Just wanting to offer some quick hits on some players that raised my eyebrows during a cursory glance around the league transactions based on perceived places of need on the Chiefs:
WR Keary Colbert - This is mostly because he has a "KC" tattoo already on his arm. But even after being cut by the Lions (of all teams, I know), there's some promise here. Colbert's struggled to live up to the high expectations he had upon entering the league and the solid season he enjoyed in 2004 subbing for Steve Smith's injury in Carolina. Injuries have taken their toll, but he's only 27 and could be a sleeper. Okay, it's really just the tattoo.
DT Shaun Smith - He's got a mouth on him as well with particular disdain for Cleveland. But he's flashed strong ability to be a player when he wants on the defensive line and is already familiar with the 3-4. Hard to believe Detroit cut him, but there's been a bit of drama in training camp so I assume that's part of it.
CB Justin Miller - As a team desperately in need of someone to step up in the return game, Justin Miller returned two for touchdowns last year with the Raiders. A first-day pick for the Jets in 2005, Miller has yet to stick in the defensive backfield, but he might be worth picking up for the sake of his KR ability.
QB Jeff Garcia - I'm sure I'm in the minority on this one, but as far as I'm concerned, Garcia is still a quality gamer who can effectively manage an offense and could serve as some greater insurance than what we currently have. I'd take Garcia over anything we currently have after Matt Cassel.
OT/G Tony Pashos - Former starter with the Jags and Ravens has flexibility along the line and immediately becomes a starter candidate on the right side. From Scouts Inc.: "He started all 16 games at right tackle for the Jaguars in 2008 and does a good job of anchoring that side of the offensive line. He is a massive tackle with long arms, excellent strength and adequate athleticism. He is a powerful drive blocker that often simply engulfs opponents and uses his long arms to lock up opponents and drive them off the line." Um, yeah, enough said.
Many more players/candidates after the jump:
OT/G Ryan O'Callaghan - The Patriots enjoyed O'Callaghan's ability to provide depth along the offensive line the last three seasons, playing in 26 games and starting 7 of them. If Ryan's starting, your line has issues, but that's already a known quantity in Kansas City, so this should be in the bag unless St. Louis or Detroit are interested.
WR Courtney Taylor - The Seahawks receiver got the boot by Coach Mora, but the young Auburn grad can play the possession game well and can catch the ball in traffic. I always waited for this guy to break out so maybe a change of scheme or scenery would do wonders.
S Kevin Kaesviharn - Kevin's a career back-up so don't expect him to step in, but obviously we're missing something with Bernard Pollard leaving. It's just beyond me to imagine we're okay with the injury history of Mike Brown and Dajuan Morgan and Kaesviharn is great in coverage.
LB Ryan Fowler - The former starting MLB for the Titans was cut to make way for youngsters and at 27, he's not going to win anyone over with further development. But the former Duke player is very smart on the field and could help on a young team learning the ropes with Clancy Pendergast's complex scheming.
OG Kynan Forney - The longtime starter for the Falcons was cut by the Chargers after promising youngster Louis Vasquez won the starting RG job in camp. But the Chiefs are in such position that Forney could come in and potentially start after a couple games. Another strong veteran presence on the line.
WR David Patten - This is simply a tie to Scott Pioli, but it seems an obvious name to at least tie to a list like this one. Then again, let's be real that he hasn't stuck in New Orleans or Cleveland since his New England glory days.
TE Alex Smith - This is one signing I *really* hope we make. Smith's ability to reliably catch the football and his sure hands make him a solid target. He's not the strongest tight end and doesn't have the complete game Chiefs fans are obviously used to from the TE position. But I'm not convinced Brad Cottam, Sean Ryan and Jake O'Connell are the answer either and I think Smith could step in and get 40 or so possessions in the middle.
OT/G Anthony Davis - Recently cut by the Saints, Davis is getting a little long in the tooth, but he's a solid veteran with starting experience on the line and someone who could add much needed depth on the left side especially.
RB Kory Sheets - I know we're rather loaded in the backfield, but this Purdue graduate can flat out play. He had a solid preseason with the 49ers, who are simply stacked at that position, so Sheets was let go. I assume they want to keep him on the practice squad, but Chiefs fans would love this guy given the chance