As Free Agency begins to rear its beautiful head...

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 10:53 AM CDT

I have a list of free agents who I have coveted for a while. Mind you, they're not all free agents...yet. The areas of need I see for the Chiefs are ILB, NT, RB, WR and OLB. I know, we have Hali and we drafted Houston and have Studebaker, but Houston and Studebaker are still unproven and I would love to see us add a veteran. I mean, we run a 3-4, you can never have too many linebackers right? So, I'll begin with OLB...

1. Matt Roth. This guy is performance and production. He played under Crennel's defense in 2008 and played very well. He continued to play well each of the 2 years after Crennel left. This guy has some time left and would be extremely valuable to Studebaker and Houston. If we add this guy, our OLB's will be set for a LONG time.

2. After the jump...

2. Lance Moore. We desperately need a slot receiver, and behind Mr. Welker, I think this guy is the best. I know everyone keeps pegging Breaston here (and I wouldn't be upset with him either!), but I like Moore. Sean Payton comes from the Parcells tree too and recognizes that Moore is very talented, and I think Haley sees it too. With our OW getting more reps at RB, Moore adds to our WR corps and may make it one of the more formidable groups in the NFL (assuming Baldwin plays well).

3. Marion Barber, III. The Cowboys are well over the new Cap limit and will be letting go several veterans. They drafted Barber's replacement this year, have Jones and Choice as well, so he is expendable. Barber has a few good years left and is a bruiser who will flourish with situational snaps behind Charles, Jones and occasionally McCluster. Although I think we keep Jones for his leadership, it was clear that he slowed down at the end of the season. Where he slowed down, I think Barber would keep up. Unfortunately, if Barber signs, Battle may have seen his last days as a Chief. Barber would be great as long as he doesn't try and break the bank.

4. MR. FRANKLIN. I might as well jump on this bandwagon. We need a NT to play with Edwards and bring up our beloved 6th round pick, Jerrell. If we need a NT, let's just go ahead and get the best available, and possibly one of the best active NT's period. A 3 year, most likely super deal would bring him here and push us right into the playoffs riding a SICK Defense.

5. Nick Barnett. He will be released from the Packers after Hawk filled in for him and took over. Barnett is a very talented ILB with tons of 3-4 experience. He's a team leader, loves football and is a winner. He would bring excellent play to the team and would accelerate Belcher's progress. WIth the addition of Barnett (and Roth) our linebackers will be envied by the NFL and will cause havoc.

So these are 5 players I'd love to see the in Red and Yellow. What do you think? Am I forgetting anyone?

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 63 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I really like Roth and Moore and Franklin.

Those guys would be on my list too. I wouldn’t bother with Barber because I think he’s washed up and Barnett is more of a WILB guy but love the other 3 picks.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 25, 2011 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

Barber can still pound the ball between the tackles.

If we’re looking for a guy that can pick up tough yards when we need them, there haven’t been many better than him over the past few seasons.

I don’t know that we are getting that much of an upgrade over Thomas Jones with him though…so I’ll pass.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Jul 25, 2011 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Barber would be a good addition.

I see JC as primary RB with a committe to represent the other half of all carries. BArber would fit in that group. However we may also see an UDFA as that slot filler. Their were some good ones undrafted.

I like the LB options. Choice of a Slot/ WR is “up for grabs” (so to speak.)

Franklin IMO is not just a pipe dream. He fits need and we have $ to spend. He would be a difference maker.

Don’t forget need for a backup OT or even a front line OT if the right guy ios available.

I would be disappointed if at least 3 of these needs were not addressed in FA.

"You talkin' to me? You TALKIN' to me ?" - Travis Bickle

by CatChief on Jul 25, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I agree, but would Barber be that much of an improvement over TJ? I don't think so.

If we get a “slot” guy, then I’d just as soon not spend big bucks. To be honest, I think Chris Chambers is better served as a slot receiver anyways. He’s obviously lost a step, so he’s not going to burn anyone on the outside. Why not move him inside where he can still use his size advantage on a Nickel Corner?

I’m ok with Belcher in the middle. I think our LB corps as a whole is about to make a pretty big turnaround. A lot of young guys who should be coming into their own soon. But there are a few guys out there that would be good just for some added attitude. Barnett is one of them, but might cost a little too much for what we need.

I doubt Franklin ends up in KC. When it’s all about the money, I don’t see KC as the type of team to make that move unless they know he’s a complete game-changer…and Franklin isn’t.

I still like the thought of going after Marshal Yanda to compete with Richardson. If he beats out B-Rich, then we got an upgrade and a quality swing tackle with a chip on his shoulder. If he doesn’t, we have a utility right-side lineman who has bulk and a mean streak for those short-yardage situations.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Jul 25, 2011 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions

No to anything that deals with Chambers, cut his sorry ass.

That is all.

by paratrooper on Jul 25, 2011 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions

What ever happened to Matt Light?

A while back he was the first person that came to mind when we thought of free agency. Now, nobody remembers him. Mr. Hunt did promise to the fans that he would target a OT this offseason……

by Theblind Tiger on Jul 25, 2011 11:04 AM CDT reply actions

I like Light

But I think Richardson is our starter. I think we get an OT or 2 to challenge Richardson and give us depth.

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 11:09 AM CDT reply actions

I hope we get Matt Light...

As the starter at RT or at worst the swing OT. He would be a definite upgrade all-around at the OT spot. A trio of Albert, Richardson and Light would be quality!

by ChiefMojo on Jul 25, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I actually forgot about Lance Moore.

I’ve been hoping for Breaston, but Moore would be an awesome signing as well. I really would like MSW or Santana Moss if we can’t get those guys though.

http://wesleyroesch.wordpress.com

by WezKC on Jul 25, 2011 11:21 AM CDT reply actions

Moore is a better true slot WR then Breaston.

And he’s a ballhawk in the redzone. Between Baldwin, Bowe, Moore and Moeaki, teams would have too much to worry about in the redzone.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 25, 2011 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I still think you have to be slightly cautious about receivers that were catching passes from guys like Brees, Manning, Rivers, etc.

But, on the whole, I like Moore, too.

"[Jamaal Charles] probably fights crime in his spare time while inhaling carbon emissions, exhaling oxygen, and crapping oil. That’s how awesome he is. Not just good for the Chiefs, but America."
- MNchiefsfan

by MtHammer on Jul 25, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, guys like that who have excellent QBs AND excellent offensive systems.

They’re tough to accurately evaluate.

Personally, I feel that if we aren’t going to spend money to grab a guy for Baldwin to learn from (Breaston), then we might as well continue to cultivate what we already have on the roster. Maybe add a couple of role player veterans, but I wouldn’t focus too much on WR.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Jul 25, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe a bit easier with slot guys.

Moore has great hands, can take hits, and goes into the tough/high traffic areas of the field and makes plays. I know what you’re saying about playing with a great QB or in a great system but he also has the techniques that make a great slot WR.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 25, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree. Like I said, I don't hate the idea of signing Moore.

And ultimately I trust Pioli’s evaluations. We should just tread lightly, is all.

by MtHammer on Jul 25, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Dont Wanna Be A Downer But....

If we’re saying we need to upgrade from Belcher, then we need to find another FS also, dont you think?

There are two kinds of worries - those you can do something about and those you can't. Don't spend any time on the latter.

by IGot5iveOnIt on Jul 25, 2011 11:57 AM CDT reply actions

I agree

Lewis played very well last year, but we are very think at the safety position.

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I guess a undrafted rookie FS would be ok

Lewis was good his rookie season, hopefully somebody else can too.

by Theblind Tiger on Jul 25, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

McDaniel from Clemson would be nice...

I was really surprised he didn’t get drafted and he would fit the bill.

by ChiefMojo on Jul 25, 2011 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

That's actually the one position I want us to spend some money at.

I like Lewis and I think he’s going to be a solid player for us, but I think we have an opportunity to get into the Patriots mode of stockpiling for the future.

Sign Eric Weddle on a 3 year deal. That moves Lewis to the backup spot where he can continue to learn. Let Weddle take the start this year so we have a top center-fielder style FS to go with Berry. Re-assess the situation next year. If Lewis is ready to step it up, start him and trade Weddle. If he’s not ready, repeat scenario and look at it again next season. No matter what, trade Weddle before he becomes a FA so that we can add a quality pick for the future.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Jul 25, 2011 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Matt Light - Patriots

He wants MONEY.. and the Chiefs have it.
Light could step in and play LT for the Chiefs, allowing Albert to shift to RT.
Asamough, with his excellent pulling ability.. can come in at LG, and Lil stays at RG, and Weig/Hudson play at center.

I’m usually not a big fan of the “Move Albert to…” ideas because they always seem to involve putting an untested player that we don’t know enough about into the LT spot. But Light could fill the role at LT for a year or 2 and Albert could always go back to LT if necessary.

It’ll never happen, because the Pats are going to pay the man… but I’d love to see Logan Mankins replacing Weig at center to train up our rookie Hudson.

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

by Texas Chief on Jul 25, 2011 12:04 PM CDT reply actions

I don't know

For some reason I have a feeling Asamoah may be our next center. He’s big, quick and strong enough to stand up to 3-4 NTs. Hudson has a build near Lilja’s and might be a better pulling guard. I recall Asamoah taking reps at center last year, I believe. Just a thought.

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

We didn't have much at center last year, now we have some depth and we did draft the best ZBS center prospect

Asamoah will stay at Guard and fight with Waters/Lilja for playing time

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Lawson anyone?

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions

Could be.

Knock against him is he’s not much of a pass rusher but half our draft was getting those types of players so maybe we just need a two down run first guy like Lawson.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 25, 2011 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions

He got pressure but never got the job done with a sack

He never had anyone like Hali on the otherside of him either.

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I just can't see another OLB

With Hali, Studie, and Houston locked in, it looks like Sheffield and Miller are already fighting for one spot. Even if they carry five, they already have ’em…

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Everyone belives Miller will be in the ILB race, and no one really knows how Sheff will come back

Only Hali has any real starting experience out of that group as well.

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I would love to see Miller at ILB,

mainly because Hali/Studie/Houston won’t let him see the field outside, while inside the list pretty much starts and ends with DJ and Belcher. But seems like Pioli already said he fits outside for us, if I’m not mistaken.

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

I would love to see Stude get a shot at SILB personally

That would give both ILBs some ability to cover. Stude has shown he is willing to throw himself into blocks/trash to help keep DJ clean and gives ILB an extra blitz threat.

Outside you would have Hali and Houston that could both come off the edge at anytime.

That’s just how I would try to get those LBs on the field, more of an attacking defense than we have had under RC yet though

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Could happen, too...

Especially with as much sub-package D as they play. In the front seven, the positions listed in the depth chart are well within the grey area…

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think RC has ever really used an attacking defense

I could be wrong I never went back and looked through all of the defenses under him, just remember Pats fans saying when RC came here that he favors a Cover 3 bend don’t break defense

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

True

But it’s all about gatting your best players on the field and letting them do what they do best. Hopefully he’s open to attacking the offense more when that’s what our personnel calls for.

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Have to wait and see what the depth chart looks like week 1 of the regular season

Could be a lot of changes between now and then

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Prolly will be

But in a refreshing change of pace, it looks like most of them will be in the bottom two-thirds of the roster, rather than in gaping holes at the top…

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Hopefully thats how everything will shake down

No big trades to shake up the core players we have on offense and defense

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Every guy you listed there aren't run stuffers.

Studie hasn’t done it consistenly, Houston as of now is a run liability and Sheffield is an unknown commodity.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Jul 25, 2011 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

If Jackson plays well and the NT rotation doesn't suck

(maybe those are big enough “ifs” to put in bold) the LBs don’t have to be run stuffers, just gap shooters that tackle on their way into the backfield. I’m not saying I wouldn’t love a guy like Lawson, either. Just that we already have five OLBs with a good chance of making the roster, so ther’s not much room…

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions

With the amount of subpackages we ran last year(and very well could increase this year)

We could keep more OLBs on the roster and have them fill in at ILB if need be

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Stude practiced at long snapper, too, didn't he?

Maybe that could open a spot for another OLB

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Really?

You want to totally blow up the offensive line that led the league in rushing? You are talking about replacing 4/5th of our OL? Have you ever played football? Do you realize that the key to a strong OL is the time that they have have played as a unit? You really want to completely rebuild one of the strongest units on our time in a shorten preseason, without ANY time together in the offseason? Thank you NO!! Bring in someone to push B-Rich…maybe let Asamoah push Waters for more playing time…

by FrozenFan on Jul 25, 2011 12:20 PM CDT reply actions

Indeed

With Weigs announcing that he wants to play, it’s incredibly likely imo that all five starters stay the same. A new tackle comes in, but not a big dollar guy like Light who would figure to start, just a low buck veteran to back up and push BRich… With promising youngsters to groom in Asamoah/Hudson, I think continuity will be the rule on the o-line.

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Precisely

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Lead the league in rushing...

but were dead last in short-yardage conversions. We need some size and attitude in there at some point.

"You can't be fat and fast too; so lift, run, diet, and work." ~ Hank Stram

by citadelchief on Jul 25, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

I doubt Lance Moore would sign with us

remember that NT?( The guy who actually tried to get a loaded gun through airport security, yeah that guy). He wasn’t interested in money, he wanted to a playoff team, and I don’t mean wildcard round playoffs. That’s why Moore stays in New Orleans.

by Theblind Tiger on Jul 25, 2011 12:47 PM CDT reply actions

Moore might go for the job with more money and a division winner

Shaun has gotten his money and is about done, why not try for a ring?

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions

he didn't want to play NT in a 3/4

SB Nation Kansas City

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.

-Abraham Lincoln

by BJ Kissel on Jul 25, 2011 3:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't blame him.

Lance Moore would make a terrible 3-4 nose tackle.

by MtHammer on Jul 25, 2011 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions

A guy I keep forgetting about...

Jacoby Jones. A slot/speed demon! I think he’s a real possibility as well.

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 12:49 PM CDT reply actions

Iffy hands

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

not after

Haley’s through with him. Remember Bowe?

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions

If I was bringing in a WR during FA I would want someone with good hands

Bring in a UDFA WR to develop along with Haley working with Bowe and Baldwin and Dex. Don’t overload his plate too much

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Are you saying you don't think

Haley can be HC, OC, WR coach, and still keep up with his ballboy duties? That’s blasphemy!

"When I was just a baby, my momma told me "Son... always be a good boy. Don't ever play with guns." But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die..."

by nmchief on Jul 25, 2011 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Same with James Jones

by Theblind Tiger on Jul 25, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Only like Moore and Franklin

Though Matt Roth would be a great addition, and there is a Crennel connection

Better to be a Diamond with a flaw than a Pebble without - Master Kong

by ChiefWarPaint on Jul 25, 2011 2:00 PM CDT reply actions

Ravens insiders believe Le'Ron McClain...

There are some Ravens insiders believe that FB/RB Le’Ron McClain could be a target of KC.

by ChiefMojo on Jul 25, 2011 2:10 PM CDT reply actions

He would fit IMO

I don't start arguments, I provoke thinking. -Me
H^2-Hali and Houston

by BAMFSpecialOps on Jul 25, 2011 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Woops

An addendum, Mr. Roth played in the Miami 3-4 in 2008, but played in a very Romeo Crennel similar 3-4 in Cleveland the next 2 years.

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 2:53 PM CDT reply actions

I was wrong

I’ll take my lumps

by DC_KCfan on Jul 25, 2011 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

A shot in the dark

olb – roth
slot wr – santana moss, Breaston, or Moore
nt – ??? once again this will be our achilles this yr. Don’t see us spending big money on
      a 30+ yr old, 1.5 yr wonder, like Franklin.
ilb – Poz or Ruud
center and rb- udfas. Rbs are a dime a dozen. We aren’t going to spend money on one,
                          particularly a smash mouth guy with not much tread left (Barber). If I was
                          to guess, Michael Bush would be my guess. Otherwise finding a bruiser
                          big back is easier/cheaper in udfa market. Kid will be willing to work.
                          Some great udfa centers out there too.

Mr J
KC Chiefs Fan

by Mr J on Jul 25, 2011 3:18 PM CDT reply actions

Franklin

I agree on Franklin. His stats last year were nearly identical with Alan Branch from Arizona. Branch is 4 years younger, would cost way less and athletically has a big upside. I would rather risk the “light” coming on for Branch than the big contract for Franklin. I am not pushing for Alan Branch signing necessarily just using him as an example. Hell Haley knows Branch from his Arizona days he would have inside knowledge of the guy. We need an upgrade at NT if we want our upgrade (I am hoping) at the SILB to be worth it.

by UsAIdtHAtAlrEaDy on Jul 25, 2011 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Stats? For a defensive lineman?

Better to be a Diamond with a flaw than a Pebble without - Master Kong

by ChiefWarPaint on Jul 25, 2011 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Barber's a knucklehead isn't he?

that doesn’t seem like a fit.

CHIEFS DYNASTY – we’re kind of a big deal

by kabrink on Jul 25, 2011 3:38 PM CDT reply actions

this would be nice

1) extensions to carr, flowers
-They should be our starting corners until we start talking about one of them losing a step, or some late pick turns out to be a golden god of awesomeness. We really already know what we’re getting with these guys and the price is only going to go up. This will cost us some cash, but it’s worth it.

2) extensions to hali (during the season), and dorsey (now)
- with the franchise tag on hali and a top 5 overall draft pick contract on dorsey, it shouldn’t add much to the cap to re-sign them. Hali’s best year wasn’t any better than average of the top 5 at his position, so I would imagine if we wait until midway through the season to re-sign him, we get him for less than the tag contract unless he’s putting up sacks like last year, in which case it would be roughly the same amount.

3) extension for bowe near the end of the season
- He won’t put up numbers like last year unless we fail to fix the rest of the receiver situation; we save by waiting.

4) OT Doug Free – If we’re gonna spend big on anyone I think this is the guy. I’ve read that dallas will do whatever it takes to keep a guy like him, but they’re over the cap already and he’s gonna be looking for money.

5) WR There’s like 8 or 9 available that would make me happy as long as we don’t pay more than the guy we get is worth.

6) keep looking for an NT next year – I don’t see franklin as a HUGE upgrade (like free or [insert WR here]) and I don’t think we’re going to have a ton of cap left after we re-sign all the guys I said, plus the minor signings and re-signings.

by graviton on Jul 25, 2011 7:07 PM CDT reply actions