NFL Free Agency: Time For Chiefs GM Scott Pioli To Make A Move

The first day of free agency (even though technically nobody can sign until Friday evening) came and went without the Kansas City Chiefs making a big splash.

This is usually the case.

Now to be fair, I like Scott Pioli’s approach. There is no reason to jump right in and start throwing money around recklessly. The Chiefs have a lot of young talent and a bright future. They shouldn’t make big moves or sign big names just to make the headlines. It needs to be the right player, at the right time for the right price. Chiefs fans should be glad they have a calm, non-reactive GM.

That being said, it is time for Pioli to at least dip his toe in the free agent waters. If yesterday was the day to start testing the market then today is the day to start making some moves. The Chiefs have some holes that could be filled splendidly by free agents on the market right now. Pioli would be wise to lock up some of these crucial players before they come to terms with other teams.

Pioli smartly spend time yesterday coming to terms with some of his own free agents. We heard reports that guys like Travis Daniels and Casey Wiegmann are coming back. It is important for the Chiefs to keep some depth and solid core guys who understand how the organization works.

But guys like Wiegmann and Daniels aren’t going to help take the Chiefs to the next level and let’s face it, they need to step it up if they hope to repeat as AFC West Champions. The team’s deficiencies at positions like NT, WR, T and perhaps even LB will be exposed by the elite teams on the 2011 schedule.The Chiefs will need some veteran players in or close to their prime if they hope to hang with the likes of the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and yes, even the San Diego Chargers.

This isn’t your normal free agency period. Time is tight and teams are going to start snatching up the talent. Pioli shouldn’t overreact and he shouldn’t act foolishly. But he does need to act.

Soon.