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Entering the 2009 offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs had three restricted free agents including C Rudy Niswanger, WR Jeff Webb, and S Jarrad Page to which they extended tenders.
Friday was the final day for teams to make a claim on restricted free agents. Basically, teams tendered players at the following levels
- 1st and 3rd round - $2.5 million
- 1st round - $2 million
- 2nd round - $1.5 million
- Low round tender (equivalent to original draft position) - $1 million
*Note these amounts are approximates.
That means opposing teams can offer Webb a contract worth, let's say $10 million (Hey, we all have dreams), and the Chiefs can either match the offer and keep Webb or let him leave with a 6th round pick as compensation (since that's his original draft position).
Updates on the Chiefs restricted free agents is after the jump.
For the first time since 1993, no teams made a successful claim on a restricted free agent. Three teams sent a restricted free agent an offer sheet, which he signed in each instance, only to have it matched by the incumbent team.
Rudy Niswanger - 1 year, $1.5 million contract likely signed or to be signed
He was offered a second round tender which is equivalent to about $1.5 million ($1.417 in 2008) in salary in 2009. No teams made a claim on him meaning he'll be back with the Chiefs for at least one more season.
This is about a 300% increase in salary for the Chiefs' center and it still represents a great value for a player that will likely be a starter in '09 and has experience at multiple positions on the offensive line.
Jeff Webb - 1 year, $1.01 million contract signed
He was given the low round tender and signed it a couple days ago according to the Kansas City Star (H/T Vince D in the FanShots). So for now the Chiefs are committed to Webb for one more season at about a million bucks.
To those that ask why, I say why not? $1 million on a one year deal is peanuts compared to the approximately $30 million the Chiefs have under the cap. Haley has a background with wide receivers so I'm going to defer to him on this one.
Jarrad Page - Status unknown
He was also reportedly offered a tender but we're not sure which level, though it was presumably at a second round or low round. We know no teams went after him or offered the Chiefs compensation so the Chiefs still hold his rights.
Page has been a solid starter and represents an excellent value as a 7th round pick. He's started every game the last two seasons so I would imagine the Chiefs seriously consider giving him a long-term deal if he plays well in this prove it year.
Chiefs unrestricted free agents
The Chiefs also had six unrestricted free agents following the conclusion of the '08 season. They have only resigned one of these players and, frankly, I don't think there's much interest in any of the others from the new regime.
- LB Pat Thomas - Signed a one year deal with the Buffalo Bills
- S Oliver Celestin - No updates
- DE Jason Babin - No updates
- LB Rocky Boiman - No updates
- S Jon McGraw - Signed contract with the Chiefs
- G Adrian Jones - No updates
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Previous updates to the Chiefs free agents
Chiefs have six UFAs; I say Babin, Boiman and McGraw should be retained.