A few days ago, I posted about how the pretty significant loss of Moeaki might be dampened by the signing of Cincinatti Bengal Practice Squad TE Chase Coffman.  I realized that Coffman is completely inadequate as a blocker, but the suggestion was to utilize Coffman in the offensive formations when Moeaki was lining up as more of a receiver.   While I still think this is a good idea, primarily because it costs us nothing other than a roster spot for a few weeks, I have perhaps a better solution....

The news has now broke that Peyton Manning is out for a significant portion of the regular season and perhaps as much as the entire year.  As of right now, that makes formerly retired QB Kerry Collins the Colts starter.  Whether or not Collins remains the starter, or the Colts decide to bring in the likes of David Gerrard, neither QB is anywhere near the likes of the man they are trying to replace. 

While I am sure that the Colts will feign the confidence that they are still a playoff caliber team with or without Manning, most people outside their organization have serious doubts.  (I have even seem some bloggers suggest that the Colts ought to throw the season and draft Andrew Luck as an heir apparent to Manning after he retires....by the way, their organization has far too much pride and class to throw the season)  However, I do believe that with Collins skill set and having a shorter preseason this year, the Colts will look to rely on shorter, high percentage throws to Wayne, Collie, Garcon and most importantly a healthy Dallas Clark.  So what does that have to do with the Chiefs? 

Last year, Manning's favorite go to target Dallas Clark was injured partially through their season.  Enter Jacob Tamme.  That name probably rings a bell because the kid had an incredible year.  Tamme had sat on the bench the previoius two seasons, making only one start during that time with a mere 6 receptions for 47 yards.  However, after Clark went down last year, Tamme had his chance to shine.  Tamme started 8 games, catching 67 passes for 631 yards.  Just for comparison, Moeaki caught 47 passes for 556 yards in 15 starts last year.  While Moeaki was a rookie, it was essentially Tamme's rookie season as well after sitting on the bench behind a likely HOF TE in Clark.  So, why mention Tamme?  Because this is the final year of Tamme's contract with the Colts.  He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after this year.  With the Colts having so many question marks about whether not they will even be competitive this year and with an already healthy Clark, the front office may be more than willing to try to receive some compensation for Tamme before he walks out the door in 5 months. 

The question that leaves me with then is this....If you are Pioli, do you make that phone call to the Colts and inquire about Tamme?  What do you offer?  As for me, I think I would give as high as a 3rd round pick for Tamme right now.  If Moeaki is healthy next year and stays that way, the Chiefs have two awesome tight ends.  If Moeaki continues to be plagued by injuries however, we won't be left in this position again.