Dec 8, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws a pass while under pressure from Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker (98) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It appears we are starting to get to the point of free agency where Kansas City is choosing to be active. Two names have floated around today with connections to the Chiefs, including a defensive lineman and tight end.
First up is the name most of you are probably familiar with, Brandon Pettigrew. There’s appears to be plenty of competition there for his services so it is hard to judge how big of an interest KC has in him.
For everyone on the Pettigrew watch, sounds like the Lions, Raiders, Chiefs and Jets are the teams in the mix.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) March 13, 2014
A former Detroit Lions tight end, Pettigrew would provide depth to a tight end unit that was decimated by injuries last season. He’s not a game-changer at the position, PFF has never given him a positive overall grade in his career, but he does provide solid pass blocking and is a good target in the red zone. Detroit hasn’t exactly been the best coached team over the course of his career so he could benefit from a better coaching staff and scheme.
He turned 29 in February.
In addition to Pettigrew the Chiefs met with defensive tackle Vance Walker.
Source: DT Vance Walker is visiting with the Chiefs today.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2014
Walker, 26, spent last season with the Oakland Raiders and posted a +4.0 PFF grade. He accumulated three sacks, six quarterback hits, and 32 hurries from his defensive tackle position in 791 snaps. This rates in the middle of the pack for defensive tackles.
It would be expected Walker would move to defensive end in the Chiefs’ 3-4 scheme. His +1.5 pass rush grade rates well compared to Tyson Jackson‘s -3.3 grade. However, Walker is not as stout against the run as Jackson has been.
Update:
Hmm…
Vance Walker’s agent told me he will be in K.C. today AND tomorrow. Two-day visit.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 13, 2014
End update.
AKEEM JORDAN UPDATE
We haven’t heard much about Jordan since the beginning of free agency but much of the assumption has been he will likely leave for another team after the Chiefs signing of Joe Mays. It would appear this assumption is in the process of turning into a reality.
#Chiefs LB Akeem Jordan is scheduled to visit the #Titans on Friday. Was initially sked to visit Monday, but team had visit bumped up
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 13, 2014
In addition to Mays, the Chiefs also have 2013 fourth round draft pick Nico Johnson in the mix to fill Jordan’s spot. Adding another inside linebacker whose strength is stopping the run may not make much sense for the Chiefs.