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 26th
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
6th 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 3rd 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 4th
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 3rd 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 3rd
and final part of my free agency series. The Get Lost group is on its way.
-J
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