NFL Free Agency: Jared Gaither Upgrades Chiefs' Stout Rushing Attack

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The Kansas City Chiefs signing of offensive lineman Jared Gaither will make the league's top-ranked rushing attack even better in 2011.

Jamaal Charles had a breakout year in 2010, finishing second in the league with 1467 yards and leading all running backs with 6.4 yards per carry, and the team ran for an NFL-best 2627 yards.

The offensive line played very well and created a lot of the openings that Charles and Thomas Jones were able to run through.

But the acquisition of Gaither makes them even better. He gives the team more depth and flexibility so that the rushing attack can be even more potent and quarterback Matt Cassel will continue his evolution.

ESPN.com's Matt Williamson would like to see Gaither slide in at left tackle, where he played with the Ravens, and move Braden Albert to right tackle, which would greatly improve the protection for Cassel and give the Chiefs the ability to run either left or right.

Last year, Charles had his best success running to the left side, behind Albert. And if Albert shifts to the right side, with a healthy Gaither on the left, it will make Charles that much more dangerous, and, as a result, the Chiefs offense will be better.

One problem that the Chiefs had last year was their inability to score quickly when they got behind, and the signing of Gaither, if he is healthy and really wants to play, will open up a world of possibilities.

The Chiefs surprised a lot of people last year, and the Chargers are seen by a lot of people as the favorites in the AFC West this year, but Scott Pioli is building a serious contender in Kansas City. This is a great move by a team that will improve upon last year's 10-win season.

-Adam Wells