Chiefs free agency rumors: The cost of a top cornerback?

Given Andy Reid's history of diving into the free agent pool to sign cornerbacks and the report that the Kansas City Chiefs are "sniffing around" the cornerback market, I suspect we'll see some action from John Dorsey and Co. at that position. The Chiefs need a starter to play opposite Brandon Flowers or else they're likely asking for trouble by going into the season with Javier Arenas and Jalil Brown, neither of whom are assured roster spots next season.

So, let's say the Chiefs wanted to hit the market and sign one of the top cornerbacks available, how much would it cost them? Many consider Sean Smith to be the best cornerback on the market -- Darrelle Revis is not on the open market (only the trade market) and Nnamdi Asomugha has yet to be released -- and ESPN's Adam Schefter predicts Smith will receive $7-7.5 million per year on a free agent deal. You gotta assume the handful of top cornerbacks on the market will be seeking that type of money (well, probably more).

Cornerback is my No. 1 need as I argued right here. I think the Chiefs need to find a starter in free agency or use the No. 1 pick on Alabama's Dee Milliner. The Chiefs are paying Brandon Flowers $50 million. Eric Berry is on the old rookie wage scale s his contract is massive ($60+ million).

While I would love a cornerback, I have to wonder how much the Chiefs can reasonably spend in the secondary. Three big contracts for one position group seems like a lot. At least it was with Eric Winston and the offensive tackles (the third offensive tackle being the No. 1 pick).

Where do you draw the line on the Chiefs spending this free agency? Should they go after one of the top-end cornerbacks this year?

And, oh by the way, the Chiefs could probably use another safety, too. See the video below from BJ Kissel for a few ideas in that area.

Keep reading:

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The history of No. 1 picks