Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 3/8

Good morning! Can you guess what most of today's Kansas City Chiefs news is about? Justin Houston, Justin Medlock, Brandon Carr, Kendall Gammon, Colorado State's Pro Day, Wisconsin's Pro Day, Kyle Orton? No? Must be Peyton Manning. Enjoy.

On the same day Peyton Manning officially left the only professional home he's ever had, his representatives were contacted by 12 of the NFL's 32 clubs, multiple sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that both the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals were among the teams to reach out to Manning's representatives on Wednesday.

The Broncos also planned to inquire about the four-time MVP's availability, a source told Schefter earlier, and see if he has interest in coming to Denver.

Miami, Tennessee, Washington and the New York Jets have also been rumored as possible destinations...

12 Teams Call Peyton Manning's Reps from ESPN

As Manning goes through the process of deciding where he will continue with his football career, the number of teams will shrink and eventually there will only be a handful of teams still in the hunt.

Will one of those teams be the Kansas City Chiefs?

They should be; that's what I wrote nearly a month ago when it became obvious that Manning and the Colts were headed for divorce court. The reasons then were as obvious as they are today - he improves the position, he will lift the rest of his teammates to higher levels of performance and he will generate badly needed interest in the team, meaning more ticket sales.

The Manning Minefield... Thursday Cup O'Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Scott Pioli has a hard job. Being general manager of the Chiefs means an endless string of decisions on a razor's edge, the wrong answer bringing losses and criticism and ultimately bad news from the boss.

Which is why he should be ecstatic, skipping down the halls of the Chiefs' offices and bear-hugging Romeo Crennel to celebrate the easiest decision of his professional career:

Pursue Manning with everything the franchise has.

Chiefs Must Do Everything To Get Manning from KC Star

While most Chiefs fans are excited about the prospect of Peyton Manning coming to Kansas City, the harsh reality of what his presence on the team could mean has likely not yet set in.

How could it? Right now, the Chiefs are still what they've always been. They're a lovable loser, the underdog, the dark horse to land Manning. Kansas City fans are used to being disappointed, used to being ignored on ESPN.

But if Peyton comes to KC, that will all change.

Peyton Manning Will Make Chiefs Instant Villains from Arrowhead Addict

Darkhorses

Kansas City Chiefs: Lots of offensive weapons to like, with running back Jamal Charles, wide receivers Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin, and tight end Tony Moeaki. The Chiefs are just two years removed from an AFC West title and finished last season with the NFL's 11th-ranked defense. Manning actually would make sense here, but the front office seems sold on quarterback Matt Cassel and the outdoor stadium isn't ideal.

Where Will Peyton Play Next Year? from The Courier Post

Saturday was Manning's center for the last dozen years he played, reason enough to bring the 36-year old veteran of 12 NFL seasons in to keep snapping. The Chiefs are one of the few teams where a guy with that experience at the position could be considered going young. Saturday would replace Casey Wiegmann, who is 38 years old and a veteran of 15 seasons.

Peyton To The Chiefs? Bring His Friends from Bob Gretz

Still, Kansas City owes Cassel $5.25 million this year, $7.5 million next year and $9 million in 2014 - a hefty bill for a backup.

They also have a new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, and general manager Scott Pioli is often hands on when it comes to that side of the ball. Would there be a clash?

Peyton-Palooza As Teams Start To Bid For Manning from FOX News

Kansas City Chiefs: Montana made it work here in his post-49ers days, and this franchise has the cap space to put together a financial package that could be very hard for Manning to turn down. It's also stocked with young offensive weapons yet also bears a still-coalescing playbook that Manning could immediately tailor to his liking. Player friendly HC Romeo Crennel has already admitted he'd have to entertain the Manning option if presented.

Peyton Manning Released: Where Will QB Play In 2012? from The Indianapolis Star

Hayward's moment of mourning was interrupted by a hopeful teammate two lockers over.

"It's a celebration for the Chiefs. There's a chance, baby," a smiling Earl Watson said. "Thanks, G. We appreciate you, baby."

"I hope he goes to the Chiefs, because Earl wants him there," Hayward graciously said.

A fan of all things Kansas City, Watson smiled and added, "We're due."

Utah Jazz Notebook: Gordon Hayward Sad, Earl Watson Hopeful About Peyton Manning Situation from The Deseret News

In 1993, the 49ers had already found Montana's capable replacement (and won another Super Bowl) with Steve Young, and were not interested in bringing the legend back home. So they traded his services to Kansas City, and led the woeful Chiefs back into the playoffs in each of the next two seasons, winning 17 of 25 starts and throwing 29 touchdowns along the way.

Peyton Manning Joins Elite Company... To Play To Long from Bloguin

Here is my "expert" analysis where Eli's brother hangs his helmet and signs on. 3 teams in particular I have my eye on and why.

1) Kansas City-Hey Joe Montana finished up in this great Football city. The fans are wonderful. The Chiefs have a coach that is widely admired. Lots of talent on offense. Young. Fast and untapped talent like Jamar Charles who was hurt all last year. A solid defense doesn't hurt. Yes they have Matt Cassel and he isn't bad but it is time for Gm Scott Pioli to leave his mark and no better way then landing the great # 18.

Help Wanted: Peyton Manning Spies - Bruce's Thought Of The Day from ESPN Radio 104.5

Growing up on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, Isaiah Pead dreamed of wearing the crimson and gray of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Top 100 Prospects - No. 97 RB Isaiah Pead from Bob Gretz

The Panthers signed Justin Medlock to a three-year contract at the league minimum, beginning with a $390,000 base salary this year, according to the NFLPA Web site.

Medlock, 28, was a fifth-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007 out of UCLA. He was the first kicker drafted that year, ahead of Nick Folk, now with the New York Jets, and Green Bay's Mason Crosby.

Panthers Cut Backup Kicker, Sign Another from The Charlotte Observer

Former NFL long-snapper and current Kansas City Chiefs' radio field reporter Kendall Gammon has agreed to speak June 2 during Chingawassa Days in Marion.

NFL Chief's Reporter To Speak from The Peabody Gazette-Bulletin

At his first practice, Houston looked winded and somewhat lost. Head Coach Romeo Crennel, then the team's defensive coordinator, looked on and noted that Houston had, "a long way to go."

Regardless, Houston quickly went on to excel. It wasn't long before his first day at camp was forgotten. His success may have come too quickly.

"In the preseason I thought the NFL was going to be easy," Houston admitted.

Justin Houston Better Prepared For 2012 Season from The Mothership

Representatives from the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders put former CSU players through a battery of physical drills to determine their prospects for an NFL career.

NFL Scouts Visit Colorado State For Pro Day from The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Once again, the Cowboys are mentioned often in regards to Carr. That's the best option. The Joneses know the secondary killed their playoff hopes more than anything else, save maybe offensive-line play. If the Cowboys cut Terence Newman, they'll have enough room to make a push for Carr. If the money is in the same ballpark as an offer from, say, Tampa or Minnesota, the attractiveness of playing in Dallas, in that stadium, with a chance to win, should prevail.

Where Will These Six High-Profile Free Agents End Up? from NFL.com

Zeitler also said he and tackle Josh Oglesby also ran a few drills with a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sights, Sounds At UW Pro Day from The Badger Herald

The biggest issue for Luck is that he will take control of an organization that by the time Robert Irsay is done will be completely gutted. Much of the talent on the Colts that was around Manning will be gone. Luck will basically inherit the Kansas City Chiefs.

Young got Jerry Rice. Young got a great defense. The 49ers were stacked. The Colts are the opposite of stacked.

Luck Will Need Plenty Of Good Fortune Taking Over For A Legend from CBS Sports

That would allow the Bears to pursue a more high-profile No. 2 quarterback in free agency, such as Kyle Orton, who might strongly consider returning to Chicago in a reserve role if he fails to land a starting job somewhere else in the league.

Source: Bears, Caleb Hanie Part Ways from ESPN Chicago