NFL Free Agency 2012 Preview: Kansas City Chiefs
For the Kansas Chiefs, NFL Free Agency has already begun.
The Chiefs began by locking up on of their own free agents in WR Dwayne Bowe. KC put the exclusive franchise tag on Bowe to secure him for the 2012 season. The club plans to continue working toward a long-term deal.
By placing the tag on Bowe, the Chiefs effectively decided to let go of CB Brandon Carr. Although the Chiefs have said publicly that they wish to re-sign Carr, the CB seems to be drawing a lot of interest in free agency and will likely test the market. To make up for the eventual loss of Carr, the Chiefs signed former Raider Stanford Routt.
As for what’s ahead, the focus right now remains on the biggest FA fish out there in Peyton Manning. There have been a flurry of reports that the Chiefs are both out and still in the hunt for Manning. While it appears as though Manning is leaning toward Denver or Arizona, the Chiefs will likely stay in the hunt until Manning signs on the dotted line.
Team Needs: RT, DT, QB, TE, C, RB, ILB, S
If the Chiefs are going to make some big moves once free agency begins, I think they’ll go after running backs and quarterbacks first. Should they feel they have not shot at Manning, KC will likely attempt to re-sign Kyle Orton. They could also take a look at Green Bay’s Matt Flynn and Arizona’s Kevin Kolb, should he be released because of the Cardinals acquiring Manning.
As for RB, the Chiefs could take a look at former New York Giant Brandon Jacobs or former San Diego Charger Mike Tobert. The Chiefs have seen up close what Tolbert can do when he gets a head of steam and he could make a nice compliment to RB Jamaal Charles.
Lastly, should Peyton Manning not make a decision before FA begins, the Chiefs could make some bold moves to try to lure him to KC. The Colts have released a number of players that Kansas City could target to help plug some of their holes.
Dallas Clark is a free agent and although the Chiefs expect Tony Moeaki back from injury, their TE depth is terrible. What better way to change Manning’s mind about KC than to bring in one of his favorite all-time targets.
After that. the Chiefs might consider signing former Colts center Jeff Saturday. Saturday is nearing the end of the road but should he decide he wants to continue playing, the Chiefs should seriously consider him.
If the Chiefs added Saturday and Clark, not to mention the fact that they already have Ryan Lilja as a starting guard, Manning would look at KC’s offense and see a lot of familiar faces.
Is it likely to happen? Probably not, but if the NFL has taught us anything over the years it is that teams can be unpredictable.
Buckle up. Free agency is going to be a wild ride.