NFL free agency: Chiefs meeting with former Raiders DT Vance Walker

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to add a defensive lineman to cope with the loss of Tyson Jackson in free agency. According to a report from ESPN's Josina Anderson, the Chiefs are meeting today with former Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Vance Walker.

Source: DT Vance Walker is visiting with the Chiefs today.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 13, 2014

Walker was a 2009 seventh round pick by the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent the first four years of his career. Last season, he moved onto the Raiders where he started 15 games, which makes 24 starts in the last two seasons for Atlanta and Oakland. So he's got some recent experience.

A quick scan suggests Walker may not be as good as Jackson but he could serve in a rotational role on the Chiefs line. He has a rep for being a good run stopper, which may not answer Chiefs fans wishes to get more pass rush from the defensive end position. Also, he would probably come at a cheaper rate than Jackson's $25 million deal in Atlanta.

Make sure you read Terez Paylor's analysis of the visit. This part caught my eye:

Interestingly enough, he finished with a higher grade against the pass (1.5) than he did against the run (negative-0.6), which tells me the Chiefs could see the 6-foot-2, 304-pounder as a better pass-rushing option on first and second downs than Jackson was, despite the fact Jackson had one more sack (four) than Walker did.

The Chiefs have a few bodies on their team who I would consider rotational players in Allen Bailey and Mike Catapano. I'm wondering whether the Chiefs will attack the defensive end by committee or spend a high draft pick on someone.

While the Chiefs are thinking about signing him, they should also consider this:

#Packers have a visit set up with DT Vance Walker, per his agent. Walker, who played for the Raiders and Falcons, is visiting with KC today.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) March 13, 2014

We'll see if the Chiefs end up signing him. So far in free agency, they have lost five free agents, re-signed one and signed two from other teams.

Find all of our Chiefs free agency coverage here.