Chiefs free agency: KC expected to sign former Panthers, Vikings offensive lineman

Free agent offensive tackle Geoff Schwartz is visiting the Kansas City Chiefs and they are expected to sign him, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schwartz is a 2008 seventh round pick by the Carolina Panthers, who spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Schwartz went to Oregon and coincidentally the Chiefs brass was repped at Oregon's pro day on Thursday.

Schwartz started all 16 games for the Panthers during the 2010 season but missed all of 2011 with a hip injury. He has versatility with the ability to play tackle or guard. Last season he was a reserve in Minnesota. He's just 26 years old so there is some potential there (because being young = potential, right?). Both right tackle and right guard could be considered open competitions right now.

This is very interesting as it relates to the KC Chiefs. Most Chiefs fans would put offensive tackle as the biggest position of need now that cornerback has been addressed with the addition of free agent Sean Smith. I don't know how Schwartz factors in for the Chiefs depth next season but I wouldn't expect his signing to be a factor in the No. 1 pick. I know he plays a position of need but KC can't make long-term decisions based on reserve or fringe-starter offensive lineman. Besides, as I explain in the video below, the Sean Smith signing clears the way for the Chiefs to select a lineman at No. 1 anyway.

The roles I could see Schwartz filling: 1.) competing with Donald Stephenson for a starting job at right tackle or 2.) competing for a starting job at guard to replace Ryan Lilja or 2.) reserve lineman used as depth.

Of course, this is all assuming they sign him. Which they've yet to do at this point.

More reading:

Chiefs send Reid, Dorsey and entire defensive staff to Oregon

The Sean Smith scouting report

New deal for Alex Smith? Maybe, maybe not

Matt Cassel to the Vikings