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
And this time it is official: The Chiefs have signed defensive lineman Vance Walker to a three-year deal.
A source tells me the #Chiefs have signed Vance Walker to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $13 million, with $3.75 million guaranteed.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 14, 2014
There was a period earlier this morning where we thought Walker had signed with the Chiefs but those reports turned out to be false. It didn’t seem to matter too much as the Chiefs were able to get the deal done tonight.
Walker projects to a starting defensive end based on his contract and the comments of his agent.
Walker’s agent: "That’s starter money…and that’s Vance’s expectation, to be a starter. “ #Chiefs
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 14, 2014
Vance Walker’s agent, @a3_Tommy: “He felt like could play alongside Dontari Poe and be productive in that defense."
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 14, 2014
Kansas City got the deal done before Walker could get to Seattle for his official visit. They’ll now focus the rest of their attention to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who is in town now for his visit.
We talked a little bit this afternoon about how Walker fits for Kansas City as an affordable option. Here’s a Raiders, Walker’s old team, perspective of the signing:
#Chiefs fans are going to love Vance Walker as a 3-4 end.
— Christopher Hansen (@ChrisHansenNFL) March 14, 2014
Walker is much more disruptive than Tyson Jackson ever was. #Chiefs will actually get some pass rush from him.
— Christopher Hansen (@ChrisHansenNFL) March 14, 2014
The Chiefs significantly improved their pass rush on the defensive line and spent half of what Atlanta did to sign Tyson Jackson. These haven’t been huge moves John Dorsey has made the last few days but they are very savvy ones. If KC can land Sanders in the next few hours then you’ve got to be pleased with how the early free agency period has worked out for the Chiefs.