Losing Smith would be a challenge, and in some important ways remake their defense. Marcus Peters is a terrific talent, but being the No. 1 cornerback is a lot different than No. 2, and it means more pressure on Phillip Gaines and Steven Nelson and to find a cornerback in the draft (again). There's more than enough time in the offseason to wait to see how things play out a bit more, but the tag going to Berry is a strong indication that the team will look very differently in at least one spot next year.
DeMarco Murray latest victim of Philadelphia Eagles' Chip Kelly purge | ESPN
New head coach Doug Pederson seemed like a good candidate to repair the damage. As the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator, Pederson was able to keep Jamaal Charles happy and productive. When Charles suffered an ACL tear last season, the Chiefs’ running game remained effective. Backups Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware combined to rush for 1,037 yards and eight touchdowns in 2015. Despite the chance for a new beginning in a new offense, there were rumblings that Murray was still dispirited. NFL Network reported that the Eagles were open to trading him. Still, that salary-cap hit made it seem very likely that Murray would be back.
Former Chiefs safety Caesar Belser dies, will have brain donated to science | The Kansas City Star
Both said that in light of neurological issues that popped in the latter years of Caesar’s life, the family has decided to donate his brain to the studies of the University of Texas Southwestern and Dr. Bennet Omalu, the physician who discovered CTE and has dedicated his life to researching the degenerative brain condition.
Illinois hires Lovie Smith as head coach | Journal Gazette
Smith becomes the 25th head football coach at Illinois. He is the second coach to move directly from head coach in the NFL to Champaign-Urbana after John Mackovic took the Illini head coaching position in 1988 following a career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tony Gonzalez in ‘xXx’ Sequel: Football Star Joins Vin Diesel Movie | Variety
Former NFL All-Pro Tony Gonzalez has joined the cast of Vin Diesel’s "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage." Paramount announced last week that it had set a Jan. 20, 2017, release date. The film, produced by Revolution Studios, Roth Kirschenbaum Films and Diesel’s One Race Film, is directed by from a script by Chad St. John, with current revisions by F. Scott Frazier. Diesel starred in the original 2002 "XXX," directed by Rob Cohen, as underground sports star Xander Cage, who was blackmailed by the U.S. government to take down a gang of international terrorists. The film, released by Sony, performed well with $277 million worldwide.
Negotiating period opens: Overview of Chiefs’ pending unrestricted free agents | Chiefs Digest
The Chiefs have an estimated $18.9 million in available cap space, according to spotrac.com, after applying the franchise designation on safety Eric Berry. ... With Berry tagged, the Chiefs have 14 players scheduled to hit the open market Wednesday. And each player listed below should command interest either from the Chiefs as candidates to return or from other teams in the coming days:
Chiefs free-agency tracker: Mike DeVito wants to continue his career | The Kansas City Star
I recently spoke to Chiefs defensive end Mike DeVito, who is set to become a free agent on Wednesday. DeVito, 31, said he intends to return to the NFL for a 10th season. "I do (want to keep playing)," DeVito said. "I still have a passion for the game, and I don’t want to leave the game with that passion."
49ers trade rumors: Team interested in De'Anthony Thomas | Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers have their first notable rumor, and it is not surprising it involves a former Oregon player. Former Eagles scout and current radio personality John Middlekauff is reporting the 49ers are talking to the Kansas City Chiefs about running back De'Anthony Thomas. In two seasons with the Chiefs, the man they call DAT has 23 rushes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, 40 receptions for 296 yards and a touchdown, 63 punt returns for 632 yards (10.03 per return) and a touchdown, and 20 kick returns for 566 yards (28.3 per return).
Should the Colts pursue Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali in free agency? | Stampede Blue
Arrowhead Pride seems to think that Hali could contribute when in a situational pass rush role, and depending on the price, that would be something the Colts should look into. But they also need to be wary of free agency and of the Trent Cole signing to realize that it's no sure thing. For the right price, then, I think it would be a move worth looking into for Indianapolis, but they shouldn't overspend for Tamba Hali in free agency.
Well, we have our first names in free agent rumors for the Arizona Cardinals. Local radio host John Gambadoro is reporting four different pass rushers the Cardinals will pursue as free agent signings. Apparently, they will go after all the pass rushers. Gambo reported Monday morning the Cardinals would go after Jason Pierre Paul, Tamba Hali, William Hayes and Mario Williams.
Raiders Free Agency rumor: Strong push to sign Sean Smith | Silver And Black Pride
Today, with the beginning of the free agent negotiating period, multiple reports, including from San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur have come in reaffirming the Raiders are making a strong push to sign the free agent cornerback.
49ers discussing free agent cornerback Sean Smith | Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers are figuring out their cornerback options, and one possibility is free agent Sean Smith. Matt Maiocco and Yahoo! reporter Charles Robinson are both reporting the 49ers have interest in the Chiefs cornerback. Although we talked plenty about Marcus Peters, Smith was the Chiefs number one cornerback last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Smith finished the season having allowed one reception per 12.7 coverage snaps. This was good for 12th best among corners with at least 400 snaps in coverage.
Raiders free agent report: Rod Streater gets interest from AFC West rival | Silver And Black Pride
It makes sense that an AFC West team would be interested in Streater who is flying well under the radar for most of the NFL. A division franchise will remember when Streater was a receiving threat, full of potential. He is still just 28-years-old.