Aug 9, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle
Geoff Schwartz(74) against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Chiefs 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Scouting Combine is not just a place for general managers and coaches to scout incoming rookie talent but also a place for higher ups to schmooze with agents of prospective free agents. While no free agent can sign until March 11, there are backdoor ways for teams to talk about future free agents without tampering. From what it sounds like, Geoff Schwartz name was pretty popular in Indianapolis.
From Draft Insider:
"I’m told Branden Albert may not be the only veteran offensive lineman out the door in Kansas City. The way it looks now back-up Geoff Schwartz, who received heavy interest at the combine, will likely sign elsewhere."
This doesn’t mean Schwartz is gone, not by any stretch of the imagination. However, if several teams are interested and Schwartz price increases it will make re-signing him a lot tougher for the Chiefs. Considering Jon Asamoah is also a free agent, Kansas City may choose to sign the cheaper of the two and move on.
Pro Football Focus currently has Schwartz and Asamoah as the top two guards available in free agency. Arrowhead Pride had a good write-up on Rishaw Johnson as a potential replacement for both Schwartz and Asamoah if both leave via free agency, but would not seem like an optimal situation for the Chiefs. Expect to hear more about the potential fates of both guards next week as we get closer to the opening of free agency.