Chiefs sign former Raiders DT Vance Walker (for real this time)

It was reported early on Friday that the Chiefs signed former Raiders DT Vance Walker before the agent for Walker denied there was an agreement in place. This evening, however, the KC Star's Terez Paylor reports the two sides have indeed agreed to a three-year contract. ESPN also reported the news.

A source tells me the #Chiefs have signed Vance Walker to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $13 million, with $3.75 million guaranteed.

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

Chiefs GM John Dorsey said later in a statement: "Vance is a big, physical player that we believe can come in and contribute for us up front."

Well, this is interesting. With this contract, it sure looks like the Chiefs expect him to be play regularly. The Chiefs starting defensive end last year, Tyson Jackson, was paid about $4 million, so that matches up.

Walker, who visited Kansas City on this week, would enter a Chiefs defense that has a hole at defensive end. Allen Bailey, Mike Catapano and others are rotational linemen but the Chiefs have yet to find a first and second down end, which is the role Walker could be fulfilling. Or he could be coming in for added depth.

His reputation is as a run stopper but interestingly he had a higher Pro Football Focus grade against the pass than the run last year. The Chiefs, as you know, haven't had a pass rush from their defensive end since they went to the 3-4 five years ago.

Walker, 6'2 and 295 pounds, was a 2009 seventh round pick by Atlanta, where he played four years for the Falcons. He went to the Raiders last season for his fifth year in the NFL.

Walker has played in all but one regular season game over the past four years with Falcons/Raiders. #Chiefs

— BJ Kissel (@bkissel7) March 14, 2014