Sep 8, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Jacoby Ford (12) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Raiders 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One thing the Emmanuel Sanders fiasco taught us is John Dorsey intends – or at least intended – on adding a wide receiver through free agency to strengthen the wide receiver group. Since Sanders didn’t work out, the Chiefs now have to turn their attention to other targets. And if you take this tweet from the Kansas City Star’s Terez A. Paylor at its surface value, it looks like the Chiefs will not be looking at older vets to fill the roster void.
I’ve been hearing the #Chiefs are looking for younger WRs. Rules out some of the older vets out there.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 17, 2014
As always though, we’ll see. I’d be surprised if they didn’t add a receiver before the draft.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 17, 2014
Assuming the Chiefs are only going to add one wide receiver to the roster, this tweet would suggest a guy like Jason Avant is no longer on the radar for the Chiefs. It isn’t that Avant wouldn’t make sense for the Chiefs given his understanding of and productivity in Andy Reid‘s offensive scheme, it just appears the Chiefs are trying to go in a long-term direction at the position and not just have a stopgap signing.
UPDATE:
My tweet about #Chiefs seeking younger WRs doesn't necessarily rule Avant or Hester out. I haven't heard anything new on those fronts.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 18, 2014
Who could the young receiving target be for the Chiefs? Here are a few receivers who are still on the market.
– Sidney Rice, 27, would fit the need of a downfield receiver who is also good in the running game. He’s not a dynamic slot-type receiver but he could work well on the outside. One thing to consider, however, is his history of injuries. How much could the Chiefs really count on him to be on the field?
KC hasn’t been connected to Rice in rumors. The market for him appears to be the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Seattle Seahawks.
– Joe Morgan visited the Chiefs early in the free agency process but not much has developed since then. New Orleans seemed keen to re-sign him at a more affordable price.
When (and if) healthy, Morgan is a big play threat who can score at any moment. In 10 career receptions he’s scored three touchdowns and averaged 37.9 yards per reception. The Saints planned on him being the team’s third wide receiver before Morgan injured his knee in the preseason.
– Kenny Britt is a risky boom/bust type who could maybe be had on the cheap. There is obviously a lot of risk attached to him so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs decided to stay away. New England is said to have interest in him.
– Former Raiders speedster Jacoby Ford, 26, is still available. In 38 career games he’s caught 57 passes for 848 yards (14.9 ypc) and three touchdowns. Ford is said to have 4.28 speed. The New York Jets have been connected to him.
– Darrius Heyward-Bey, 27, could be an interesting option on the outside to split time with Donnie Avery. DHB is both fast (4.25 40) and big (6-2, 220) so there are intriguing matchups there. He’s been something of a bust since being selected 7th overall by the Raiders in 2009 but he could be useful as a reserve receiver who exploits smaller cornerbacks.