NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

La’el Collins appears to have been cleared of any connection to a recent murder case, and has been promptly signed by the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys wasted little time in signing La’el Collins as an undrafted free agent. Dallas was the first visit that Collins had, despite being contacted by several teams.

• Chiefs take: The Chiefs certainly should have been suitors for Collins, but it looks like a case of a young man simply deciding on where he wanted to be well before anyone had a chance to convince him otherwise.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos have begun to make their shift to a 3-4 defense. The biggest question about this shift is how well the defensive line will be able to adjust to a new scheme, especially after losing Terrance Knighton.

• Chiefs take: This could be the year the Chiefs finally surpass the Broncos in the AFC West. The conditions seem to be right with Manning eyeing retirement, a new coaching staff coming into place, and a change in defensive philosophy that will certainly require an adjustment period.

Detroit Lions: Former Lions wide receiver Titus Young pleaded guilty on a deal in regards to his most recent criminal charge. Young has become the poster child for wasted talent due to off the field problems in the NFL.

Green Bay Packers: The Packers are unsure whether Clay Matthews will stay at inside linebacker or shift back to the outside. The Packers have available options at both positions, and Matthews is currently meeting with both position groups. It appears the Packers will allow all of the other players to compete, and move Matthews to whichever spot appears the weakest in camp.

• Chiefs take: I’ve suggested a few times that the Chiefs could use Dee Ford at inside linebacker. Matthews is a perfect example of how this could work. And while it’s not the ideal use for Ford, it would at least get him on the field. Until Tamba decides to hang up his cleats, it’s unlikely that Ford sees much time on the outside.

Houston Texans: The Texans re-signed Whitney Mercilus to a contract extension worth $26 million over four years.  Meanwhile, the Texans are reportedly happy with their current quarterback situation, which has been confusing at best this offseason.

More from Kansas City Chiefs News

• Multiple Chiefs execs mentioned as strong GM candidates in 2024
• Former Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las Vegas
• Chiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in Germany
• KC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching accelerator
• Creed Humphrey lands on PFF’s Top 25 Under 25 list

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are already seeing some drama unfold from their draft class.  Veteran star wide receiver, TY Hilton, is apparently not happy about the team drafting Phillip Dorsett in the first round.  Hilton is coming into a contract year and views the drafting of Dorsett as the team looking to replace him rather than provide him a compliment on the other side.

• Chiefs take: Depending on how this year plays out, the Chiefs could still be in the market for a wide receiver in 2016. If Hilton does hit the market, he would certainly be one of the top options available.

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars appear all set to move on from former first-round pick, Justin Blackmon. Blackmon has not been anything close to what the Jaguars were hoping for when they drafted him in 2012. Reports indicate that there is even uncertainty as to whether or not Blackmon even wants to play anymore.

• Chiefs take: While the wide receiver position is anything but settled right now, Blackmon should not be an option at all. There are too many problems both on and off the field to invest anything in him.