Chiefs free agency frenzy: Re-signing your own

See that man in the picture above? His name is Dwayne Bowe. He's a really, really good receiver who has matured over the past three seasons into one of the elite at his position.

In that span, Bowe has eclipsed 1,100 yards twice (last year Bowe played in 13 games and 801 yards) while being thrown to by Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn, Tyler Palko and Kyle Orton. Bowe also had nobody, and I mean nobody, across from him to take away any attention. Steve Breaston went into witness protection last year and Jon Baldwin has been completely useless since being taken.

Yet, people still complain that Bowe isn't consistent or the type of player who can be a No. 1 receiver on a great team. I would disagree intensely. Bowe is the best in the league in terms of footwork along the sideline, he doesn't drop passes and most of all is a great blocker. The LSU product has shown a great work ethic to improve.

If the Kansas City Chiefs let him walk, that would be a huge mistake. All of a sudden, the Chiefs would need to fill a massive hole on a team that already has glaring issues at inside linebacker and corner. Add in a rookie quarterback that has nobody legitimate to throw at, and that's a major problem.

Speaking of glaring holes, Kansas City would be wise not to create one at left tackle. Branden Albert has been a top 10 left tackle for a few years, making him an essential sign this offseason. Albert has gone about his business with class and professionalism, leading a solid offensive line.

It would be beyond insane to not retain him. Why watch Albert walk out the door to then draft Luke Joeckel with the first overall pick? This team went 2-14 and this would be creating a issue just to fix it with your best asset in the No. 1 selection. Albert is young, he needs to be kept.

The Chiefs also need to re-sign Dustin Colquitt. Colquitt is one of the best punters in the NFL, don't try and pinch pennies here.

Overall, Kansas City should be handing Cassel and Tyson Jackson their walking papers. Jackson has improved but he's not worth $14 million and can't be restructured. If the Chiefs can work something out to reduce his salary that's great, but otherwise he needs to go.

All that money saved with those moves should go towards keeping Bowe, Albert and Colquitt. The aforementioned trio is vital to Kansas City returning to relevance before worrying about going out and cherry-picking other players.

Keep your stars in house at reasonable contracts if at all possible, otherwise you effectively trade Brandon Carr for Stanford Routt.