2014 NFL Free Agency: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Chiefs' Potential FA Targets

Alas, the 2014 NFL free-agency period is almost upon us.

We are less than six days away from the time when teams can start signing free agents, and it's a busy time around the NFL right now.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, its uncertain how busy they will be in free agency this year, but I look for them to sign a couple of impact players at some point after it all kicks off on Wednesday afternoon.

That being said, the Chiefs brass likely has their big board of free-agent targets for this team all finished now.

Read on to get my take on the good and bad points of some of KC's potential FA targets this year.

FS, Jairus Byrd

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Pros

Byrd is a big-time playmaker at the safety position in this league.

All he has done for the Bills for the past five seasons is make plays for their defense, picking off 22 passes and also forcing 11 fumbles as well.

He would also complement current Chief Eric Berry's solid coverage skills and vice versa.

Cons

I only see one real con with Byrd, but it is a big one.

He would simply cost way too much for the Chiefs.

The Missouri native made nearly $7 million last season with the Bills' franchise tag and would likely command much more than that with a deal in free agency.

DE Red Bryant

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Bryant will bring a veteran presence to any team that is willing to sign him this year.

Like another player on this list, Golden Tate, Bryant also brings playoff winning experience as evidenced by his team's Super Bowl win last season.

He's also solid against the run and is a capable pass-rusher as well.

Cons

Bryant will be 30 next month, so it's possible we have already seen the best of the 323-pound defensive lineman.

He will likely have many suitors, as DEs who can both stop the run and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks are at a premium in this league right now.

DE Lamarr Houston

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Houston is a versatile and athletic DE who is very good at rushing the passer.

The ex-Texas Longhorn turned in six sacks last year for the Raiders defense and totaled 69 tackles for the entire campaign.

Plus, he is only 26 and is likely heading into his prime right now.

Cons

Like all of the players on this list, Houston will likely command the attention of many other teams, which will make it much harder for KC to land him.

He also played in a 4-3 with Oakland, so it might be a bit of an adjustment to switch to the 3-4 in Bob Sutton's KC defense.

WR Golden Tate

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Pros

The former Notre Dame star is coming off of the best season of his professional career last year with Seattle.

Not only did Tate catch 64 passes for 898 yards and five TDs during the regular season, but he was also instrumental in the Seahawks' run to the Super Bowl, where they eventually beat Denver in a laugher.

He also would help open KC's passing game with his ability to find holes in opposing defenses and get open down the field.

Cons

Assuming Seattle doesn't re-sign him before the free-agency period begins next week, Tate would likely be seeking a decent chunk of money in the open market.

He has also been known to have some attitude problems as well, which might not go over well in Andy Reid's offense.

WR Emmanuel Sanders

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Like Tate, Sanders is coming off of the best season of his young career the NFL.

The former third-round pick by Pittsburgh had 740 yards and six TD catches in the Steelers' Todd Haley-led offense.

He's also very explosive in the open field, something no offense in this league could ever have enough of.

Cons

Sanders should get a big payday in free agency this year, but the Chiefs might not be wanting to give that to him just yet.

Also, he has struggled with drops and inconsistency from game to game during his first four years in the league.