Just over eight days now from now, the 2014 NFL free agency period will be open. We're interested in seeing who the Kansas City Chiefs are going to go out and sign (if anyone) at their various positions of need. Those decisions will directly impact what they do in another offseason favorite, the NFL Draft.
But before all of that comes, the Chiefs will have an opportunity to re-sign their own free agents. The team has made some moves on their own guys (long-snapper Thomas Gafford!) but there could be more coming.
Or there could be nothing coming. Looking over the Chiefs list of free agents, there aren't any that seem imminent or any that we're pretty sure will happen. I have no idea what will happen. They could let all of these free agents go.
While we wait, here's a player-by-player update on the KC Chiefs 2014 free agents as we stand now:
LT Branden Albert
It was reported last month that the Chiefs had decided to let Albert hit free agency, as many expect. But GM John Dorsey said at the Combine that the two sides are talking. Still, the Chiefs are not expected to re-sign him. Donald Stephenson and Eric Fisher look like your 2014 tackles. The Chiefs did not use the franchise tag on Monday.
John Dorsey on reports they had decided to let Albert hit free agency:
"Really? I don't know, that's the first I've heard of it. We have ongoing conversations with all of our unrestricted free agents. Just so happens that we've had conversations with Branden's representatives. That's the beauty of the Combine, those guys are here and we will continue to have conversations with those representatives as the Combine passes."
G Geoff Schwartz
The two sides are talking but we don't know if that's good or bad. Schwartz is one of the highest rated guards this year so it wouldn't surprise me in the least if he hit free agency to gauge the market.
"Geoff Schwartz loved it in Kansas City and would love to come back in Kansas City," [agent] Deryk Gilmore said. "It's just that he wants to be wanted, and hopefully Kansas City wants him. He's a starter and he wants to be paid like a starter."
Chiefs meet with Geoff Schwartz's agent during combine | Kansas City Star
G Jon Asamoah
This time last year I may have told you Asamoah was the team's best offensive linemen. Then he got replaced by Schwartz. It appears he's likely to hit free agency. Someone is going to get a heck of a deal because Asamoah is still a good guard. The Giants seem to be a popular prediction for him.
WR Dexter McCluster
No rumors at all around DMC. Are the the two sides talking? Dorsey said he's reached out to every unrestricted free agent. DMC is someone I would want to keep ... at the right price. If he can command $4 million or more in a year, the Chiefs should let him go though. Also interesting here is that the Chiefs have signed some apparent insurance in case McCluster doesn't return in CFL star WR Weston Dressler.
Dressler, who signed a three-year contract with the Chiefs for the NFL minimum salaries, is insurance in case the Chiefs don't re-sign McCluster. But if they do?
"They're similar,'' Reid said. "If you told me I could have two Dexter McClusters, that would be a good thing. I wouldn't mind that at all.''
WR Kyle Williams
He tore his ACL pretty quickly after signing with KC last year. This is an unknown.
DE Tyson Jackson
The Seahawks released Red Bryant last week and it was rumored the Chiefs would be interested. The Chiefs would only be rumored to be interested if they had a need a defensive end. And they only have a need at defensive end if Tyson Jackson leaves. My guess is that Jackson walks. (Monday PM update: Tyson says today he's talking to the Chiefs.)
DE Tyson Jackson expects contract talks with @KCChiefs to "pick up" before free agency opens in 2 weeks. Sound coming soon @SiriusXMNFL
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 4, 2014
LB Akeem Jordan
He was a nice stopgap at inside linebacker for the Chiefs in Andy Reid's first year. They tried to replace him last year with Nico Johnson, who was too hurt to play early on. He was a June signing last year so I suspect there's no rush here.
LB Frank Zombo
Unless Zombo lands a starting gig someplace, I assume he's still in play for the Chiefs, who could be looking at pass rusher help in the draft. He joined the team last year and acted as the back-up for Tamba Hali and Justin Houston.
S Kendrick Lewis
He's not expected to return to Kansas City after a tough 2013 season.
DB Husain Abdullah
He could play safety or slot. I could see him being re-signed.
DB Quintin Demps
I wouldn't mind bringing him back at or around the minimum.