Andy Reid Says A Jason Avant Reunion Is Unlikely
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 24, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
Jason Avant(81) catches a pass prior to the start of the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
Take another name off the list of potential wide receiver fits for the Chiefs. Andy Reid spoke at the NFL owners’ meetings today and said there was nothing to the rumors the Chiefs could be interested in bringing Avant to Kansas City.
#Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there was nothing there in regards to his having any interest in signing former #Eagles WR Jason Avant.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 25, 2014
Reid continued.
Reid said him and Avant did speak and hinted they could work together in some fashion down the road.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 25, 2014
So now what?
Only two wide receivers have been heavily connected to the Chiefs in free agency: Joe Morgan and Emmanuel Sanders. We know how the Sanders thing ended up, so we won’t go there. Morgan re-signed with New Orleans last week. Outside of those two receivers the Chiefs rumors have been quiet.
Additionally, the Chiefs are out on a potential trade for DeSean Jackson, though there is a thought they would take a look at him should the Eagles elect to release Jackson. It is unlikely the Eagles would consider releasing Jackson if they think they could get a draft pick or two for him. There are several teams who are thought to be interested in trading for Jackson.
John Dorsey is said to be looking for younger wide receivers so this would eliminate candidates such as the soon-to-be 30-year-old Miles Austin. Santonio Holmes is 30. Sidney Rice and Kenny Britt are both available but both carry larger price tags and red flags. There really isn’t anything left it would appear.
Good news for Kansas City is the deepest position in this year’s draft is wide receiver, so there should be some quality options in all seven rounds. Relying on rookie receivers, however, is not ideal. Even receivers drafted in the first round take some time to develop and adjust to the NFL. And while there is promise for Weston Dressler to be a contributor, he still has not played a single snap in the NFL.
It would seem the Chiefs are going to need a guy like A.J. Jenkins to step up and be a reliable threat in the “Dexter McCluster” for the Chiefs not lose ground at the receiver position. This is not ideal but it’s starting to look like it will be the reality when the Chiefs get to training camp.