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KANSAS CITY, MO - 2009:  Scott Pioli of the Kansas City Chiefs poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by NFL Photos)
KANSAS CITY, MO - 2009: Scott Pioli of the Kansas City Chiefs poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by NFL Photos)NFL Photos/Getty Images

Kansas City Chiefs: Decision Time- Who to Keep, Who To Throw on the Heap

John BartramJan 14, 2011

The Chiefs have just finished a very successful 2009-2010 season.  Now, it's time for the brain trust, Scott Pioli and Todd Haley specifically, to make some serious decisions.

There are a number of Chiefs with no contracts. They need to decide who to keep, and who to let go.  This is always a tricky situation, ala, Bernard Pollard.

Of course, there are free agents, trades and the upcoming draft that all factor into the decisions. 

We'll take a look at who should go, who's on the bubble and they should sign, fast.

CB Maurice Leggett

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13:  Maurice Leggett #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Maurice Leggett #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Maurice Leggett is on injured reserve, and was mediocre at best. Listed at CB, but spending much of his time on special teams, this is easy.  Those are two areas that are filled with talent.   

Bye.

Brodie Croyle

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12:  Brodie Croyle #12 of the Kansas City Chiefs handsoff to Jamaal Charles #25 against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Brodie Croyle #12 of the Kansas City Chiefs handsoff to Jamaal Charles #25 against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

I realize I alone in this opinion, but I still believe Brodie Croyle can be a valuable back-up quarterback in the NFL.

Not, however, for the Kansas City Chiefs.  I believe that ship has sailed.  He needs a new start somewhere else and he may have a chance.

Thanks for the "service" and so long.

CB Travis Daniels

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 02:  Travis Daniels #34 and Justin Cole #57 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after stopping a final drive during the game against the Green Bay Packers on September 2, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (P
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 02: Travis Daniels #34 and Justin Cole #57 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after stopping a final drive during the game against the Green Bay Packers on September 2, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (P

Again, with a secondary that is loaded with talent, and a lot of decisions to make, it's hard to justify keeping Daniels.

In seven games, he had four tackles and one Int.  Yes, the Chiefs need depth in the secondary, but I'm not sure this is the guy.

Don't let the door hit you..........

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WR Kevin Curtis

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19:  Receiver Kevin Curtis #83 of the Miami Dolphins runs against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14.  (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Receiver Kevin Curtis #83 of the Miami Dolphins runs against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

No way to find a picture of this guy in a Chief uniform unless somebody took one by accident at the game.

Have a nice life.

LB Charlie Anderson

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MIAMI - 2009:  Charlie Anderson of the Miami Dolphins poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Miami, Florida.  (Photo by NFL Photos)
MIAMI - 2009: Charlie Anderson of the Miami Dolphins poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Miami, Florida. (Photo by NFL Photos)

The Chiefs released Anderson once, and are not going to sign him again. They only brought him back after placing Mark Simoneau on injured reserve.

The obviously released him for a reason.

Adiós!

WR Chris Chambers

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02:  Wide receiver Chris Chambers #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Chris Chambers #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs down field in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

No. Nada. Zip. Zero. Goodbye. So long.

One of the true mystery's and disappointments of the Chiefs season.  Last year when Chambers came in he immediately became Cassel's "go to" guy.

This year, the lack of anything close to a wide receiver on the other side of Bowe hurt the offense terribly.

Easy.......Unemployment line.

TE Brad Cottam

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 13: Tight end Brad Cottam #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms a defender during a NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Im
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 13: Tight end Brad Cottam #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs stiff arms a defender during a NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Im

Coming off injured reserve, and not having ever done much, I can't see why.

Maybe he hooks up somewhere else.

Good luck and so long.

FB Tim Castille

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13:  Tim Castille #46 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Tim Castille #46 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is a position the Chiefs need to address.  As a long time Chief fan, I can't help think of Tony Richardson when it comes to fullbacks.  Now, that's not really fair to your average fullback.

Castille as done little for the Chiefs, which may not even be his fault. 

If they have no intention of changing how they use their FB's, who knows?

Otherwise, no go.

FB Mike Cox

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28:  Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs takes a bow after scoring his third touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. Mike Cox #42 offers congratulations.
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs takes a bow after scoring his third touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. Mike Cox #42 offers congratulations.

I could pretty much just copy and paste what I just wrote about Castille and put it here.

They may keep one of these guys, but again, in my opinion it's a position that needs a serious upgrade.

No.

WR Terrance Cooper

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SEATTLE,WA - AUGUST 22: Terrance Cooper #18 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during practice before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 22, 2005 in Seattle,Washington. The Cowboys won 18-10. (Photo by: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE,WA - AUGUST 22: Terrance Cooper #18 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during practice before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on August 22, 2005 in Seattle,Washington. The Cowboys won 18-10. (Photo by: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

This is slowly going to get tougher and tougher, then very easy.

Wide receiver is the number one position, in my opinion, that Chiefs need to find a star to play opposite Bowe. 

Cooper is a veteran back-up who made a couple nice catches. 

Bubble.

LB Mark Simoneau

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NEW ORLEANS - 2009:  Mark Simoneau of the New Orleans Saints poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by NFL Photos)
NEW ORLEANS - 2009: Mark Simoneau of the New Orleans Saints poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by NFL Photos)

This one should have been put sooner. 

Gone.

LB Corey Mays

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20:  Corey Mays #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs onto the field during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Chiefs 41-34. (Phot
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20: Corey Mays #51 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs onto the field during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Chiefs 41-34. (Phot

Corey Mays is a journeyman player that was there to add some depth to the linebacker position.  The problem was, he didn't really add any.

I don't expect to see him back in a Chief uniform.

See ya.

LB Demorrio Williams

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12:  Demorrio Williams #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs waits on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Demorrio Williams #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs waits on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Demorrio Williams is also a journeyman type player.  He's a seven year veteran, but I think he's been a decent player for the Chiefs and someone they can look to for depth in a much needed position.

I think there is a good chance we see him back.

On the bubble, but most likely to return.

TE Leonard Pope

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05:  Leonard Pope #45 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after making a catch in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Leonard Pope #45 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after making a catch in the endzone for a touchdown during the game against the Denver Broncos on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo

Obviously Tony Moeaki is "the" tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.  That leaves Pope and Jake O'Connell in limited, mostly blocking roles.

Are the Chiefs going to look to upgrade this position?  Or, are they satisfied with the one play-maker and the two blockers?

As we all know, the NFL is a copy-cat league.  We are all watching what the Patriots are doing with more than one talented tight end.

I think this leaves both our blocking tight ends on the bubble.

Bubble boy.

TE Jake O'Connell

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20:  Jake O'Connell #85 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Jake O'Connell #85 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

If the Chiefs look to upgrade the tight end position and add a play-maker, they would probably keep one of the two they currently have.

O'Connell's advantage may be his age.  He is younger than Pope. 

Bubble.

FB Jackie Battle

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24:  Running back Jackie Battle #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball over the top of the defense to score a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas C
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 24: Running back Jackie Battle #26 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball over the top of the defense to score a touchdown during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 24, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas C

Of all the unimpressive full-backs the Chiefs have, Battle seems to be the one with the most up-side. 

Also, I think he is the favorite of the coaching staff.  They like to use him to run more often, though he's not very effective, but that's not how they use their full-backs.

I think he'll be back for the Chiefs.

Sign him.

LB Cory Greenwood

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02:  Wide receiver Nick Miller #89 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Cory Greenwood #93 of the Kansas City Chiefs in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Ge
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Nick Miller #89 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by linebacker Cory Greenwood #93 of the Kansas City Chiefs in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Ge

With all the upgrades the Chiefs need to make in this position, I can't imagine there will be a spot for this dude.

Again, I should have gotten to him sooner.

Best of luck pal.

T Ryan O'Callaghan

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FOXBOROUGH, MA - 2009:  Ryan O'Callaghan of the New England Patriots poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Foxborough, Massachusetts.  (Photo by NFL Photos)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - 2009: Ryan O'Callaghan of the New England Patriots poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by NFL Photos)

The offensive line, though vastly improved, will be another area where we will see changes.  Ryan O'Callaghan may or may not be part of it.

Currently, as a back-up I can't see him sliding into a starting role, so he's up in the air.

Bubble.

C Casey Wiegmann

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26:  Casey Wiegmann #62 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 26: Casey Wiegmann #62 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Tennessee Titans on December 26, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Now we're in the thick of the tough part.  Casey Wiegmann will be 79 years old this year.  OK, he'll be 38, which is really the only question about him.

I don't think he, or the Chiefs brought him here for one year, but who knows?

I have no idea if he wants to play one more year, or if the Chiefs want him for one more year.

What I do know is that could be an invaluable back-up and leader to this young team.  I would like to see him stay another year.

Definitely Bubble.

Mike Vrabel

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20:  Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Chiefs 41-34. (Photo by Jamie
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20: Mike Vrabel #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Chiefs 41-34. (Photo by Jamie

This is the toughest one on here for me.

Mike Vrabel is one of my favorite football players.  To me, he epitomizes what this game is all about.  He is a leader, hard worker and tremendous example for this young team.

Again, we're talking about age and a personal decision for Vrabel as well as the Chiefs.

I hope they sign him forever.  I would love to see  him go right from the field to the sidelines as a coach.

Sadly.....Bubble.

C Barry Richardson

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 29:  Barry Richardson #67 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 29, 2009 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 29: Barry Richardson #67 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 29, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Obviously, no matter what happens with Wiegmann, he won't be starting many, if any games.  This is Richardsons job to win, unless the Chiefs have something going on we don't know about.

Time to sign the man.

Keep him.

C/G Rudy Niswanger

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20:  Rudy Niswanger #64 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: Rudy Niswanger #64 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on September 20, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Rudy Niswanger would definitely find himself on the bubble list, but I believe they'll re-sign him.  Mostly because he can play more than one position, and adds depth to an offensive line.

He's not starting material, as we found out, but I think he's a perfect back-up.

Sign him.

DL Shaun Smith

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09:  Defensive tackle Shaun Smith #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwan
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Defensive tackle Shaun Smith #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwan

Now it's getting easier.  Shaun Smith has finally found a home.  He's earned his spot on this team.

Let him grab who's ever junk he wants.  He adds a lot on and off the field.

Sign the man.

S Jon McGraw

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12:  Jon McGraw #47 of the Kansas City Chiefs stretches against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 12: Jon McGraw #47 of the Kansas City Chiefs stretches against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 12, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Clearly, the secondary of this team is now, and will be for a long time, the star filled, brightest spot on the team.

In my opinion, McGraw is a perfect veteran addition to this group of talented rookies.  He's not old by any means, and can play at a fairly high level.

I think he's important to keep.

Sign the guy.

DE Wallace Gilberry

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KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31:  Wallace Gilberry #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs strips the ball from the hands of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills during the game on October 31, 2010  at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Pho
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 31: Wallace Gilberry #92 of the Kansas City Chiefs strips the ball from the hands of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Buffalo Bills during the game on October 31, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Pho

Wallace Gilberry was a true surprise on this team.  In limited playing time he had 7 sacks and 20 tackles.

Sign him!

CB Brandon Carr

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02:  Cornerback Brandon Carr #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs tries to break up a pass intended for wide receiver Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri.  (
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Cornerback Brandon Carr #39 of the Kansas City Chiefs tries to break up a pass intended for wide receiver Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (

I'm shocked that I still see people talking about getting rid of Carr.

To me, he was on of the most improved players on this team.  He has turned into a cover man every bit as solid as Flowers.

Pay him!

DE Tamba Hali

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05:  Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 05: Tamba Hali #91 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos during the game on December 5, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Talk about fruit hanging low off a tree.

PAY THE MAN!  PAY HIM A LOT!  PAY HIM NOW!

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