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Chiefs free agency: From Chase Daniel to Anthony Fasano, day one is done

Day one of free agency is in the books. The Kansas City Chiefs made a handful of moves, signing at least three players (that we know) and officially executing the Alex Smith trade. Those three signings are tight end Anthony Fasano, quarterback Chase Daniel and defensive lineman Mike DeVito. Two Chiefs free agents -- Glenn Dorsey and Peyton Hillis -- are scheduled to take visits elsewhere. Oh, and the Chiefs are trying to trade Matt Cassel. Follow all of our free agency coverage here, and read on for a recap of day one.

By Joel Thorman
Gregory Shamus

TE Anthony Fasano is in the fold

The basics: Fasano and the Chiefs on a four-year, $16 million deal

What we said: That's a healthy contract. One that makes it clear Fasano will be an important contributor for at least the next couple of seasons (sorta like Kevin Boss's deal ... whoops). ... New contracts always affects other players at the same position. For the Chiefs, that's Tony Moeaki, whose rookie contract expires after the 2013 season. Makes you wonder.

What Kevin from The Phinsider says: I am really bothered that the Dolphins lost Fasano. He's a key part of the Miami offense, and I truly thought he would be back this year. However, he got good money in Kansas City, and the Dolphins are looking to get a lot younger this year, so I guess it was time for him to move on. Fasano is an all-around tight end. He's solid in just about every aspect of the game.

I loved what Fasano brought to the Dolphins -Kevin Nogle, The Phinsider

He's lost a step in his speed, so he doesn't get open as easily any more, and he's never been a seam stretching tight end, but he is a good possession type receiver, and does well in the endzone in red zone situations. He's an exceptional blocker, and will add another tackle to the line of scrimmage when he stays in for pass protection or to run block. There were several games over the past couple of years, especially in 2011 with Marc Colombo at right turnstile, where Fasano would have zero impact in the passing game because the Dolphins would use him, essentially as a right tackle. I loved what Fasano brought to the Dolphins. He's not going to the Pro Bowl, but he can be a big part of the offense, and will get you the big catch you need when you need it.

Uspw_6835414_medium Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

QB Chase Daniel gets P-A-I-D in KC

The basics: Chase Daniel agreed to a three-year, $10 million deal. Which is a lot.

What we said: This is your quarterback market. Daniel, a quarterback who has never played a meaningful snap in the NFL, was one of the best free agent quarterbacks available. This league absolutely needs more quarterbacks and they'll pay good money to those who have shown any sort of promise. Or, in Daniel's case, to someone who hasn't yet shown they'll screw it up.

What Dave from Canal Street Chronicles says: As Saints fans, our familiarity with Chase is limited because we've only really seen him play in the pre-season and a few meaningless late-season games. I think that's probably his biggest issue; he's got very little real game experience. He's also short by NFL quarterback standards.

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But I've got to imagine that he's learned quite a few things backing up Drew Brees in Sean Payton's complicated offense. Any other team's system has got to be simple by comparison. I absolutely would not worry about his ability to learn the playbook. He's got pretty good arm strength and he's not afraid to run with the ball when the opportunity presents itself. All things considered, I wouldn't expect him to beat out Alex Smith for the starting job, but he's a more than competent backup. And for the love of Christ, his last name is Daniel. There is no "s" at the end!

Gary Pinkel (via @GabeDeArmond): "I love that guy. You get so attached to all your players. He's gonna have an opportunity and I've always been a Chase Daniel fan. I knew he'd make it in the NFL. The way he is, he wants to play so we'll see how this works out, but I'm happy for him."

83615655_medium Jamie Squire Getty Images Sport

DL Mike Devito follows Bob Sutton to KC

The basics: DeVito and the Chiefs agreed on a three-year, $12.6 million deal.

What we said: DeVito isn't being paid like someone who might be cut in training camp. The Chiefs are making a clear commitment to him. He is going to play next season. I would guess Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton had a part in DeVito getting this deal. But that commitment comes at a price...Glenn Dorsey isn't walking through that door (probably not).

What John from Gang Green Nation says: He's a superb run stopper. He'll hold the point of attack, occupy blockers, drive them back, make tackles, and keep your linebackers clean with regularity. You can stick him at end in a 3-4 or inside in the 4-3. He's even held up pretty well in spot duty on the nose.

Devito is a one dimensional player. He's just very good at that one dimension -John B, Gang Green Nation

Devito is a two down player, though. He gets no push, like ever in the passing game. As long as you expect him to help against the run and nothing more, you'll be happy with him.

Rich Cimini, ESPN New York: DeVito arrived as an undrafted free agent and cracked the starting lineup in his fourth year, 2010, proving steady play against the run. He played 59 percent of the defensive snaps last season, second among the linemen. The Jets made DeVito take a pay cut last year after drafting his heir apparent, Coples. Ryan immediately named Coples the starter, but the change never occurred, as DeVito proved to be one of the most consistent players on defense.

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Gregory ShamusGetty Images Sport

DT Glenn Dorsey probably won't be back

The basics: Glenn Dorsey is visiting the 49ers.

What we said: After Dwayne Bowe, Branden Albert and Dustin Colquitt were re-signed, Dorsey was the Chiefs biggest remaining free agent. Even still, I didn't include him in my "must keep" group of free agents. While Dorsey turned into a fine player, he never was a major impact player.

What Fooch from Niners Nation said: I have to say, I really, really like the idea of signing Glenn Dorsey. He'll be 28 at the start of the season, and has never lived up to his draft potential, but getting him together with Jim Tomsula excites me to no end. It will be interesting to see what kind of money it might cost to bring him in. If they can get him at a decent price, he could prove to be a very solid option at defensive end. And getting to learn from both Tomsula and a guy like Justin Smith? I like the chances of making that work.

Eric Branch, San Francisco Chronicle: Dorsey, 6-foot-1 and 297 pounds, has played primarily defensive end during his five-year career. The 49ers, however, could be eyeing him as a nose tackle. The No. 5 pick in the 2008 draft, Dorsey has just four career sacks and missed 12 games in 2012 with two separate calf injuries.

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QB Matt Cassel's future is a trade or release

The basics: Chiefs rumored to be trading Cassel. If they don't trade him, he will be released, per Adam Teicher. The Vikings have been linked to him.

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RB Peyton Hillis has a visit to Green Bay scheduled

Update: A new report says Hillis does NOT have a visit with the Packers

End update.

The basics: Hillis is visiting the Packers, who are said to be negotiating with Steven Jackson, too.

What we said: Going from the Chiefs to the Packers wouldn't be such a bad deal. Hillis isn't a dependable feature back but he can be a role player given the right system.

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Jonathan Daniel Getty Images Sport

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