K.C. Chiefs: Offensive Free Agents That Make Sense

The end of the signing period for unrestricted free agents is quickly approaching, approximately three weeks away.

Teams have had the opportunity through OTAs to comb their roster, examine their current rosters' strengths and deficiencies, and now are ready to blast full steam ahead into the 2009 season.

Teams across the league are also filing through the same list I've been researching, attempting to potentially fill roster spots through the signing of free agents.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most active teams in the NFL this offseason.

Their overhaul has included executives, coaches, schemes, players, and scouting staff.

Their work has continued in to the last couple of weeks, most recently signing Mike Brown, former safety of the Chicago Bears.

There's a tremendous amount of anticipation for the 2009 Chiefs. Rabid fans, like myself, are ready to cheer on a competitive team again amidst the disastrous 2008 season that was frankly, tough to witness.

Those outside Chiefs nation are eager to see if the changes will flourish or falter.

I have compiled a list of potential players I think could benefit our Chiefs, heading into training camp at the end of the month.

I'm not expecting a tremendous amount of movement from the Chiefs, but who knows.

I think if there is a guy who can make us better, go after him.

K—Shayne Graham

OK—I know kicker is not really an offensive position, but bare with me.

They do score points.

The Chiefs currently figure to chose their kicker between second year man Connor Barth, an undrafted free agent who converted 10 of 12 field goal attempts last year, and Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Succop, the final pick of the 2009 NFL draft.

That's not exactly a wealth of experience at a position that has plagued the Chiefs the past few seasons.

Shayne Graham posted a solid season for the lowly Bengals in 2008, converting 21 of 24 field goal attempts and has a career conversion percentage of 85.6 percent on 202 attempts.

His leg is not extraordinarily long, but he is very accurate.

I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more reliability at this position, and Graham could provide that.

RB—Deuce McAlister

Not another 30-year-old running back...I'm hearing you.

Besides, this guy has more surgical scars on his knees than patients in your local nursing home.

At the running back position, the Chiefs appear to be set for the present with Larry Johnson, and the future with Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith, and seventh round pick Javarris Williams.

However, Smith has been slow to recover from his right knee injury and his status for the start of the season is uncertain.

Charles has yet to prove he is more than an electric change of pace back, and who knows which Larry Johnson will show up in 2009—the beast of 2005-2006 or the cancer of 2007-2008?

McAlister could be a veteran presence in the locker room and a viable insurance policy if Johnson again goes AWOL. He's far from a 300 carry workhorse anymore, but could provide stability for the Chiefs at RB.

Chances are LJ doesn't make it through another year without being suspended, or goes back to pouting on the sidelines.

I think Deuce is capable of a couple spot starts if needed and five carries a game...if he's affordable for one year, why not?

WR—Amani Toomer

My illusions of grandeur, namely Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall, will not be gracing Arrowhead as a member of the Chiefs in 2009.

I think I'm over that...finally.

The Chiefs currently have a stable of receivers that could flourish under new quarterback Matt Cassel and direction from offensive superminds Todd Haley, Chan Gailey, and Maurice Carthon.

Or, the lack of talent and game changers at this position could be the death of the Chiefs' offense in 2009.

Mark Bradley currently figures to start opposite Dwayne Bowe, with Bobby Engram likely to be in the slot in 2009. Bradley finished the 2008 season looking quite impressive, heck, I even picked him up off the scrap heap for my fantasy squad down the stretch.

Still, more questions than answers surround the Chiefs' receiving corps heading into 2009.

Can Terrance Copper finally realize his potential?

Will Devard Darling prove he is worth a roster spot at all?

Is the Jeff Webb experiment finally over?

The Chiefs have some potential future talent in 2009 sixth-round pick Quinten Lawrence and undrafted free agent Taurus Johnson.

However, it is unlikely either will be productive this year unless it's on special teams.

Enter capable veteran Amani Toomer, granted his 1,000 yard seasons and 80 catch seasons are behind him.

But we already have that guy in Bowe. I would love to see a classy and productive guy like Toomer with our four-receiver sets, or giving Bowe/Bradley a breather now and then.

He would be a great third down target for Cassel and a tremendous mentor to the Chiefs' younger talent.

QB—Gus Frerotte

The offseason acquisition of Matt Cassel has garnished a tremendous amount of attention, both positive and negative.

The inability of the Chiefs and Cassel to agree to a contract extension is also a baffling situation.

What I do know is I like our backup, Tyler Thigpen. He was dealt a terrible hand of cards last season, and while only 1-10 as a starter, I think he made the most of what he had.

Currently, the Chiefs three quarterbacks in Cassel, Thigpen, and Brodie Croyle have a collective 34 NFL starts between them.

When I think of a backup quarterback, I think of a veteran game manager who may not be able to win games for you, but won't lose them either.

It's unfortunate that Croyle's legacy will be one of disappointment and injury in Kansas City, but for now, that's all that it is.

I'm ready to move on, and for Brodie, it may be best for him to move on as well.

Frerotte is a true journeyman, 15 NFL seasons, playing for seven different franchises.

Amazingly enough, Frerotte has managed his role quite well, throwing more career touchdowns than interceptions, completing over 54 percent of his passes, and possesses a lifetime rating of 74.2.

Not earth shattering, but for a third string clipboard holder, I think he could fit in nicely.

Of course, it's hard to ask a 15-year veteran to take that job.