Kansas City to Have a Merry Little Offseason: Part Two of Three

The presents have been unwrapped, the stockings emptied, at least one toy has already been broken, and the Christmas ham became ham sandwiches a couple hours ago.

But some Christmas wishes haven't been fulfilled just yet.  At least not in Kansas City, where the Chiefs have quite a bit of shopping to do.

Yesterday, the focus was on the the strong points of Kansas City's roster, where a number of young, talented players are already in place.  However, if the Chiefs had all the pieces for a playoff run, they'd be getting ready for a divisional playoff game instead of thinking of what to do on Squirrel Appreciation Day (it's Jan 21st; no need to Google it).

So, the Chiefs will need to start next year's Christmas shopping early; in February, in fact, when free agency starts.  And unlike the last few years, when Kansas City has looked for the best of the picked-over leftovers, general manager Scott Pioli must be aggressive with his recruiting (and Clark Hunt's pocketbook) to sign a couple key players to bring some respectability back to Kansas City's beloved franchise.

Assuming a new collective bargaining agreement is in place for next year, positions such as receiver and linebacker are areas with a number of notable names which the Chiefs could make a move on.  San Diego's Vincent Jackson and Dallas' Miles Austin would be an excellent complement to Dwayne Bowe.  However, odds are slim of their respective teams letting them walk.  Jackson would be the more likely of the two, however, with San Diego in contract years for Shawne Merriman and Darren Sproles as well. 

Linebacker options are much more expansive, with nearly a dozen notable names projected for free agency.  Players such as Houston's DeMeco Ryans or Cleveland's D'Qwell Jackson would be considerable upgrades to the inside linebacker position.

The two most important positions the Chiefs can fill in free agency, however, are right tackle and nose tackle.  A number of competent tackles are expected to be unrestricted free agents, including Atlanta's Tyson Clabo and Tampa's Jeremy Trueblood.

Nose tackle is the real lynchpin for Kansas City, though, and the debate should stop and end with New England's Vince Wilfork.  Pioli should capitalize on his relationship with his former 2002 first round pick and Kansas City's enormous cap room to solidify their front three on defense for the next couple years.  Ron Edwards will provide a capable reserve tackle, while Wilfork's skill and knowledge of the defense will bolster the already improving ends Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson.

Right tackle and linebacker are of great importance, but signing Vince Wilfork will truly bring a more complete picture to Kansas City's defense, and free up the Chiefs to pursue other positions in the upcoming draft.