If the Chiefs had just run Jones behind Richardson all season long, 2011 might have turned our differently.

Today the Kansas City Star’s Red Zone blog released the full list of Chiefs players that will become restricted or unrestricted free agents when the new league year begins in mid-March.

Just like last year, I decided to go through the list and give my take on who should be brought back and who should be sent packing (looking at you, Piscitelli).

As always, we want to hear from you so make sure you chime in after the post. Let’s get to business.

RB Jackie Battle (UFA)

Battle proved himself a useful player in my eye this season. He contributes on special teams and can get some things done on the ground as well. He is still young enough to contribute, and he’ll cost absolutely nothing. In the end, keeping Battle could come down to a numbers game and it might depend on how many RBs the Chiefs want to carry. They will almost certainly add a big, complementary back to Charles. It became clear this season that the Chiefs need a guy that can not only help shoulder the load with Jamaal but that is also talented enough to lead a strong running game on his own.

Battle could likely run with Charles, but isn’t good enough to hold things together on his own. Still, he has value.

Keep him.

(more…)