs a solid rotation of Wiegmann/Hudson at center and Lilja/Asamoah at the other guard position.

Plan B:

Stanford guard David DeCastro is frequently mocked to the Chiefs in the 2012 draft. KC seems to be in the sweet spot for picking him up – 11/12 is typically a bit early to draft and interior lineman, but DeCastro is an atypical talent. Furthermore, as Ladner pointed out last week, guard is about the safest position you can pick at the top of the draft. Ravens G Ben Grubbs would also be a decent pickup, he’s 28, but has had a lot of injury problems.

3.) Texans C Chris Myers*

*If Wiegmann retires.

Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Just like Nicks, taking on Myers would add talent to the middle of the line, and would also deepen the Chiefs overall depth in the trenches. The Texans had the best O-line in the NFL, and it was anchored by Myers, who may have been the best center. In addition to being a force up the middle, Myers is a grizzled veteran at calling blocking assignments and keeping the Texans unit gelling. Hudson struggled somewhat in limited snaps at center, and I think I’d feel better about bringing in a serious starter at C if Wiegmann retires, considering how dependent the Chiefs are on the run game for offensive success. Myers is 31, so a two-year deal may be the kind of stopgap that will allow Hudson to transition well into the role. With both Myers and Nicks tearing up the middle, the Chiefs could have a historic running game.

Plan B:

I don’t think this is a huge area of need if Wiegmann sticks it out for another year. I still think the Chiefs should spend a mid-round pick on an interior lineman, just because that’s the kind of position you can never be overloaded in. Hudson would likely perform average or better if thrown into the fire this year.

4.) Dolphins NT Paul Soliai

Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

Soliai is one of the few true NT’s in the NFL. While he doesn’t put up mean stats, he holds down the middle of the line like a trooper. Miami franchised him last year, and with good reason – they recognize that their 3-4 scheme depends on him. But, because the Dolphins would have to pay him more than $15 million to franchise him this year and Soliai appears determined to test the market, the Chiefs should be able to swoop down and snatch him. Last year, AA writers were pounding the table for Aubrayo Franklin, but he was picked up by the Saints and underwhelmed. I do not thing the same will be the case for Soliai. The Dolphins run a similar defense to the Chiefs and he would fit right in.

Plan B:

While older than Soliai, Simone Pouha, at 33, would be both a stopgap and an upgrade over Kelly Gregg. He’s had more than 50 tackles each of the last two years for the Jets at nose tackle, which is impressive.

5.) Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis

Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

I touched on this last week, and I think this signing is both wise and likely. While he hasn’t shown himself to be effective as an every-down back – not that the Patriots run it much anyway – he could be a great 3^rd-down back for the Chiefs. Regardless of what the Chiefs do with the RB position in the draft, if they enter the season with Jamaal Charles, the Law Firm, and Jackie Battle, it’ll easily the best and most varied running-back situation they’ve had in at least five years. Light, medium and heavy.

Plan B: Ray Rice is going to get franchised and Marshawn Lynch inspires little excitement as a complimentary piece to Charles. This is an overall weak RB free agent class, which brings us to the draft …

Where this would put us:

If Pioli/Hunt were to take my advice for the first time in the history of time, we would be solid in both the defensive and offensive backfields and have possibly the best interior O-line in the NFL. We would also have the closest thing to a complete defensive line KC has had in a decade or more. The only real hole on the roster would be right tackle.

However, most importantly, making these moves would put the Chiefs in the best possible position to get value in the draft. There is a glut of quality options at right tackle in the first three rounds. It is likely that Jonathan Martin will fall to the Chiefs, an athletic guy that could play either tackle position. But, knowing that they will have the opportunity to pick other good values at their only real need position, the Chiefs could instead use that first pick as a luxury – snagging the best talent on the board.

With a potential trading frenzy over QBs above them and a draft-philosophy bias against running backs, Trent Richardson could very well fall to the Chiefs. Not a need, but can you imagine how well KC would be set up with a RB stable of Charles, Richardson and the Law Firm? The Chiefs could also take the opportunity to go after whatever top-rated QB falls out of the top 10. Regardless of what you think of Cassel, I definitely would feel better about the quality of the position moving forward if he were competing against Ryan Tannehill in the next training camp. But, frankly, the possibilities are endless and I think Pioli should be interested in getting the best talent available.

He drafted for need by picking Tyson Jackson in 2009. He learned his lesson by taking the best player on the board with Eric Berry in 2010. Hopefully, the Chiefs both keep that experience in mind and set themselves up to do it right this year.

Update: The Bucs just took Johnson and the Saints just took Nicks. Ouch. It is clear to me that we feel we have so many holes that we are absolutely not willing to sacrifice picks to move up. Oh well, I tried.

I’m going to make this short and sweet. I know he has character concerns, but my God, in the fifth round I love Carl Nicks. I would have been perfectly fine drafting him in the third round. The Chiefs have had a draft for the ages, but King Carl and Co. need to move up and draft this kid. Just wanted to go on the record with this one. It would only cost us an extra seventh to swap our first sixth and get up into the late fifth. Pull the trigger! Josh Johnson also has no business still being available.