Free Agency and the Chiefs. Why you shouldn't be excited about anyone

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:00 PM CST

Ahh free agency. It's the stop-gap of things to talk about in between the end of the ~~Pro-Bowl~~ Superbowl and the beginning of the Scouting Combine and Draft. It's what will inevitably "make or break" your team based on a whole lot of fan clamoring, wishing, and dreaming.

"This guy is what we need to turn that corner and become DOMINANT!", "This guy is a total beast.", "We so need him on our team! PAY HIM BAJILLIONS OF DOLLARS NOW!"

Really? Do our beloved Chiefs lack 1 or two big name players on either side of the ball that will turn it around for the team? Is there any amount of loss we can cope with for trying to get one of these "marquee" players?

I for one, think not. There is nothing out there for us in free agency, Chiefs fans... At least, no one more than a stop-gap.

Many people may be quick to point out the Jared Allen trade as it pertains to the Chiefs. The Vikings defense went from ranked 20th to 6th in the offseason that they acquired Allen, which is a great leap for them. But look at Allen's history of playing versus those free agents this year... Allen, who made it well known he no longer wanted to be in Kansas City continued to play absolutely ball-out showing he was not a gamble for other teams to take on. He never disappeared in games. He was consistent.

Now, look at Julius Peppers. Inconsistent. He fits the "Larry Johnson" mold of a player who's looking for a payday and then quit at the first sign on trouble. Karlos Dansby is another hot name. But Dansby's stats are rather pedestrian for the pay he's going to command, not to mention he tends to disappear in games as well. I'm of the opinion that if you wouldn't want Antonio Cromartie playing defense for you, then you wouldn't want either of those guys either; especially not for the price you're going to have to pay them.

Vince Wilfork, the other hot free agent name being thrown around. Recently, today in fact, Wilfork received the non-exclusive franchise tag by the Patriots. Any team that want's to get him is going to have to pony up TWO first rounders for him, or whatever the Patriots deem as "fair compensation" in addition to actually paying him. As the old saying goes "Is one Wilfork worth two in the bush?" (or something like that at least)

Are you willing to give up TWO players to acquire ONE?

I for one, am most certainly not. This team is still building it's foundation, and mortgaging the future on any ONE player right now would be foolish to say the least. And anyone thinking Wilfork can be had for anything less than a first round pick plus additional compensation is delusional.

I refuse to believe that any one player will be able to come in and turn this Chiefs team around by themselves. It's going to take more than that on both sides of the ball to bring this team to a championship level, and that's what everyone wants. I think this team has to stick with the draft, find our own talent and when that talent escalates to a high level send them packing for great compensations. We don't want to be the Raiders or the Redskins throwing money at hot or sexy names. We want to be the team having those players on our roster, and we want to be the team that gets compensated with first round picks.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

Tweet Comment 47 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

again... the franchise on Wilfork DOESNT mean KC would have to give up 2 firsts for him

Cassel had the same tag… but they negotiated a trade for him anyway.

I would give up a 2nd or a 2011 2nd and 5th for him

* KC now has the best coaching staff in the league
* Pioli will make at least one trade in the offseason, and 2 trades during the draft
* I'd prefer "lightning and lightning" as opposed to "lightning and thunder" when it comes to RBs
* 9-7 is a real possibility in 2010 IF the Chiefs get 4 new starters

by stagdsp on Feb 22, 2010 1:12 PM CST reply actions

You're missing the point entirely on the Cassel deal

The Patriots still had TOM BRADY. They also had a backup QB to parlay into a pick (key-word there is backup) to the rest of the league. Doesn’t make sense to let a guy you know has trade value walk away.

Wilfork is their starter. Cassel was the backup. To me, that’s an apples to oranges comparison.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:16 PM CST up reply actions

well... BOTH have trade value

Cassel was more expendible, of course, because they couldnt afford to pay both he and Brady.

But, Wilfork is not untouchable by any means

by stagdsp on Feb 22, 2010 1:29 PM CST up reply actions

Not implying that he is

no player is untouchable if you find the team that wants them. But Wilfork is going to cost more than Cassel did.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

he might cost more

but probably not as MUCH as people expect

by stagdsp on Feb 22, 2010 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

I think a 1st round pick

is going to be a factor there. Depending on the team 1st and 2nd, maybe 1st and 3rd… who knows. To me I see that as two players you’re giving up that should be able to start their rookie season for your team. Obviously it doesn’t always work out that way, but that’s the potential loss.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions

Then of course

you actually have to work out a contract with him after losing multiple high-value picks.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:43 PM CST up reply actions

Players like Wilfork and situations like this are what has given the Pats their reputation.

Wilfork will not be in NE next year. The Pats hardly ever re-sign any of their vet players who are looking for a big payday. They always trade them for compensation. Always.

And, they drafted Ron Brace last year. I don’t know if he is as good as they expected him to be but, I guarantee you that they won’t just let him sit there on the bench with all of his potential. He’ll be the starter at NE next year. I’d say we are in a pretty good position to pounce on Wilfork with our two 2nd round picks and however many 5th rounders we have.

I’m calling it: Vince Wilfork will be a Chief next year.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe the Pats are after Cody and we will play right into their hands?

My bold prediction and I think our best chance at moving down in the 1st. Bret Favre retires, Tavarris Jackson is not retained or leaves and the Vikings trade up, with our beloved Chiefs, for Jimmy Claussen.

WRITE IT DOWN!

by BigRedChief on Feb 22, 2010 2:06 PM CST up reply actions

Well...

they are in prime position to get Cody with our 2A pick. Or they may take him with their 1st rounder if they think he’s going to go earlier than expected.

If we can’t get Wilfork, I think the NT spot get’s filled with the 5th pick. Dan Williams.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

I would rather do that

than trade for Wilfork.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

I wouldn't but it's nice to know we have options

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

richard seymour was there starter

they seemed to cut ties with him…….they drafted a DT in brace last year in the second round……I think if the price is right bellichick will cut ties with anyone

that being said…..i dont think were gonna be very active in free agency……but if we can pick up players that will put more talent on the field i think we will….whether we have to overpay or not

by cassel4prez on Feb 22, 2010 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Good teams stockpile picks for future years.......

…..trading what they can afford to lose now in favor of building the bottom of the roster and preparing players to take over.

Bad teams spend their picks on as many players as they can get their hands on to overturn their rosters and add legitimate talent to the team.

When bad teams start throwing away multiple picks on one player, instead of adding as much talent as possible to build the roster…they end up like the Raiders, Lions, and Chiefs…….forever building and getting nowhere.

We’ve got too many holes to fill to be tossing multiple picks at a single player. If we make any moves in FA, I would expect them to be moves that ADD picks to our draft; not take them away.

The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw

by Texas Chief on Feb 22, 2010 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

It's a big league out there

why I don’t personally expect any big name FA’s signings, I fully expect Pioli to continue to improve and upgrade the middle and bottom parts of the roster. Some names we’ll be familiar with but certainly not any star caliber players. Any new Chief signing’s I’m always excited about because it shows the desire and opportunity to improve. I think this roster is pretty talent depleted and FA is equally as important as the draft to building a winner. I say bring on the Corey Mays’, bring on your Mike Goff’s and let’s do this thing.

D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 22, 2010 1:18 PM CST reply actions

Now that I can get behind.

I’m not one for throwing out draft picks to make a trade, but I also realize that you have to bring in FA’s to field a decent team. You can’t rely solely on the draft, or FA. Free Agents should supplement your drafted talent.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:24 PM CST up reply actions

well said

by stagdsp on Feb 22, 2010 1:34 PM CST up reply actions

The first few paragraphs were awesome funny! "Pay him a bajillion dollars ... NOW"!

by krayfish on Feb 22, 2010 1:30 PM CST reply actions

I will take my bajillion dollars now

for entertaining you. :)

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:32 PM CST up reply actions

Starring Saint as Jillian Michels trainer to the stars.

“You want free agents? Do you want to turn that corner and become dominant? Well now you can!!! That’s right, by wasting ridiculous draft picks you can have all the FA’s you want. But wait. You want more??? How ’bout a bajillion dollars more? NOW”!!

by krayfish on Feb 22, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

"We got black ones, white ones,

skinny ones, fat ones! We got tall ones, short ones! Whatever FA’s you wants… we gots!"

“Dicktowel!”

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Is that an "It's Always Sunny in Philadelpha" reference?

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius

by ArrowSpread on Feb 22, 2010 2:14 PM CST up reply actions

YESSSS!!!

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions

Hilarious.

I love that show.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius

by ArrowSpread on Feb 22, 2010 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

+1

That show is ridiculous.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 2:33 PM CST up reply actions

Ridiculous aint even the word

Have you seen the D.E.N.N.I.S System episode?

Oh. My. God.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius

by ArrowSpread on Feb 22, 2010 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

Ah, the comprehensive approach to seduction

Demonstrate your value
Engage physically
Nurture dependence
Neglect emotionally
Ignore completely
Separate entirely.

Sad thing is, it actually works.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 2:48 PM CST up reply actions

When Frank

is at the pharmacy buying Magnum’s because “he’s getting ready to plow”? That whole scene cracked me up.

D.J. #56 - Pay The Man & Play The Man
The only thing more lame than mock draft's is the sarcasm font.

by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 22, 2010 3:20 PM CST up reply actions

It's my favorite show on TV.

The Christmas special was exceptionally hilarious. Got me in the Christmas spirit when I was in a really dark place in life. Always put a smile on my face, I watched it every day for the 7 days prior to xmas…. great stuff.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 2:43 PM CST up reply actions

I LOVE SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA!!

by krayfish on Feb 22, 2010 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

courtesty of Bajillian Michels, trainer to the posters!

by krayfish on Feb 22, 2010 1:41 PM CST reply actions

Hey do we get to sue him because his post didn't have the affects that we desired?

WRITE IT DOWN!

by BigRedChief on Feb 22, 2010 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

Party Pooper.

WRITE IT DOWN!

by BigRedChief on Feb 22, 2010 1:46 PM CST reply actions

I was writing this

and as I was doing it Wilforks franchise tag was announced… I had to change a couple things. Actually almost had it done before that…

boy would my face have been red!

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

I'm not so sure now...

I was thinking Wilfork could be had for a 2nd and a 5th. But he’s pretty valuable. Jared Allen got a 1st and two 3rds. But I know pats dont want top 5 draft picks either. That extra 2nd rounder and those extra 5ths are good trade bait. That would give pats, i think FOUR second round picks. Then they could move up if desired. I also just dont understand how/why Pats would be willing to help us so much. We are in the afc too! I know Pioli and Yoda may be buddies but its still a business. They gave us their backup qb last year and got great compensation. But to give up Wilfork may cost more and that makes me hesitant.

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Feb 22, 2010 2:00 PM CST reply actions

He's worth it

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 2:07 PM CST reply actions

keep our picks and build for the future

i would rather us keep our picks and get a value player like pickett from green bay. then maybe we could draft another nose in the later rounds to give us two options for this year. pioli is known for building through the drafts and signing players for reasonable compensation = no wilfork in KC!!

by chiefn25 on Feb 22, 2010 3:06 PM CST reply actions

I was agreeing with you until

you started talking about sending high level players away for more draft picks. If you mean doing that because we have multiple high level players at one position, that is one thing. ANY time you come up with a high level player from the draft you should do everything you can to keep that player. There are many more busts than quality players. Trading high level players for draft picks is a risky business that could keep a team from winning it all for a very long time. I don’t want to play Marty ball again, I want to see winning playoff football in KC.

by Aiken_Drum on Feb 22, 2010 3:45 PM CST reply actions

That's what the Pats do

I’m prone to agree with you for the most part but everyone has a price tag.
I was more saying I want to be on the other end of these types of Wilfork deals

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 22, 2010 4:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

+1

I hate trading away good players for picks. There are some guys I think we could part with (DJ, Page) but for the most part, I think the Chiefs need to keep guys like Dorsey, Croyle, Bowe etc.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Feb 22, 2010 3:49 PM CST reply actions

I'm with you

I don’t want the super-expensive FA’s like Wilfork. I wouldn’t mind having him, but not for the price tag he will command. The 2nd tier FA’s are always the better deal. If your careful, or lucky then you can get 4-5 contributing players for the price of one Wilfork. This team needs quantity at this stage just as much as quality. Get quality in the draft and bring in some complimentary players in the 2nd tier FA market.

by chief66 on Feb 22, 2010 4:59 PM CST reply actions

If you like Sunny in Philadelphia, go rent Mr. Show all 4 seasons and watch the whole thing.

don’t judge it on one episode. It’s David Cross and bob odenkirk. It’s the funniest shit ever!!

by krayfish on Feb 23, 2010 7:45 AM CST reply actions

Seen it

It’s okay from what I can remember. It’s been a while though, so I may ought to check it out again.

So full of sh*t that toilet bowls have to wipe.

by IISaiNtII on Feb 23, 2010 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

2ndly, Saint. I agree with you to a point here. For sure.

I dont want the same ol’ mentality here that we run out and spend a load on some “savior” that gets the fans excited again and gets us spending like rabbits only to lose before the playoffs get here.

by krayfish on Feb 23, 2010 7:46 AM CST reply actions

Our second round

Is a bit more valuble than other teams since it’s at the top.

If we could trade out to middle 5 and pick up a mid/late second I’d be down with sending 2a and the newly acquired 2nd for him.

"The dirtier the sound the best I breathe, I tried to do it all for you and you didn't do anything for me"

by Jux on Feb 23, 2010 5:43 PM CST reply actions

*trade out to middle of the first**

"The dirtier the sound the best I breathe, I tried to do it all for you and you didn't do anything for me"

by Jux on Feb 23, 2010 5:44 PM CST up reply actions

I do agree you build thru the draft

but do not by any means think it is the only way to build a football team i think to be good you have to use free agency and the draft to your advantage. some of our most hallowed names came via free agency priest holmes,marcus allen,brian waters. both the draft and free agency are equal rolls of the dice in free agency for every bam morris there is a priest holmes just like in the draft for every mike cloud there is a jammal charles.

i think we all would agree that our needs list at the least is 1s, 1nt , 2lb’s 1wr , 1cb, 1g, 1c, 1hb, 1te, 1fb it would take the greatest draft of all time to fill all these holes with the draft alone you need free agency just as much

by Bleedzredngold on Feb 24, 2010 12:24 AM CST reply actions