Chiefs sign another DB

Former Texans DB Jacques Reeves

The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed the signing of yet another Defensive Back. Jacques Reeves formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and most recently the Houston Texans. Reeves suffered a broken leg in 2009 and has been out of the NFL since. The former Purdue Boilermaker was originally a 7^th round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2004 NFL Draft. He played with the Cowboys through the 2007 season before spending the next two seasons in Houston.

Via KCChiefs.com:

Reeves (5-11, 188) has seen action in 88 games (35 starts) with 164 tackles (146 solo), six interceptions returned for 145 yards, 45 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He has 25 career special teams tackles and has returned 13 kickoffs for 199 yards (15.3 avg.).

This is a low risk bottom of the roster type of signing for Chiefs. Seems to be just a roster filler and an attempt to catch lightning in the bottle. I definitely don’t for see Reeves doing anything of note and would even be surprised if he made the final 53. What makes this move curious is Brandon Carr has yet to be signed, but another player in the same position group has been inked. At least Pioli and Co. are continuing to be aggressive after FA’s. I would just prefer that we had signed a bigger and proven contributor (Bowe, Carr, Belcher, McClain, etc).

Carr Routt-ed out of KC?

Stanford Routt intercepts Kyle Orton during the Raiders 16-13 overtime victory.

The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed today that they have signed Free Agent CB Stanford Routt (formerly of the Oakland Raiders) to a 3 year 19.6 million dollar deal with $4 million guaranteed.

My initial reaction upon learning of this news was anger. I was not happy about this signing because, let’s be honest, it probably means the end of Brandon Carr in KC. I am and will continue to be a big Brandon Carr fan. Drafted out of D-II Grand Valley State and has since started in every single game of his career. It almost seems like we have seen him grow up on the green grass at Arrowhead.

It doesn’t take much research to make the determination that Routt is not as talented as Carr and will therefore be a step-down. Routt committed 17 penalties during the 2011 season and 12 penalties during the 2010 season. He also allowed 8 touchdowns last year. Granted that came with responsibility of playing as a #1 CB and not having much of a secondary around him. In KC he won’t be relied upon as a #1 CB, we have Brandon Flowers for that. However this is still not good news, as a football fan, you want your team to retain its best players.

However let’s look at from a different perspective. As fans we have absolutely no idea what is going on in the Front Office. We don’t know how much effort was put into retaining Carr or what his asking price was. It can almost be promised that Brandon Carr will sign for more than around $6.5 million a year. As the best CB available in the Free Agent class, Carr will probably get in the neighborhood of $10-12 million a year. Is he worth it? That’s debatable. He is worth it to the Chiefs? Probably not.

The Chiefs have a lot of holes left on the roster and more of their own FA’s to sign, including Dwayne Bowe. Saving some money by signing Carr rather than Routt was a good financial move. This gives the Chiefs flexibility in pursuing other free agents. Carl Nicks or Paul Soliai anyone? This signing assures the Chiefs that they will not have to look any further at the CB position. They could potentially lose a top corner (Carr) but not have considerable drop off (Routt) and won’t have to spend or depend on a rookie to step in and perform. With Routt you know what you are getting. A good #2 CB that plays best in a bump and run type of defense.

So looking back over this deal I have to give props to Scott Pioli for not waiting around to make something happen. He was aggressive and got the man he wanted. Now we just have to wait to see if this aggressiveness continues throughout the rest of the offseason. Remember players are set to become free agents on March 13^th.

Welcome to the good side Mr. Routt!

-J



Get Lost!

Here is the third and final post of my take on the Chiefs Free Agency. We have already taken a look at who I consider the Must keeps and the 50/50’s of the Chiefs Free Agency class. Today I look at the players I hope Get Lost!!

Leonard Pope: Haley is gone, which probably means Pope’s biggest supporter is too. He has caused a lot of fans stress over the past two years with his alligator arms and constant holding penalties. Pope wouldn’t be a bad 3^rd TE, but he should not get the amount of playing time he does. With the recent extension of Jake O’Connell (I’ll touch on that later) and Tony Moeaki coming back Pope talents or lack thereof are replaceable. The Chiefs need to address the TE position this offseason either through FA or the draft. 

Jake O’Connell: Why J O’C was given an extension, I am not sure. He has shown nothing in his time with the Chiefs. However he does provide depth at a position where the Chiefs have no depth. At this point in his career I don’t see him as anything more than a #3 TE that plays on Special Teams. I wonder what the Chiefs have in store for him in 2012. 

Sabby Piscitelli: I groaned when the Chiefs signed Piscitelli last offseason and his play warranted my groaning. He constantly looked lost in coverage and couldn’t make an open field tackle to save his life. Granted he wasn’t supposed to play as much as he did, but because of the injury to Eric Berry he was thrust into additional playing time. It shouldn’t be hard at all to find an equal or better player to replace Piscitelli. 

Tyler Palko: Palko, like Langford, is an ERFA. However there is no reason to keep Palko. His play this season was abysmal. Hopefully the Chiefs address the QB position this offseason. If we ever have to depend on Palko again, it will spell doom for the Chiefs. 

Anthony Becht: Signed after T-Mo went down for depth purposes, Becht didn’t do anything with the playing time he got. With a full offseason to address needs and to bring players back to health, Becht is as good as gone. 

Ryan O’Callaghan: R O’C spent the year on the injured reserve, but during his time in Kansas City he hasn’t shown the skill or the development necessary to bring him back. How effective will he be after this injury? I’m not sure and I’m not willing to find out. If the Chiefs draft an OT and with their development of Mims, O’Callaghan is no longer needed. 

Jerheme Urban: Urban also a follower of Todd Haley has never really shown anything during his two years in Chiefs red. With the addition of Breaston and Baldwin, the versatility of Copper and a Top Ten WR like Bowe, there just isn’t any room for Urban. 

Thomas Jones: Some may consider keeping TJ, classifying him in the 50/50 section, but I am not one of them. Jones has declined since he has come to KC and hasn’t shown much of anything. He is no longer a threat running the ball, was never a threat catching the ball, and isn’t a spectacular blocker. People talk about his leadership, but I am not even sold on that. What leader sucker punches a rookie in training camp? TJ is old and washed up and needs to hit the road with those massive, but useless biceps. 

That concludes my series on what players the Chiefs should re-sign or release. As you can tell the Front Office has a lot of big decisions coming up, not only with Free Agents, but coaching replacements and the draft. So what do you all think? Do you agree or disagree with my classifications?

-J

50/50 Free Agents

In my first blog I explained which Free Agents should be considered “Must Keeps” for the Kansas City Chiefs. Today I will look at which Free Agents fall into the 50/50 section. This simply means if these players can be re-signed at the right price the Chiefs should consider bringing them back, however if they are lost to Free Agency it wouldn’t be a significant loss to the team. 

50/50:

Kelly Gregg: Gregg a bowling ball of a NT was a nice pick up in last year’s Free Agency class. He gave the Chiefs a big-bodied presence in the middle which is essential in any 3-4 defense. The Chiefs particular system asks NT’s to play a 0 technique, or head up on the center. Their responsibility is to demand double teams, allowing the linebackers to make plays and stopping the run. Gregg did an admirable job this season and Derrick Johnson’s numbers reflect that. However the Chiefs were not a great run stopping team, ranking 26^th in the league, allowing 132 yards per game. In this aspect Kelly Gregg did not do enough to help the defense. Gregg who may be considering retirement at the age of 35 would be welcomed back in a advisor/rotational NT role. However the Chiefs need to find an upgrade at this position in the offseason. Is that 2011 6^th round draft pick Jerrell Powe or another FA pickup/draft selection?  

Kyle Orton: Orton did a good job in the 3 games he started for the Chiefs this season. He led the team to wins over previously undefeated Green Bay and the Denver Broncos. He had the Chiefs in a position to win against Oakland before two blocked FG’s kept the Chiefs from winning and ultimately making the playoffs. While Orton is definitely not an elite quarterback it is plain to see that he gives the Chiefs a legitimate starting QB and is a much better thrower of the football than incumbent starter Matt Cassel. However Orton should have many suitors in Free Agency and have a chance to start somewhere else. If he elects to return to KC he will not only be battling against Cassel for the starting spot, but also GM Scott Pioli’s infatuation with the former Patriot.

Jackie Battle: The RB position needs to be upgraded this offseason. In the most action Battle has ever gotten at the NFL level he just looked average. A back with below-average vision, who is just content to lower his head rather than make a cut is worth keeping around as a 3^rd back. Battle is a hard worker and is a good special teams player, but not much else. Battle is a solid contributor, but one that can be replaced rather easily.

Jon McGraw: McGraw is a hard worker, giving everything he has. However at 32 years old he has slowed down considerably. He knows angles and is a decent tackler, but his coverage days are over. With Eric Berry coming back and other safety options available McGraw could be expendable. However he brings a certain leadership and toughness welcomed to any NFL Roster.

Amon Gordon: Gordon, an NFL journeyman, played well for Kansas City this season. Gordon has the size (6-2 305) and strength to play anywhere on the defensive line. He brought energy to the defensive and made several plays. While Gordon should never be relied upon to play or get a majority of snaps he provides solid depth. However he may become expendable with the emergence of Allen Bailey, the youth of Wallace Gilberry, and the unknown in Brandon Bair. 

Wallace Gilberry: Gilberry bulked up last season in an attempt to become an every down lineman rather than just a pass rushing specialist. That idea backfired and he wasn’t nearly as effective in 2011 has he was in 2010. What Gilberry does bring is some youth and solid depth to the Chiefs defensive line with proven results. If it comes down to re-signing him or Gordon I believe the Front Office will lean towards Gilberry. 

Travis Daniels: Daniels played very well this season as the 4^th corner behind the Brandon’s (Carr and Flowers) and Javier Arenas. As the old adage goes, you can never have too many corners. Daniels could probably be a #3 for a DB hungry team and could also step in and play a little safety if need be. However with lasts year’s draft pick Jalil Brown heading into his second season and Scott Pioli’s propensity to draft corners in the draft, it may spell the end of Daniels tenure in Kansas City. 

Barry Richardson: I am probably going to catch a lot of flak for putting B-Rich on this list, however the depth the Chiefs have along the OL is atrocious. Richardson should only be kept for depth purposes as a swing tackle. He can step in and play average football for you for slight stretches at a time, but should not be relied upon for anything else. The coaching staff may have big plans for 2011 UDFA David Mims and hopefully with the addition of an OT through the 2012 draft, B-Rich could be history.

Reshard Langford: Langford is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) which means the Chiefs control his future. There is absolutely no reason not to bring him back. At the very least he provides much needed safety depth and special teams ability.

Casey Wiegmann: At 38 years old Wiegmann may be considering retirement for the 3^rd straight offseason. He has accumulated over 11,000 straight snaps and has been a solid player for the Chiefs OL. However his age is really becoming a factor and his play is starting to decline. With Rodney Hudson waiting in the wings and poised to take over the starting role, Wiegmann may decide to call it quits while he is still physically able too. The Chiefs currently have an opening for an Offensive Line Coach and who knows the system better the Wiegs?

That is all of the 50/50 type Free Agents that the Chiefs have this season. Obviously some will have to be kept because a team just cannot have that much turnover in one offseason. Coming soon will be the 3^rd and final part of my free agency series. The Get Lost group is on its way.

-J

Must Keep Free Agents

Welcome to my blog, Tomahawk Talk. This blog will revolve around my thoughts and opinions of the Kansas City Chiefs. These are strictly my opinions and do not reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs in any way, shape, or form.

As the offseason of the NFL wears on big questions still loom for the Kansas City Chiefs. Coaching positions are still waiting to be filled, Free Agents have yet to be signed, and ultimately the NFL draft is waiting in the wings. As the days pass on, Chiefs fans like myself, are growing more and more impatient waiting on some news from Scott Pioli and company. What will be first? Will it be the announcement of a new Offensive Coordinator or the signing of one of the many FA’s the Chiefs have yet to resign? Today that is what I am going to look at. I will classify the Kansas City Chiefs FA’s into 3 categories: Must Keep, 50/50, and Get Lost!!

Must Keep:

Dwayne Bowe: I am going to start with the obvious. Dwayne Bowe is simply a playmaker. Yes, he does drop the occasional easy catch and that is incredibly frustrating. However he can come down with a spectacular catch just the same. See the TD grab against the Colts this past season. Besides his receiving skills, Bowe is a tremendous blocker. With the Chiefs dedication to the running game this is absolutely crucial. Without his blocking on the outside Jamaal Charles doesn’t have the type of season he did a year ago. He gives the Chiefs a true #1 WR and that is crucial in today’s NFL. Bowe can do it all and he needs to do it in Kansas City.

Brandon Carr: As was Dwayne Bowe, Carr is an obvious Must Keep as well. Since being drafted 4 years ago, Carr has started every game in his career. He has improved tremendously over these past 4 years and some teams have publicly stated that they would rather attack Brandon Flowers rather than Carr. Carr possesses terrific size and speed and matches up well with the bigger WR’s in the NFL (Vincent Jackson). With Eric Berry coming back next season after a disappointing ACL injury the Chiefs secondary has an opportunity to become an elite group in the coming years. As a defensive minded guy, Romeo Crennel knows the importance of a talented secondary.

Jovan Belcher: Belcher is a less obvious Must Keeper. A Restricted FA we can tender him and not worry about losing him this coming season, unless a team wants to give us Draft Picks in return. While not flashy, Belcher simply gets the job done. Do you think Derrick Johnson has the season he does without Belcher? Absolutely not. Belcher is a solid ILB that takes on blocks and stops the run, finishing second on the team in tackles behind DJ. He might look lost in coverage, but that is not his game. He is simply asked to take on the lead blockers and let the play making LB’s to do exactly that. Make plays. Belcher is a must keep for this reason as well as he should come relatively cheap.

Le’Ron McClain: Now I will be the 1^st to admit we didn’t see the season we expected out of McClain in 2011. However that doesn’t mean he wasn’t valuable. A front-line FB is a necessity to any team looking to run the ball. With JC coming back and hopefully another complimentary back not names Jones or Battle the Chiefs should once again return to the top of the league in rushing in 2012. What makes him a must keep is that he a versatile FB. He can run and catch the football as well as block up front. If we were to lose McClain we would either have to draft a replacement (who wants to see that?) depend on Shane Bannon (spent most of the season on the Practice Squad IR) or grab a FA. None will come with the ability of McClain.

Those are my only Must Keeps in this year’s FA class. In the coming weeks I will address the remaining free agents. So Chiefs fans, agree or disagree with my selections?

-J