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NFL Combine 2016: What we learned about the Chiefs on Thursday

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs fans had a lot of information to take in on Thursday from the 2016 NFL Combine. It works that way on days in which the head coach and/or general manager takes to the podium, which is exactly what John Dorsey did. Throughout the day we learned several things, so if you missed because you had to do something else — maybe work? — then we've got you covered.

Chase is gone

Dorseyspeak meant that the GM said the right things about wanting to bring back Chase Daniel as the team's back-up quarterback for the right price. That's basically saying, "Yeah, we enjoyed the last three years but this isn't happening." Daniel wants to start and some teams will want him to start.

No new QB?

Interestingly enough, Dorsey bookended his comments about Chase Daniel with an affirmative that he believes the team's back-up quarterback is on the roster. It's hard to think that a win-now team would be comfortable with such a scenario — being only a single play from setting the season's expectations on the shoulders of Aaron Murray (or Tyler Bray). But Dorsey said it, so there you have it.

Welcome back, DJ

Derrick Johnson has said he doesn't want to play for any other team, and Dorsey said the Chiefs feel the same way. Both sides talked just a few days ago, and while it might take a while to finalize a deal, there's every reason to expect the team's all-time leader in tackles to finish his career in Kansas City.

Berry talks are coming

The Chiefs remain publicly interested in bringing back Eric Berry, and Dorsey said he's preparing to meet with the safety's agents again during the NFL Combine. Dorsey termed the discussions as "really good," which seems to indicate both sides should find a middle ground. If there's not enough time before the deadline for franchise tags to be applied, Dorsey could definitely use it to buy himself some time.

Not a peep on Sean Smith

Dorsey never said a word about a few other free agents, but that's not surprising for second- or third-tier free agents like offensive lineman Jeff Allen or safety Husain Abdullah. What is interesting to me is that Sean Smith is among the most coveted free agents this offseason, but there's zero smoke out there in either direction. Dorsey certainly made no overture to keep him with any public comments on the matter.

Tyvon Branch could return

Terez Paylor has a source who confirms the Chiefs are interested in bringing back Tyvon Branch, a safety who signed a one-year deal on the cheap last offseason. If the Chiefs are going to bring him back, I would expect a multi-year deal to get it done, since that's what Branch was aiming for this offseason.

Surgery for Houston, Hali

Both Justin Houston and Tamba Hali underwent arthroscopic surgical procedures to clean-up injuries that plagued both of the team's best pass rushers. Houston was clearly affected when he was forced to miss the Chiefs final five regular season games. It will be interesting to see if the surgeries will cause either player to miss OTAs.

Albert Wilson is "kind of" No. 2

Despite the presence of Chris Conley, Dorsey seems rather bullish on Albert Wilson. Dorsey didn't single out Wilson without being asked, but he definitely took the chance to praise Wilson's progression from undrafted free agent to "kind of" number two receiver. He also believes the best is yet to come. It will be interesting to see if Dorsey believes in him enough to avoid adding further competition.

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