I was perusing Pro Football Talk yesterday (Nice new digs, Florio) and came across an item regarding the Chiefs official announcement of the Colin Brown signing.  If you read Arrowhead Pride regularly, you knew about this signing on June 23rd.  But the Chiefs didn't make it official until June 30th.  A bit strange, no?

Florio suggested that this might be the next move in the new regime's chess game with the media in the dissemination of any and all information coming from the team.

Our best guess is that this is simply another example of the Chiefs, under new G.M. Scott Pioli, believing that no news is good news for the team's overall interests, and that every announcement and other disclosure should be delayed as long as possible.

By the looks of the first reported and official signing dates given in this morning's post, Florio's statement appears to be accurate.  News broke of the pending contractual agreement of 7th round pick Ryan Succop and 5th round pick Colin Brown about a week before any sort of official announcement from the Chiefs.

But...

These two instances appear to be the exception, not the rule.  In large part thus far this offseason, the Chiefs have announced free acquisitions themselves or the same day other media outlets reported it.  

Take a look at this chart after the jump.  I've compiled a list of the official announcements of player signings from the mothership and compared it to the first time it was reported by other media outlets.  The result?  The Chiefs sure can keep these signings quiet.

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In our final Outsider's Take, we finally talk to someone from the MileHighReport to get their take on the Kansas City Chiefs off-season and the state of the team from our rival's point of view. Many thanks to Stephen (hoosierteacher) from MHR for answering our questions and for giving us some intelligent answers. In case you missed the first two, you can catch the Chargers' perspective here and the Raiders' installment here. On with the Broncos:

Q: Before any of the housecleaning took place, so to speak, what was the perception toward the Chiefs as to their legitimacy within the division (i.e. how concerned were you guys about the Chiefs within the division in the foreseeable future)?

A: The Raiders are in the basement, and as long as they have their current owner, I don't see any change. The Chargers are the best of the division, but aging. Cracks are showing, and I think they are in decline. The Broncos are taking steps backwards and forwards, and this year is no different. Overall, the team is improving. KC is a team that is building over the long term. It may irritate fans, but it's the best way to build a team that can sustain success for a long while. In the next two to three years, I expect Denver and KC to be the powerhouses in the AFC West, with SD third and Oak a distant fourth.

Q: Now that the dust of the offseason has largely settled, has that perception changed? Why or why not?

A: My perception remains the same. KC had a very good draft in my opinion, and has been smooth in their off season moves. I think the team will have some tough games on the schedule, but the play of the team will be much improved.

Q: What was the one or two moves the Chiefs pulled this offseason that upset you the most?

A: I think a lot of Denver fans might have wanted your new QB to come to Denver with Coach McDaniels instead of going to a division rival. As the dust has settled, I think many fans at milehighreport are feeling good about Orton. Cutler was flashy and gained a lot of yards, but he rarely scored and he threw a lot of INTs. Orton had a much better record, and did it with lesser WRs and a lesser OL. But before Orton started growing on some of us, I think many of us coveted Cassel.

Q. What are the primary one or two things, from your perspective, that still need to be done?

A: I think that there are are two areas of concern moving forward. First, I think a coaching change was needed. No matter how good the new coach is, there will be an adjustment period. With Haley's tough style, the team may benefit in the long term, but I think things might be a little rough the first year. The coach will need to assert his style, but it will take time to sink in with guys used to the Edwards approach.
 
In close proximity to the first point, I think the change to the 3-4 is the right move, but will likewise suffer an adjustment period at first. Those would be my two biggest concerns. In terms of players, I think the Chiefs are moving forward well. I think the Chiefs made a little bit of a short term sacrifice for a long term gain.

Q: Finally, what do you predict for the Chiefs over the next two NFL seasons?

A: I think the Chiefs will have a turbulent year this year, with some promising wins and awful losses. However, I expect the Chiefs to pass SD in the second year (with Den), and to be positioned for a fight to make the playoffs. Like Denver, I think the Chiefs had to take a step back in order to take several steps forward. This year I think KC will have close to an even or better season. Next year, I think they will be competing for a playoff spot. Beyond that, I think KC will have an established, competitive program for several years.

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 21: Offensive lineman Branden Albert #76 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts after his team was stopped on fourth and goal late in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 21, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Chiefs 38-14.

View full size photo uploaded July 1, 2009

Good read from Kent Babb this morning on Branden Albert. Check it out.

It wasn’t easy for Branden Albert to sit at the barbecue joint and take a pass on the ribs, the brisket, the pulled pork — everything. It wasn’t easy to keep his mind on a strict offseason diet and exercise plan and ignore the meat-scented air and the colleague across from him, digging in.

Heck, it isn't easy for anyone to sit at Jack Stack BBQ and not eat. I can't even imagine Branden Albert not eating. That's cruel. He needs to get himself some of that low-fat, low-carb...ah nevermind. It doesn't exist. BBQ is too good to change.

Anyway, Albert is envisioning himself as something the Kansas City Chiefs haven't had since Trent Green left - a team leader.

"I’m trying to be a leader, and I’m trying to win games. Coach Haley and Scott were on me so hard about: ‘You know what type of guy you can be. So why don’t you be that guy?’ "

Babb goes on to mention that Brian Waters has been a mentor to Branden Albert and that Albert has no idea if Waters will end up playing for the Chiefs in 2009.

Let's talk about team leaders for a second. I posit that Trent Green was the last true team leader of the Chiefs, with spokesmen rotating in and out - Tony Gonzalez, Brian Waters....They weren't and aren't team leaders. They're simply the ones who talk to the media more. Gonzalez was too whiny and Waters never was assertive.

That brings up an interesting question: Who are the team leaders on offense and defense for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Right now, I say nobody has stepped into that role on either side of the ball. I predict that QB Matt Cassel emerges as a team leader on the offensive side of the ball and more than likely for the team as a whole. He's got the confidence and intelligence to do that. And he wins sort of by default - Who else is going to step up?

Thoughts on the Chiefs team leaders, or lack thereof?

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

Kansas City Chiefs defensive linemen Alex Magee (71) and Tyson Jackson (94) have yet to sign their rookie deals. They are both represented by Eugene Parker. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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On June 23rd I noted that the Kansas City Chiefs were one of ten teams yet to sign a 2009 draft pick.  Coincidentally, that day the team made the first official signing of the 2009 offseason with Mr. Irrelevant, Ryan Succop.  A week later and the Chiefs are sitting on three rookie contracts completed.  Here's a quick rundown of the signing status of all the team's draft picks.

The contracts appear to be in line with what other players in similar draft spots are signing.  The players selected directly before and after 5th round pick Colin Brown had a duration of four years, while his is only three years.  I'll defer to Pioli and Co. on this one but I do wonder why a four year deal wasn't done.  The goal of the player in rookie contract negotiations is to hit free agency ASAP while the goal of the team is to lock up who they feel is a good player for several years under a cheap rookie deal.

The timing on a couple of those signings is interesting to note.  As we've mentioned before, after a contract is agreed upon it must be sent to the NFL Management Council within two days.  Then it must be sent to the NFLPA within two days of that.  Thus, a contract should be "complete" within four days of the signing.  Still, though, the Chiefs have been dragging their feet on the official announcements.  This appears to be the exception, not the rule (More on that in just a bit).

All three players have the same base salaries over three years ($310,000, $395,000, $480,000) with only their signing bonus differing.

• Brown: $153,800
• O'Connell: $35,127
• Succop: $25,250

As always, much of this rookie signing information comes courtesy of Mac's Football Blog.  Click through for a quick rundown on the rookie signing status for the rest of the league.

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Victor Riley, 34, of LaPlace examines the tread of his tire Tuesday after the tire flew off his car and slammed into a car headed the opposite direction on Interstate 10 near Slidell. Photo by SCOTT THRELKELD/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Big hat tip to JimNasium over at Chiefs Planet for digging this one up.

Is this Victor Riley, former offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs?

A motorist who had just exited the I-10 twin spans near Slidell was injured when a tire smashed into the windshield and roof of his car after coming loose from an oncoming vehicle and bounding across the interstate medial.

Keith Kelly, 61, was taken to North Shore Regional Hospital after he was rescued from his damaged vehicle by members of the 1st Fire Protection District in Slidell. Kelly was alone his his Crown Victoria when the accident occurred.

The hood, windshield and roof of Kelly's car were smashed by the flying tire, crushing the roof down into the passenger seat.

The driver of the vehicle that lost the tire, Victor Riley, 34, of LaPlace, was not injured.

Hmm.

Same age. Check.

Looks a lot like him. Check.

Automobile trouble? Check.

Riley played for the Saints for three years and LaPlace is just 25 miles west of New Orleans.

I for one think it is the Victor Riley of the 1998 NFL draft. Gotta be, right? Let us know what you think in the poll.

Former New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns LB/DE Willie McGinest has his sights set on one more year in the NFL.  If the free agent had his way, it would be in a 3-4 defense.  Considering the jump his sack totals took in the first year he moved from defensive end to linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 (5.5 to 9.5), this is the best move for him statistically.

A long-time veteran of the 3-4 defense in New England and Cleveland, McGinest said he would be interested in playing for someone from the Bill Parcells or Bill Belichick coaching tree.  When asked by Albert Breer of The Sporting News what he wants in a team for final NFL season, he said familiarity with the defense is a must.

But a familiar situation— where I know what I'm getting and what I'm going to be a part of, where I know what to expect of the coaches, and they know what to expect of me, where I have a familiarity with the defense, knowing that 3-4 inside and out—would be great. Those are places where I can see things before they happen and where I could help younger guys.

Hmm...the Kansas City Chiefs run a 3-4 and Todd Haley is very clear of what he expects of his players.  Let's see how he might fit with the Chiefs:

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For the next in our Outsider's Take series, we turn to the beloved Raiders franchise to give us some perspective on what they see ahead for us. In case you missed it, we ran the Chargers perspective yesterday, so don't forget to check that out. In this edition, Richard from Silver and Black Pride gives us his idea of where the Chiefs are going in the next year or so and how he expects the Chiefs and Raiders to battle it out by 2011 for a playoff spot.

Q: Before any of the housecleaning took place, so to speak, what was the perception toward the Chiefs as to their legitimacy within the division (i.e. how concerned were you guys about the Chiefs within the division in the foreseeable future)?

A: We are always concerned. Because we are rivals and whenever our 2 teams play, no matter the records, it is usually a close , down-to-the-wire game. That being said, we are less concerned about the Chiefs, then the Chargers or Broncos. As far as how we viewed the Chiefs. I would say that, the results notwithstanding, we felt the Chiefs had an overall competent front office.

Q: Now that the dust of the offseason has largely settled, has that perception changed? Why or why not?

A: Well, it has not changed yet, as we don't know until the games are played. But, from a reputation point of view, adding Pioli certainly gives us cause for pause for what he may be capable of. I believe now though, that we will find out as to whether the success of the Patriots was Pioli or Belichick.

Q: What was the one or two moves the Chiefs pulled this offseason that upset you the most?

A: Well I don't know yet if we are upset, but I would say that it will be Cassell if he turns out to be the real deal. I do like (meaning I don't like) your latest move in getting Mike Brown provided he stays healthy.

Q. What are the primary one or two things, from your perspective, that still need to be done?

A: Still need some work along the defensive line, you might not have yet the right mix at linebacker for the 3-4 and even after adding Mike Brown the secondary looks suspect. And, I don't know your roster well enough to know if you adequately replaced Tony Gonzales, who will be sorely missed.

Q: Finally, what do you predict for the Chiefs over the next two NFL seasons?

A: Well, it's a tough schedule for the division, but I can see a 2-3 win improvement for the Chiefs this season. With Denver in meltdown mode and San Diego's window closing, I see the Chiefs and the Raiders on the rise and the two will probably be battling it out for a playoff spot for 2010 season.

The Kansas City Chiefs made the signing of veteran safety Mike Brown official on Thursday, June 26th.  Today we've learned the contract is a one year deal with a base salary of $900,000.  We haven't figured out the signing bonus information (if any, which is unlikely).

The contract is in line with the deals (excluding signing bonus) of other veterans the Chiefs front office has inked this offseason:

• Zach Thomas - One year, $1 million
• Mike Vrabel - One year, $2.2 million (Chiefs inherited contract)
• Mike Goff - Two years at $1 million and $1.1 million
• Bobby Engram - One year, $875,000

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The chart above ranks all 32 NFL teams in total money paid out to players from 2004-2008 - that's salaries and bonuses.

We got the original money numbers from NFL.com and I went ahead and added in the wins over the last five seasons (And now that I look more, NFL.com already did that too), money spent per win and finally playoff wins from 2004-2008.

After the jump, I check out the good, the bad and the ugly of spending money in the NFL over the last five years.

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View full size photo uploaded June 30, 2009

The NFL Rookie Symposium is underway in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and all 256 rookies (Yes, that's you RyanSuccop) arrived on Sunday for the event.  While one player was being sent home early, the other 255 were getting a cram session on how to do things the right way in the NFL.  Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports that the event includes a series of group panel discussions with speakers such as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, ex-Minnesota Vikings WR Cris Carter and Kansas City's own Len Dawson, including a session titled "Choices, Decisions and Consequences."

The NFL's Rookie Symposium has been in the news in recent years.  Sometimes for good, sometimes for, well, not so good things. 

• 2004 - The late Sean Taylor was fined for failing to attend the required event. 
• 2006 - LenDale White asked this now infamous question to a former NFL player who was speaking to the rookies on homophobia. 
• 2007 - Troy Smith asked Roger Goodell, "When and where is the positive stuff from you going to come out?" 
• 2008 - Jared Allen spoke about his past issues with alcohol.
• 2008 - Two players, including Aqib Talib of the Tampa Bay Bucs, got into a fist fight.

After the jump we'll take a peek at the rookies' schedule, the role of player development and how it relates to the Chiefs.

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