So what's the biggest surprise for the Kansas City Chiefs so far in free agency? We're starting the fourth day of this pre-free agency period where teams and players can talk but contracts can't be consummated until 5:00 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) tonight and we've seen three big surprises from the Chiefs.
First, the loss of Ron Edwards to the Carolina Panthers. He was the starting nose tackle last year and I strongly expected him back in KC this year. That he won't be back in KC to start at nose tackle in 2011 could cause some issues considering the Chiefs have a couple of unproven guys (NT Anthony Toribio and NT Jerrell Powe) behind him. Does anyone have a clue who will be the starting nose tackle come Week 1? That's why this is a surprise. It seemed like the Chiefs were unprepared for his departure. We'll see. Maybe they had other plans.
Second, the release of Brian Waters. I admit -- I'm probably not thinking rationally when it comes to him because I was a big fan of him on and off the field but his release is still a surprise (even if the reasons for his release weren't unforeseen). Anytime the longest tenured member of a team leaves, it's a surprise.
Third, the loss of Shaun Smith to the Tennessee Titans. There were reports that the Chiefs were working on a deal to try and keep Smith so that's why this is a bit of a bigger surprise. We thought GM Scott Pioli would get it done but it appears the Titans likely offered more money.
Those are your three big surprises so far in Chiefs free agency. Which one is the biggest?