Top 50 NFL Free Agents: How They Could Fit into the Chiefs' 2011 Plans
Going into this offseason it is obvious that the Kansas City Chiefs are a young team and have several holes to fill. Anything from the glaring hole at wide receiver and nose tackle, to the aging of the offensive line and linebackers, there are plenty of areas the Chiefs must address this offseason.
With a schedule in 2011 that includes Pittsburgh, Green Bay, New England, New York Jets, Chicago, and Indianapolis, it appears to be much more difficult than the 2010 schedule.
The Chiefs will need to effectively address these areas of need through the draft and free agency. Today we are going to focus on the Top 50 Free Agents and discuss how they could specifically impact the Chiefs in 2011 and if they would be worth bringing onto this team.
This list includes veterans, has been’s, players that are exiting their prime, and players that are entering their prime. As a reference I am getting the Top 50 FA listing from a previous post on BleacherReport.com.
At the end I will detail the players that I believe the Chiefs need the most and rank them in the order I feel the Chiefs should pursue these individuals, so without further ado...
50: Randy Moss: 2010 Stats: 28 Catches, 393 Yards, 5 TD
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There is no denying Randy is a big name and there will be a coach/owner out there who will want him. Even though Pioli brought him in once (see New England), I just can’t see it happening again. Randy will want way too much money and doesn’t fall into the “right 53” by any definition of the statement.
49: Cadillac Williams: 2010 Stats: 125 Carries, 437 Yards, 2 TD
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While I do believe we need another RB to back up Jamaal Charles, that running back will not be Cadillac. He is to injury prone and I just don’t see the value of this pick up. If you are to upgrade over Thomas Jones, Cadillac is not that upgrade.
48: Adam Vinatieri – 2010 Stats: 26-of-28 on Field Goals, 51-of-51 on EP
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With Mr. Irrelevant in the fold I think the Chiefs have a solid kicker for years to come. However, there is some history here between Pioli and Vinatieri, and The Don has shown he is not afraid to bring in players for competition.
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47: Mike Peterson: 2010 Stats: 59 Tackles, 1 INT, 2 Forced Fumbles
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As a Kansas City Chiefs fan all you need to know about Peterson is that he will be 35 years old next season. With Mike Vrabel on the team we have enough 35+ year old linebackers.
46: Marcus Spears: 2010 Stats: 11 Tackles, 0 Sacks
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Although Spears was drafted by a Cowboys team that Haley coached for at the time I see no reason for Spears to be in KC. Besides the fact that he has been a huge let down since being drafted in 2005, the Chiefs already have a young struggling DE (see Tyson Jackson) that they need to worry about.
45: Matt Hasselback: 2010 Stats: 59.9% Completion, 3,001 Yards, 12 TD, 17 INT
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While the Chiefs need a quality backup QB, and Hasselback would be that, he will not end up in KC. First off he will want to be the starter and paid as such no matter where he goes. Second, Pete Carroll has already expressed his desire to have Hasselback back next year.
44: Leon Washington: 2010 Stats: 3 Kickoff Return TD
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While I find the possibility of Leon Washington intriguing, I just don’t see it happening. The Chiefs currently have two promising young return men in McCluster and Arenas. Additionally, I do not believe Washington would provide anything that Thomas Jones can’t provide for the offense.
43: Quintin Mikell: 2010 Stats: 88 Tackles, 15 Pass Breakups, 3 INT
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With the money invested in Eric Berry and the better than expected development of Kendrick Lewis there would be no reason to bring in Mikell, except for maybe veteran leadership in the secondary. Having said that, Mikell is coming off of 3 great seasons in a row and will be looking to start, not be a mentor.
42: Mathias Kiwanuka: 2010 Stats: 11 Tackles, 4 Sacks (missed 13 Games)
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The more I think about this potential signing, the more I like it. Granted Kiwanuka had a pretty severe neck injury, that made him miss 13 games last year, he had a pretty solid 2009 season with 61 tackles and 4 sacks. He averages just over 4.8 sacks a season for the four years he has been healthy. Although that is not outstanding, I believe due to his injury last year Kiwanuka could be signed for fairly cheap, and as much as I love Wallace Gilberry and Shaun Smith, I have to believe he would be an upgrade over one of those two.
41: Brodney Pool - 2010 Stats: 53 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 1 INT
Pool falls into the same boat as Quintin Mikell, with Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis, there is no need for him in KC.
40: Pierre Thomas: 2010 Stats: 83 Carries, 269 Yards, 2 TD
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I really like this signing if the Chiefs can make it happen. Thomas' injuries woes in 2010 are going to make him a cheap commodity. However, when he is health he produces, evidenced by his 15 TDs during the 2008 and 2009 season. Pierre could come in and take over Thomas Jones role as the short yardage back and the goal line back. I love Thomas Jones, but there is no denying that his 3.7 YPC average is not good enough for a #2 RB, and the fact that he has only one year left on his contract, now might be the time to pull trigger and bring in Pierre.
39: James Jones: 2010 Stats: 50 Catches, 679 Yards, 5 TD
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Jones has speed and made some big play in 2010 for the Packers. The problem is he has bad hands, and the Chiefs have already spent enough time dealing with bad hands. Additionally, Jones stats probably benefited quite a bit this year from a one-dimensional offense, which will not be the case in KC.
38: Malcom Floyd: 2010 Stats: 37 Catches, 717 Yards, 6 TD
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While it would be fun to steal one of Philip Rivers weapons from him, I just don’t see it happening. Granted Floyd is 6’5” and could be a big target for Cassel down the field, he will also be 30 next year and want big money. I personally would not want to give a 30 year old receiver who hasn’t made much of a name for himself big money.
37: Joseph Addai: 2010 Stats: 116 Catches, 495 Yards, 4 TD
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While KC may be looking to upgrade their #2 RB I don’t think it will be with Addai. The Chiefs already have the shiftiest of shifty back in Jamaal Charles, and Addai is not a bruiser that the Chiefs need. Additionally, has Addai ever finished a season without missing a game?
36: Roman Harper - 2010 Stats: 98 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT
Not to beat a dead horse but Harper falls into the same boat as Pool and Mikell, with Eric Berry and Kendrick Lewis, there is no need for him in KC.
35: Ike Taylor: 2010 Stats: 66 Tackles, 2 INT, 11 Pass Breakups
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While I love the Chiefs young secondary, I would love even more to see Brandon Carr make some interceptions instead of just deflections. Having said that, the interceptions will not come from Ike Taylor. In the last three seasons, in which he has missed no games, he only has 4 INTs total. Not good and not going to help the Chiefs.
34: Barrett Rudd: 2010 Stats: 120 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 INT
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What is there not to love about this guy? He has had over 114 tackles in 4 straight seasons. This guy flies around the field. Rudd and DJ on the field together would be entertaining to say the least. The problem is that Tampa Bay was on the edge of making the playoffs this year and I do not see how they cannot bring back their leading tackler. If they don’t, then the Chiefs should pursue hard, I just don’t see it happening.
33: Cedric Benson - 2010 Stats: 321 carries, 1,111 yards, 7 TD
One stat that you need to know: 3.46 YPC! That is lower than Thomas Jones. This would in no way be a pick up that would help the Chiefs in 2011.
32: Mike Tolbert: 2010 Stats: 182 Carries, 735 Yards, 11 TD
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I love this pick up!! Not only would he fill in as a great #2 RB and a short yardage/goal line back, but how much fun would it be to steal the Chargers biggest offensive surprise of the 2010 season! Not only would Tolbert be able to fill in for Jamaal when he needs a breather, but he would also be able to play FB and clear monster holes for Jamaal. In my mind picking up Tolbert makes our FB position one of the best in the league and makes our #2 RB a scary player you have to respect or you will get run over. Make it happen Pioli!
31: Jermon Bushrod: 2010 Stats: 16 Starts
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Bushrod would be a huge upgrade over Barry Richardson or Ryan O’Calloghan. Problem is that he is just getting out of his rookie contract of 4 years and he will want to get paid. If Pioli deems it necessary I wouldn’t mind bring in Bushrod, I just don’t see that kind of money being spent.
30: Terrell Owens - 2010 Stats: 72 catches, 983 yards, 9 TD
The “Right 53”; Haley and Owens have both stated they hate each other; every team he plays for implodes; he is 36. Take your choice of reasons, but he won’t be in KC.
29: Champ Bailey: 2010 Stats: 45 Tackles, 13 Pass Breakups, 2 INT
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I just can’t see how the Broncos don’t resign an all-world cornerback like Bailey. He still plays at an elite level and as much fun or as nice as it would be to see him leave Denver I am betting it won’t happen. Even if it does, I am happy with the young secondary the Chiefs currently have.
28: Michael Bush: 2010 Stats: 158 Carries, 655 Yards, 8 TDs
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Bush falls under the same category as Mike Tolbert, as in it would be fun to steal him from a rival. There is one thing that separates Bush from Tolbert, and that is fact that he doesn’t bring as much to the table. While Bush would bring the short yardage/goal line back we need he couldn’t fill the role of FB like Tolbert could. And to be honest I would still much rather have Thomas Jones and his veteran leadership over Bush.
27: Dawan Landry: 2010 Stats: 111 Tackles, 4 Pass Breakups, 1 INT
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Throw him in the bucket with the rest of the safeties that we have looked at so far. Not needed in KC!
26: Brent Grimes - 2010 Stats: 87 tackles, 23 pass breakups, 5 INT
First off Grimes is only a Restricted Free Agent, so that will make it hard for any team to get him away from a contending Atlanta team, unless they are wanting to pay a ton, which the Chiefs aren’t willing to do. Secondly, as stated several times before I am happy with the young secondary the Chiefs currently have.
25: Charles Johnson: 2010 Stats: 11.5 Sacks
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Johnson could probably be had for a fairly reasonable price considering this past season is by far his best. However, I have not giving up on Tyson Jackson yet. Think of the leap Dorsey made in 2010, his third year, if Tyson can make a similar leap in 2011 the Chiefs will be set for years to come at the DE position.
24: Ronnie Brown - 2010 Stats: 200 carries, 734 yards, 5 TDs
An average of 3.77 YPC and six years in the league with only one 1000-yard season, I would rather stick with Thomas Jones and his veteran work ethic and leadership.
23: Vincent Jackson: 2010 Stats: 14 Catches, 248 Yards, 3 TDs
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While I don’t see him in a San Diego uniform next year (thank god), I just can’t see him in a Chiefs uniform either. As great as it would be to have him line up across from D. Bowe, Jackson proved this year he is not a team player, and that is what it takes to be part of the “Right 53”
22: Benjarvus Green-Ellis - 2010 Stats: 229 carries, 1,008 yards, 13 TDs
The Law Firm is a start in this league; he proved that in his limited number of carries this year. My hunch is that New England signs him and we see him on the Patriots Roster for a few years to come.
21: Brad Smith: 2010 Stats: 2 Kick Return TD, 1 Rushing TD, 1 Passing TD
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Now I know a lot of Chiefs faithful, who are also Mizzu faithfully that would love to see Brad Smith in a Chiefs uniform. I don’t see it happening for several reasons. First, the Jets are definitely going to keep him. I would be shocked if he was not a Jet next year. Second, as mentioned before we have two promising young return men in Arenas and McCluster. Smith does not bring enough to the table as a pure receiver to justify bringing him in.
20: Ahmad Bradshaw: 2010 Stats: 276 Carries, 1,235 Yards, 8 TD
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Bradshaw is going to draw strong interest from every team in the league, except for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bradshaw is 24 and entering his prime. He will want lots of years and lots of money. The Chiefs just gave those years and money to a better back who is also hitting his prime in Jamaal Charles.
19: Matt Light: 2010 Stats: 16 Starts
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Light has had a great season in New England. However we all know about New England and how they have a knack for letting go of players just at the right time. Light is 32, so is now the right time? Additionally, Pioli has shown that he is not against bringing in veteran linemen (see Lilja and Wiegmann), and it is no secret that the Chiefs RT is a position of concern. Keep an eye on this one!
18: Steve Smith: 2010 Stats: 48 Catches, 529 Yards, 3 TD
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This is very intriguing possibility for the Chiefs at WR. Smith has proven that he is sure handed and he is a speedy receiver who could possibly stretch the field for the Chiefs. I find it hard to believe that the Giants will be able to keep smith considering they already have Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham signed to long term deals. Smith will command a decent salary but he would be an idle #2 WR to help open up the middle for D. Bowe.
17: Stephen Tullock: 2010 Stats: 159 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 Sack
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Wow talking about a monster number of tackles! Tullock would be a great addition to the Chiefs linebacking core. A lot of this might depend on Jeff Fisher and whether or not he is still the coach next year. However, Tullock is going to require big money to sign, and if the Chiefs are wanting to keep Tamba Hali as well, it is going to make signing Tullock very difficult if not impossible.
16: Jason Babin: 2010 Stats: 12.5 Sacks
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He has been in KC before, but he sure didn’t produce like he did this year! Having said that, and repeating what I said earlier, I have not giving up on Tyson Jackson yet.
15: Ray Edwards - 2010 Stats: 37 tackles, 8 sacks
Edwards is a solid DE who can help in the run and in the pass, however he comes from a 4-3 defense in Minnesota, and Chiefs fans have seen firsthand how hard it is for a 4-3 DE to translate into a 3-4 DE. I would rather stick with Dorsey and the Tyson Jackson experiment for one more year.
14: Braylon Edwards: 2010 Stats: 53 Catches, 903 Yards, 7 TD
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Big strong physical receiver! Character Issues, Character Issues, Character Issues! I am under the belief the Chiefs won’t even give him the time of day. And frankly that does not bother me.
13: Cullen Jenkins - 2010 Stats: 7 sacks
Like every other DE on this list I say no thank you! No to mention he hasn’t completed a full season in 4 years.
12: Tyson Clabo: 2010 Stats: 16 Starts
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This is a guy that fits the “Right 53” Clabo hasn’t missed a snap in over two seasons, and is currently the most underrated lineman for the falcons. If the Falcons make the mistake of not resigning him, I hope Pioli jumps at him. This could shore up our RT for years to come.
11: Paul Posluszny: 2010 Stats: 151 Tackles, 2 Sacks
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151 tackles and he missed 3 games! This kid is a ball player and is tough as nails. Posluszny comes off as a Todd Haley kind of player. Posluszny is consistent day in and day out, game in and game out. The problem is that Buffalo was last in the league against the run. There is no way they improve on that ranking if they don’t resign Posluszny.
10: Chad Greenway: 2010 Stats: 144 Tackles, 1 Sack
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Chad is another player that I see sticking with his current team. On top of that Greenway has a reputation as a good LB against the rush. I believe the Chiefs are good enough against the rush, and should go after a more well rounded LB who can also cover the pass effectively.
9: Antonio Cromartie: 2010 Stats: 42 Tackles, 3 INT, 17 Pass Breakups
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So many reasons in my mind to not go after Cromartie. Remember when he pretty much quite on the Chargers a few years ago? Were you been paying attention to his trash talk with Tom Brady all last week? This is not a player that fits what the Chiefs are trying to accomplish.
8: Tamba Hali: 2010 Stats: 52 Tackles, 14.5 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles
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How did he not make the Pro Bowl? I know that he now, but the fact that he wasn't initially on the roster.....that still has me fuming. Tamba should be the #1 priority for the Chiefs in the offseason. If for some reason the Chiefs cannot resign him they will have to start looking to replace him. And I personally do not see one free agent out there who can pressure the QB like Tamba. PRIORITY #1!!!
7: Santonio Holmes: 2010 Stats: 52 Catches, 746 Yards, 6 TD
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Holmes is a gamer, there is no denying that, but he falls in the same category as Braylon Edwards in my mind. The way I see it the Jets will keep Holmes over Edwards, but even if Holmes is not resigned I don’t see him hear in KC. The Pioli-Haley Era is not for players with character issues, and Holmes brings plenty of those to the table. Although I will admit, his catch against the Patriots this year was probably one of the best catches I have ever seen.
6: LaMarr Woodley: 2010 Stats: 50 Tackles, 9.5 Sacks, 2 INT
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This guy can do it all, and at 26 he will be doing it for a long time. However I have a hard time seeing the Steelers letting him just walk. James Harrison and James Farrior are getting old, and the Steelers will need someone to replace them eventually. Who better Woodley, a player who knows the system better than anyone they will get off the street.
5: Nnamdi Asomugha: 2010 Stats: 19 Tackles, 6 Pass Breakups
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Brandon Flowers and Nnamdi Asomugha……..what a beautiful secondary….HOLD ON! WHAT! WAIT! Oh yea we are just daydreaming. There is no way, no how, this will happen. To many factors keeping it from happening, and the main factor being the large sums of money it would take. Maybe I can pull it off on Madden, but no way Scott Pioli does the same.
4: Sidney Rice: 2010 Stats: 17 Catches, 280 Yards, 2 TD
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Now I might be kidding myself here, but I see a real possibility of Sidney Rice in Kansas City. Stick with me a minute: He is a free agent for a team that will more than likely have Tavarris Jackson or Joe Webb at QB, and it is apparent by his numbers that he needs a good QB throwing to him to be effective. I am just speculating, obviously, but Sidney doesn’t want to play there, he wants to play for a team with a QB who needs him. I believe Matt Cassel and the Chiefs could be that team. Now the realist in me has to kick in and say, following the same train of thought, don’t you think Phillip Rivers would be a better fit than Matt Cassel. I am sure Sidney Rice thinks so, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make one hell of a run at him.
3: DeAngelo Williams: 2010 Stats: 87 Carries, 361 Yards, 1 TD
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DeAngelo Williams is probably the best running back in the free agent class and he is a proven veteran who can handle the workload of a full time starter. This is not something the Chiefs are looking for, they need a Thomas Jones minus 2 or 3 years of wear and tear. Don’t get me wrong, I love Thomas Jones on this team and everything about him screams “Right 53”, everything that is except for his production. Excuse my random thought there…..back to DeAngelo Williams, there is just simply no need for him in KC.
2: Michael Vick: 2010 Stats: 62.6% Completion, 3,018 Yards, 21 TD, 6 INT
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1: Peyton Manning - 2010 Stats: 66% completion, 4,700 yards, 33 TD, 17 INT
I don’t feel the need explain anything about Mike Vick or Peyton Manning. If they are don’t end up with their current teams I am going to take that as a sign of the apocolypse. But even if that does happen, I see no way Pioli brings in either of them, no matter how much I would want them both.
Choices, Choices, Choices
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So now we have the information needed to make some decisions. What decisions you may ask? As a fan we must decide which players we are going to be rooting for our team to sign this off-season. The following are the players I will be rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs to sign this off-season, listed in the order I deemed to be the most important.
- OLB - Tamba Hali – Like I stated before this is by far priority #1
- WR - Sidney Rice – How happy would Matt Cassel be with Bowe, Rice, McCluster as his starting WRs
- OT – Tyson Clabo - This would make our offensive line very solid at the tackle positions for years to come.
- WR – Steve Smith – I am sure Matt would be glad to settle for Bowe, Smith, McCluster
- FB – Mike Tolbert – Fills two positions and makes our rushing offense that much better, while slowly working Thomas Jones out of the rotation.
- OT – Matt Light – He would be higher on the list if he wasn’t 32 years old.
- HB – Pierre Thomas – Helps our rushing offense and can replace Thomas Jones when he retires.
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