NFL free agency rumors: Ron Parker drawing interest, Chiefs need a backup plan

I gotta say, I did not expect so many free agency rumors around Kansas City Chiefs safety Ron Parker, who is set to hit the market when it opens at 3 p.m. (Arrowhead Time) today.

Parker was one of the players signed off the waiver wire before the 2013 season. He didn't play much that first year but emerged as the Chiefs starting safety in 2014 following the diagnosis of Eric Berry.

He was a solid option that I wanted the Chiefs to bring back. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, it appears the price will be higher than we initially figures. At least judging by all the rumors surrounding the interest from other teams.

If the Chiefs lose him, they'll have a need at safety given the uncertainty around Berry. Kurt Coleman, who was the team's third safety last year, would be an option. The Chiefs have reportedly talked to him about coming back.

Here's what the Chiefs are up against:

Talking to coach from another team, it appears price for Chiefs S Ron Parker pretty steep. Falcons might have to re-sign Dwight Lowery

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 10, 2015

Half dozen teams seriously monitoring #Chiefs safety Ron Parker. #Giants among them. Safeties are in demand after McCourty off board

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) March 9, 2015

#Chiefs S Ron Parker has drawn "immense interest" from "solid half dozen to eight teams," per source, who said the Chiefs remain in the mix.

— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) March 9, 2015

Dolphins' interest in Ron Parker is quite real. But they have some serious competition. Six to eight legit suitors for his services.

— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) March 9, 2015

Giants intrigued with #Chiefs safety Ron Parker as Antrel Rolle 2.0, per the NYPost: http://t.co/VpqDK7PWd3

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 9, 2015

It's not clear if McCourty has a front-runner yet. Other options for the #Eagles to consider: Rahim Moore, Ron Parker.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 8, 2015

Jets hoping to sign a free-agent safety. KC's Ron Parker is a name to watch. #nyj

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 8, 2015

Healthy market for #Chiefs DB Ron Parker. Seven teams interested. #Falcons, #Jets, #Bucs, #Giants and KC among them.

— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 8, 2015

Several teams interested in Chiefs S Ron Parker (#Jaguars Plan B option if they think he can play free safety? Don't know if they've called)

— Ryan O'Halloran (@ryanohalloran) March 7, 2015