Erik Walden could be an interesting addition for the Kansas City Chiefs

If the Chiefs were to bring in Erik Walden, it would most certainly be on a one-year deal with incentives built in for playing time. The addition of Walden would not only provide an edge setter who had more sacks than any Kansas City player last season, but he would also provide the sort of security the Chiefs lacked last season when Justin Houston couldn’t stay healthy and when Dee Ford hit a wall. Frank Zombo remains a nice glue player who can be an all-around asset, but Walden would be an obvious step up at this spot on the depth chart.

The addition is that in obvious pass rushing situations, Walden’s presence would also provide Bob Sutton with another proven pass rusher to put on the field alongside the aforementioned trio of linebackers in Ford, Houston and Hali that would provide a constant rotation to stay fresh against the offensive front. If anyone is tired or dealing even with a quick issue such as a cramp, the Chiefs downgrade quickly when putting in an easily overmatched Nicolas (again if he’s not quite ready). Walden clearly has some good football left.

It’s unlikely that Walden is a yearly double-digit sack artist moving forward and any team should be wary of such expecations despite last year’s impressive total. But Walden has definitely proven his ability to get to the passer when freed up to do so and the presence of other dynamic players on the defense should free him up to do his job. If they haven’t yet grown a player to fill that role on the team, the Chiefs could use a dependable fourth pass rusher, not only for the productivity but the security it provides.

Walden is a nice option sitting on the open market who would be famliar to John Dorsey as a former Green Bay Packers player. The familiarity, the need and the opportunity to sign with a winning team could make this a good fit for all parties.