Free agency rumors: Jason Avant has now been linked to the Chiefs

Last week the Philadelphia Eagles cut receiver Jason Avant and we shared tweets from lots of people who thought Avant would make a beeline to Kansas City. As it turns out, those predictions may have some legs. The KC Star's Terez Paylor reports the Chiefs do have an interest in Avant.

I’m told the #Chiefs indeed have interest in former Philly WR Jason Avant.

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 11, 2014

Andy Reid drafted Avant in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played in Philly under Reid in Philly for seven years and one season under Chip Kelly. When he was released by the Eagles, the owner released a statement praising his contributions to the team so he is well-respected.

Avant caught 50 or more balls for at least 500 yards in his last three seasons playing for Reid in Philadelphia. He can play the slot position, which is of particulate note to the Chiefs, who appear to be on the verge of losing Dexter McCluster in free agency. Speaking of that role, the Chiefs also signed CFL slot receiver Weston Dressler in the offseason.

Avant seems like more of a "sure thing" in that Reid probably knows what to expect from him. Avant actually had more catches and more yards in his last years under Reid than McCluster ever has with the Chiefs so he does have plenty of production in a Reid offense. He could step in easier than someone else off the street, and probably wouldn't be all that expensive either.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't expect Avant to step in and transform the Chiefs receivers. But with little money, they could do worse. Or they could just use their first round pick on a receiver. That would work, too.

Since the Eagles cut Avant, he is an unrestricted free agent and eligible to sign with any team right now. He doesn't have to wait until 3 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have their own free agent receiver who is drawing interest.

Source tells me Chiefs WR/returner Kyle Williams, scheduled UFA tomorrow, is drawing interest from at least five teams.

— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) March 10, 2014

The Chiefs did claim off waivers last season so there must have been something there they liked. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL (again) just a week after joining the Chiefs, so his debut season in Kansas City wasn't much.

Update 3/14

Update on Jason Avant: Heard there's interest there from both sides but no visit set or anything. Seems to be in a holding pattern. #Chiefs

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 14, 2014