Arrowheadlines: Kansas City Chiefs News 3/14

Alex Smith Says Coming To Kansas City Was His First Choice from KC Star

"I made it clear to the 49ers that I wanted to play," Smith said at his introductory news conference, one day after the trade that sent him to the Chiefs was formally completed. "They made it clear they weren't going to release me. Then the process started with potential teams. There was no doubt in my mind this is where I wanted to be. It wasn't close. Everything pointed here."

Attired in a dapper gray suit and crisp white dress shirt, the bearded Smith spoke highly of new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

"The opportunity to work with coach Reid was something that, from all the quarterbacks I've ever talked to ... they've only had good things to say," Smith said. "From the outside looking in, you see the talent that's here. You see the potential. It's just a matter of getting things going, getting the chemistry right, the culture right."

A Flurry Of Moves To Improve The Chiefs In 2013 from The Mothership

The most popular moment of the day, likely couldn't come soon enough for new Chiefs QB Alex Smith, who was introduced during this afternoon's press conference. Smith endured a very-trying situation last season, but endured like the professional that he is, which helped land him a chair right between his new general manager and head coach.

I need only one word to describe Alex Smith's approach to his new transition as the Chiefs QB, prepared.

Cassel Remains With Chiefs, For Now from KC Star

"Currently, Matt is on our roster," general manager John Dorsey said. "As the days go along, we'll see what happens there."

Cassel had been a regular for offseason workouts at the Chiefs' practice facility. Coach Andy Reid indicated Cassel more recently was out of town on vacation.

"We've communicated with him and he understood the situation that was taking place today," Reid said. "It wasn't a secret to him or his representative. He deserves the respect we're going to try to give him right now."

Snapshot: Chiefs Moving In Right Direction from The Mothership

Just days ago, many thought a left tackle was a lock for the first pick; Albert was franchised and that thought diminished. Winston was released and again, the left tackle talk began.

The Chiefs plan is being kept close to their vest.

I love this, as it doesn't tip their hat, as to where they are going, something that 31 other teams would prefer to know. A lot has happened in the offseason and since it's only March 13th, there is certainly more to come, as the Chiefs embark on a new era.

Alex Smith Introduced As Kansas City Chiefs' Top QB from NFL.com

The next chapter of Alex Smith's NFL career begins with certainty. It must be a nice change of pace.

Speaking at Smith's introductory news conference with the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday, coach Andy Reid made it clear that Smith will be his starting quarterback in 2013.

Alex Smith Embraces Trade To Kansas City Chiefs from The San Jose Mercury News

Smith didn't necessarily credit his career revival to Jim Harbaugh's arrival as 49ers coach in 2011, although Smith did explain a culture shift within the organization.

"I wasn't doing anything different," Smith said. "It got back to football. Where we were, it became about playing football and not the exterior things that can creep into this game at this level."

Reid had stated he was determined to find the next Len Dawson, the former Chiefs quarterback who's enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Asked if Smith fits that criteria, Reid acknowledged Dawson's presence at the news conference and replied: "We're going to work on getting Alex into the Hall of Fame. I'm privileged to be in a room with two great ones."

Andy Reid: Alex Smith Is Our Starter from ESPN

At a press conference to introduce Smith, acquired in a deal with the 49ers, new Kansas City coach Andy Reid said Smith is the starter, Daniel is the backup and there is no competition.

I buy it. Smith is a proven starter. Daniel is not. The Chiefs gave up a second-rounder this year and a conditional third that could become a second next year to get Smith.

Matt Cassel On Kansas City Chiefs' Trading Block from NFL.com

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the Chiefs actively are trying to trade the quarterback, according to sources informed of the team's plans.

Rapoport listed the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinalsand Tampa Bay Buccaneers as interested parties, but if the Chiefs can't swing a deal, the team will release Cassel, who started 47 games over the past four seasons in Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs Reach Deal With Wide Receiver Donnie Avery from Yahoo! Sports

Avery should get a chance to be the No. 2 receiver opposite Dwayne Bowe, who the Chiefs signed to a five-year, $56 million extension prior to the start of free agency. Avery's competition for playing time Kansas City will come from 2011 first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin, 2010 second-round pick Dexter McCluster and 2012 fourth-round pick Devon Wylie.

After Trade From San Francisco, Alex Smith Admits That Kansas City Is Where He Wanted To Land from The Associated Press via The Washington Post

The Kansas City Chiefs wanted to upgrade at quarterback.

Alex Smith wanted to play for the Chiefs.

Both of them got their wish.

The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback was introduced at a news conference at the Chiefs' training facility on Wednesday, capping a whirlwind day of physicals and meetings and finishing off a process that began when the two sides agreed to a trade two weeks ago.

Alex Smith: No Doubt In My Mind About Coming To K.C. from ProFootballTalk

Since making the trade for Smith, the Chiefs have done a lot of work to surround him with players who can help the team improve on last year's 2-14 record. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe was signed to a long-term deal, and he'll join tight end Anthony Fasano and wide receiver Donnie Avery as targets for Smith to use in the passing game. The Chiefs also franchised tackle Branden Albert and they could use the first overall pick on more help for the offensive line.

That would seem to qualify as getting things going and the Chiefs could be in position for a serious turnaround if things come together as the team has planned.

Chiefs Add CB Robinson, WR Avery On Busy Day from The Associated Press via The Boston Herald

The Kansas City Chiefs remained active in free agency on Wednesday, announcing a deal with cornerback Dunta Robinson and agreeing to a contract with former Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery.

The Chiefs also scheduled a news conference to introduce quarterback Alex Smith, who was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers when the new league year began Tuesday.

Chiefs Add Donnie Avery To Mix from ESPN

The busy Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with receiver Donnie Avery, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Avery is a nice player who can stretch the field. He had 60 catches for the Colts last season.

He should be a solid No. 2 option behind Dwayne Bowe. I expect 2011 first-round pick Jon Baldwin will be the No. 3 receiver and the team also has the likes of Dexter McCluster and Devon Wylie. All three of those players have potential.

Glen Dorsey Signs With 49ers from ESPN

The San Francisco 49ers signed defensive lineman Glenn Dorsey on Wednesday.

League sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that Dorsey agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal.

Dorsey, the fifth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1998, could serve as a replacement for Isaac Sopoaga, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive end Ricky Jean Francois is also drawing interest on the free-agent market.

Reid A Member Of Alex Smith Fan Club from The San Francisco Chronicle

Alex Smith didn't wear a Kansas City Royals baseball cap Wednesday. Or a Giants cap. Instead he wore a gray suit and white shirt and a Chiefs pin in his lapel. Like a grown-up.

"I'm ready for this," he said. "I'm ready because of what I've gone through."

Wednesday was the first day of Smith's marriage to the Chiefs, following his quick divorce from the 49ers. Both parties sounded infatuated with each other.

Alex Smith: Everything Pointed To Kansas City from The Sacramento Bee

Smith will wear No. 11 for the Chiefs, and he'll run a West Coast offense like he did the last two years in San Francisco. Smith said he only arrived last night and has not had time to look at the playbook or to talk to new teammates, such as receiver Dwayne Bowe. He acknowledged that it was awkward to have known about the deal for two weeks and not been able to communicate with his new team. But he said quarterback buddies around the league all assured him he would love working with Reid.

"From all the quarterbacks I've ever known and have gotten to play for him, they only had good things to say," Smith said. "His pedigree, I think, speaks for itself."

Day 1 Free-Agency Winners, Losers from FOX Sports

The Chiefs have been the busiest team this offseason and were one of the most active teams on Tuesday.

The same day their trade with the San Francisco 49ers for Alex Smith was made official, the Chiefs inked a deal with former Saints backup quarterback Chase Daniel. I don't think it's a given that Smith will be the starter. Daniel, who spent several seasons working with Drew Brees and under Sean Payton in New Orleans, could be a wonderful West Coast offense quarterback in Andy Reid's system.

The Chiefs also made wise signings in inking deals with reliable blocking tight end Anthony Fasano and tough defensive lineman Mike DeVito. These deals come weeks after GM John Dorsey & Co. re-signed Dwayne Bowe,Branden Albert and punter Dustin Colquitt.

Dolphins Big Winners, Ravens Reeling from ESPN

Most of the Chiefs' major deals were done long before Tuesday, but that shouldn't tarnish their significance. The Chiefs so far have made every possible move to improve a team that went 2-14 in 2012.

They traded two draft picks -- including a second-rounder this year -- for former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith. They signed star wide receiverDwayne Bowe to a long-term contract, used their franchise tender on left tackle Branden Albert and restructured a deal for underachieving defensive end Tyson Jackson.

And don't forget the depth added with the free-agent signings at defensive back (Dunta Robinson), tight end (Anthony Fasano), defensive line (Mike DeVito) and quarterback (Chase Daniel).

The Chiefs didn't have a clue about building a roster under former general manager Scott Pioli. The Andy Reid era already is off to a much better start.

The Dumbest Day Of The NFL Year from Grantland

Kansas City followed a similar path to and through obscurity. The Chiefs' three conquests - at a combined $37 million over three- and four-year deals - included Saints backup quarterback Chase Daniel, Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano, and Jets defensive lineman Mike DeVito. It's true that the Chiefs do need depth; after all, they somehow went 2-14 and ended up with six Pro Bowlers. Again, this is a buyer's market for average veterans, so why are the Chiefs paying a premium to lock up borderline starters and a backup quarterback? If they waited a week on DeVito and Fasano, the Chiefs could have come back and added a half-dozen guys of similar quality at half the total cost of these contracts. DeVito might be better than somebody like Rocky Bernard or Alan Branch, but he's not three or four times better than them, and he's going to earn three or four times what they'll likely make in 2013.