NFL Free Agency: Jon Asamoah Signs With Atlanta Falcons

Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jon Asamoah (73) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Asamoah has reunited with Scott Pioli. According to the tweet below, the Chiefs guard has signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons to help rebuild their offensive line.

We had heard earlier in the day Asamoah was going to sign a $4.5 million deal with the Falcons so, again, no surprise here. Kansas City could not match Asamoah’s demands and still be able to sign a few players in free agency. KC entered the day with just under $10 million in cap space but also needed to save about $4-5 million for May’s draft. The Chiefs simply did not have the cap room to re-sign him.

Asamoah was struggling to start in the Chiefs’ new scheme anyway. He was replaced in December by Geoff Schwartz and never regained his starting position. The writing was pretty much on the wall then that Asamoah would not be returning with the club.

Finding a replacement at right guard is going to be interesting for the Chiefs. Schwartz is expected to sign a big deal elsewhere and there is no real option on the roster to replace either of them. One would expect the Chiefs to make a small move in free agency or use a draft pick to fill the hole. This is unless the Chiefs plan to convert Eric Kush, a 2013 draft pick, to guard, or if they plan to start Rokevious Watkins.