We recently asked the readers of Arrowhead Addict what three unrestricted free agents the Chiefs should pursue this offseason. Here’s how you voted…
First off, I want to congratulate our readers on a job well done. Alan Faneca and Flozell Adams, are too old and Lance Briggs would been a luxury pick. Additionally, Bryant Johnson and Drayton Florence would be worth a shot, but will serve as back-up options in our plan. Same with Maurice Williams. The other thing to remember is that trading for DeAngelo Hall beat out signing Asante Samuel in a recent poll. That means we will campaign for Hall–and Florence as a back-up option–rather than Samuel. This is a smart decision, because there’s no way we ante up the cash to sign Samuel with our “beer budget.”
Of course, I’m being a smart ass there, because the Chiefs will have at least $20-million in cap room to potentially spend this offseason–more moolah than they’ve had in a long time. What should the Chiefs spend all that cash on? Here’s what you decided (with a little deciphering from our staff)…
Campaign No. 1: Sign A.) OT Max Starks, Pittsburgh; Or B.) OT Maurice Williams, Jacksonville
This is the pivotal move of our off-season. It looks like Zach will probably be right–OT Jake Long will likely be gone at five. I said probably. With this draft’s handful of great players anything can happen. It does look like he will be gone, though. Why have I changed my tune? Because St. Louis has become enamored with him. They don’t really need him, but I digress.
Long’s likely unavailability means it is imperative that we sign either Starks or Williams. Doing so will keep us from reaching on Ryan Clady, who, mark my words, is definitely a reach at five. Unfortunately, it looks like the Falcons are leaning towards QB Matt Ryan. If the Dolphins can’t trade back they will probably pick DE Chris Long. Personally, I don’t think they’ll be able to trade back. Why? Because it looks like RB Darren McFadden will still be there at the four spot. If Jerry Jones or anybody else wants Run DMC, their likely trade partner will be the Raiders.
That pretty much leaves us with DT Sedrick Ellis, gambling on DT Glenn Dorsey‘s bum back or reaching on a player like CB Aqib Talib or Clady. The situation could look even worse if Chris Long, and not Dorsey, is the best player available. Although it is not outside the realm of possibilities that a team would trade up to snag Howie’s boy. Or Vernon Gholston, the 37-bench-rep/4.67-40 phenom defensive end from OSU who once beat Jake Long to record a sack.
Signing an offensive tackle in free agency allows us to pick the best player available at five or trade back without having to worry about our glaring hole at tackle. There are plenty of good cornerbacks, quarterbacks, O-lineman and wideouts that will be there in the second half of round one, not to mention round two. I also think we can wait until round two or three to draft a guard. This move also allows Damion McIntosh to move to right tackle, a more natural position for Dame Mac.
Campaign No. 2: A.) Trade For DeAngelo Hall; B.) Sign Drayton Florence
Some of you have argued that cornerback isn’t important in the Cover 2. Obviously, most of us disagree after watching Pat Surtain and Ty Law play attempt to play last season. Normally, Hall would be out of our price range, but these are not normal conditions. The Falcons have played their cards and have no leverage. Everyone and their uncle knows he’s got a one-way ticket out of the ATL that owner Athur Blank has personally stamped. The Chiefs have also been linked to Hall on multiple occasions. No, not just by us–by the NFLN and others.
That mean’s the Chiefs obtaining Hall via trade is at least feasible. It all really depends on the price. Our third pick in the second round this year and a future third? Done deal. Our 2008 first round pick? No thanks.
That’s where Florence comes in. He might be a cost effective solution that will make all Chief fans happy. An additional bonus is that we would be pulling talent away from the Chargers. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie just ran a 4.33 40 and could be there early in round two, so there will be more options here if we pass on Florence and Hall. My guy Chevis Jackson is another option. Still, the Chiefs must do something with Benny Sapp and Law heading out of town. Surtain and Ty Brackenridge can’t hold down the fort on their own. The Chiefs absolutely have to add another CB, either through the draft, free agency or a trade.
Campaign No. 3: Sign A.) WR Donte’ Stallworth, New England; Or B.) WR Bryant Johnson, Arizona
Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez desperately need a third amigo. Brodie Croyle and Larry Johnson could use a wideout who stretches the field, too. Stallworth was easily our top vote getter WR-wise, and his breakaway speed would be a great compliment to Bowe. At the same time, many Chiefs fans are high on Johnson. Johnson certainly has talent, but as an avid fantasy footballer I have seen him squander that talent more often than not. Still, he would come considerably cheaper than Stallworth, and there is no way the Cardinals can afford to re-sign him. He could very well come in and do what Joe Horn once did when he left K.C. for The Big Easy.
Adding a free agent receiver might not seem crucial, but it is a move we need to make. Unless we luck out and can grab a DeSean Jackson or James Hardy in round two, we won’t get a difference maker at WR in the draft. We have to acquire a solid No. 2 WR to open up our offense. We have to give Brodie Croyle (or Joe Flacco 🙂 ) more help, and punish defenses for stacking eight and nine men in the box. Or we could just actually play my main man Bobby Sippio.
Yes, I mentioned Joe Flacco here. If we luck out and get to trade back, I wouldn’t be opposed at all to us picking a quarterback like Brian Brohm or Joe Flacco. For some reason I think both will end up being picked later than they should. I guess it’s just a lack of the hype factor that surrounded Brady Quinn and JaMarcus Russell last year. Zach and I both love Joe Flacco, and if he is sitting there in round two he would be hard to pass on. Especially if we have a strong free agency period. The guy has a rocket arm and exudes confidence like few QBs do.
This all is a whole lot to digest, but I think we’re thinking along the right lines. I also want to mention Indianapolis Colts free agent guard Jake Scott here. New Orleans Saints center Jeff Faine is another option. Hopefully, Bill Kuharich, Herm Edwards and “The Grim Reaper” Ray Farmer are reading.
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