According to a league source, the Kansas City Chiefs are showing "serious" interest in free agent Shaun Smith, the 28 year old defensive tackle most recently of the Bengals.

Smith comes with experience in the 3-4 defense and a familiarity with a couple of key members of the Chiefs.

In 2003, Bill Parcells signed him as an undrafted free agent. He lasted a year in Dallas crossing paths with Todd Haley for just a short period of time. In 2007, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns who were coached at the time by -- you guessed it -- Chiefs defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

We're told the interest in Smith is due in large part to the presence of Crennel. The Chiefs worked Smith out back in October without signing him to a contract.

Smith is listed at 6'2" and over 320 pounds, which is good size for a 3-4 nose tackle.

Our source believes a deal is on the horizon but we've yet to confirm. Smith's agent had not responded to our email request as of this posting.