From the FanPosts. Actual football talk! -Joel

The NFL Lockout is nearing its end after the owners agreed to their proposal to the players, however the players have yet to vote. If the players agree on this deal soon then that means free-agency starts as soon as Wednesday. The Chiefs have a handful of useful unrestricted free agents available, and a handful of free agents Chiefs fans have been waiting for the Chiefs to get rid of for quite some time.

This is a list of the five most valuable unrestricted free agents the Chiefs must retain.

1. Leonard Pope: Tight End

The Chiefs are pretty much set on their number one tight end for years to come in Tony Moeaki, but the number two tight end spot is valuable as well. Leonard Pope in my opinion is one of the most important players on the Chiefs. Pope provides: Leadership, blocking skills, a big target, and a good target in the red zone. Todd Haley even stated; "No disrespect to any other guys but I don't now if there is a guy that cares more about this team than Leonard Pope." Pope is a Todd Haley and Scott Pioli type of guy who is arguably the most classy player on the Chiefs and is a team-first player.

2. Shaun Smith: Defensive Line

When the Chiefs first signed Shaun Smith I thought that the Chiefs were just signing a player to take up roster space. Shaun Smith proved me wrong and has turned his career around with the Chiefs. Shaun Smith provides outstanding depth as well as playing some pretty good defensive end for the Chiefs. Smith is one of the most "colorful" guys on the Chiefs roster who really provides some personality. It would be sad if the Chiefs don't retain him for he is a big fan favorite in Kansas City. 

3. Terrance Copper: Wide Receiver

Terrance Copper is not a good starting wide receiver nor he probably never will be, but that doesn't mean he isn't an asset to the Chiefs. Special teams is where Terrance Copper makes his money. Copper is the best player on the Chiefs when it comes to special teams he is arguably one of the best special teams gunners in the division. Copper even received many Pro-Bowl votes for his efforts and is a player who is more valuable than it may seem. 

4. Casey Wiegmann: Center

Its up to the Chiefs on this one, I would be fine with the Chiefs not keeping Casey Wiegmann, but also be fine if the Chiefs Kept him. Wiegmann recently stated that he is coming back to football in 2011 and the only team likely to sign him is the Chiefs. Wiegmann is an "iron man" on the field having consistent play week in and week out for quite some time. Wiegmann could teach a thing or two to second round pick Rodney Hudson. Until the Chiefs think it's Rodney Hudson's time the Chiefs must keep Casey Wiegmann.

5. Ron Edwards: Nose Tackle

Depending on whether or not the Chiefs plan on going after a high profile nose tackle in free agency, Ron Edwards is a must keep. Edwards started off the 2010 season strong, but seemed to fade during the second half of the season. The Chiefs drafted themselves a draft day steal in the making in Jerrell Powe, but I don't think he is ready to start right away. The Chiefs should keep Edwards for he could teach Powe about being a nose tackle in the NFL.