clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Kansas City Chiefs Free Agents: Keep If It Makes Sense Edition

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 1: Kyle Orton #8 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado.  (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 1: Kyle Orton #8 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/Getty Images)
Getty Images

It's free agency day around here. The Kansas City Chiefs have 22 free-agents-to-be and we're whittling down the list of the must keeps, players we'd keep if it makes sense and players who should not be a priority.

We already looked at the must keep guys so now it's time to take a look at the guys I'd keep if it makes sense.

Keep if it makes sense: S Reshard Langford (ERFA), QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, FB Le'Ron McClain, TE Leonard Pope, DE Wallace Gilberry, DL Amon Gordon, DT Kelly Gregg, CB Travis Daniels and S Jon McGraw.

I think the Chiefs should bring all of these guys back -- if it makes sense. In the case of some, it's a money issue. In the case of others, it's a competition issue. And in the case of others, it's possible retirement. But the Chiefs should make an effort to bring all these guys back. Don't break the bank to make it happen but a reasonable effort should be made to do so.

Langford is an exclusive rights free agent, which means the Chiefs can control his rights, so might as well bring him back.

I say bring Orton back and let the best man win out in training camp, but early indications are that's unlikely to happen. Still the Chiefs should make an offer to him as free agency looms. See what it would take to get him in KC because, as the Chiefs tell us, competition is better for everyone.

Battle is a nice special teamer and third down back so should be back in KC as he contributes in several areas. There's no real downside to bringing him back (assuming he's not, you know, the feature back for half the season).

The Chiefs should take the same approach with McClain this year as they did last year -- if he's a bargain, sign him. McClain may want to test free agency, though. I wouldn't get into a bidding war for him but keep him if it's possible.

Pope is a little more iffy for me considering he doesn't add much to the passing game but if he's cheap, you may as well bring him back for tight end depth considering Tony Moeaki's injury history. That changes if the Chiefs can draft someone who is better than him.

Gilberry was a rising star in 2010 and then he just dropped off this year. I'd like him back because I think there's potential there but I'm not sure that happens when you look at his playing time reduction this year.

Gordon was a nice addition this year and should be brought back on a one-year deal.

Gregg is older so he's a little iffy as well but if he wants to play, he should get a spot in training camp assuming the Chiefs don't fill this position via the draft.

Daniels and McGraw should both probably come back until the Chiefs have someone better to replace them on the depth chart.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Arrowhead Pride Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of all your Kansas City Chiefs news from Arrowhead Pride