2012 NFL Free Agents: 10 Skill Position Players the Chiefs Should Target

With the 2012 NFL free-agency period set to kick off in less than two months from now, it's time to start looking at FAs that each team needs to target.

The Kansas City Chiefs still have several holes on their roster, and they will look to fill some of these in free agency.

Here are 10 skill position players that the Chiefs should go after in this year's free-agent class.

QB Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers backup QB Matt Flynn is already one of the hottest names in this year's free-agent class.

Thanks to his 480-yard, six-touchdown effort against the Detroit Lions in the regular season finale, his stock has skyrocketed, and he is likely to land a starting gig at quarterback for a new team.

Since the Kansas City Chiefs could very well be operating with just Matt Cassel and Ricky Stanzi this season, it might not hurt to join in on the Flynn sweepstakes.

Of course, they've already tried to strike gold with a former backup QB from another team, and it hasn't exactly been a success yet.

QB Kyle Orton, Kansas City Chiefs

Kyle Orton played very well in his three-game stint as starting QB for the Chiefs last season.

He was able to lead K.C. to a 2-1 record in those games, including a wonderful performance in a home victory against the previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers.

Orton is not currently under contract with the organization, but Kansas City should really consider bringing him back for next season.

It all depends on how much trust GM Scott Pioli has in his QB Matt Cassel to lead this team in 2012 and beyond.

RB Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Michael Bush has done a solid job for the Raiders' ground game over the course of the past four seasons.

Last year, he was thrust into more of a starting role after starting RB Darren McFadden went down with a foot injury earlier in the season.

At 6'1" and 245 pounds, Bush has the size to power through defenders and become an effective red-zone option as well for this team.

If the price is right, Kansas City should try to acquire this vastly underrated back.

RB Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers

After watching the Kansas City Chiefs' offense last season, it's obvious that they don't have a clear backup for Pro Bowl back Jamaal Charles.

Dexter McCluster isn't much of a bruiser type, while Jackie Battle is too slow, and Thomas Jones is washed up.

I have been clamoring for the Chiefs to get veteran RB Mike Tolbert for two straight years; now it's time for Kansas City to give this man a contract.

He would be a nice complement to Charles and would add some power to the running game as well.

FB Le'Ron McClain, Kansas City Chiefs

Le'Ron McClain is one of the better fullbacks in the league today.

He's already been named to two Pro Bowls and did a fine job out of the Chiefs' backfield last season.

Kansas City needs McClain to stick around for next season so he can block for star RB Jamaal Charles when he returns from his ACL injury.

The ex-Raven is also a good leader and a great guy to have in the locker room.

WR Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs

One of the biggest priorities for the Chiefs this offseason should be re-signing stud receiver Dwayne Bowe.

Bowe's contract is up after five seasons in Kansas City, and like any big-name wideout, he should command big money once he hits the market this year.

The former LSU star has led the team in receiving in each of the last two seasons and had a franchise record 15 TD grabs back in 2010.

Without Bowe penciled into the Chiefs receiving corps, the passing game will surely struggle next season.

WR Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis Colts

If Kansas City is unable to re-sign Bowe this offseason, the Chiefs should target Colts wideout Pierre Garcon.

Garcon had the best season of his career last year when he caught 70 passes for 947 yards and six touchdowns for Indianapolis.

He's a vertical threat that can stretch the field and give this offense another playmaker as well.

At just 25 years old, he is just now starting to hit his prime and could step in and be the No. 1 receiver on this offense if Bowe departs.

TE Fred Davis, Washington Redskins

It's always good to have a backup plan in this league.

That's why the Chiefs should target Redskins TE Fred Davis in free agency this year.

Incumbent starting TE Tony Moeaki is still recovering from a torn ACL and has struggled to stay healthy since his college days.

Signing Davis would not only give Kansas City a solid weapon at tight end, but at just 26 years old, he could be here for the long term if Moeaki's injury issues continue.

CB Brandon Carr, Kansas City Chiefs

Brandon Carr is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL right now.

He has played lights out in the K.C. secondary in each of the last two seasons and is quietly becoming an elite cover corner in this league.

Kansas City will likely have to give him a big payday since good CBs are a premium in today's NFL.

The Chiefs need to somehow find a way to keep Carr in town for the long term.

CB Brent Grimes, Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta's Brent Grimes is one of the best cover corners in the NFC.

He's had 37 combined pass deflections in the past two seasons, yet he is still underappreciated at his position.

If the Chiefs let Carr walk, Grimes needs to be their No. 1 target at cornerback.

There will be no excuse for K.C. if the Chiefs are not able to keep Carr or land Grimes, considering that it would leave a gaping hole in a secondary that many think will be one of the best units in the league next season.