*****OFFICIAL KANSAS CITY CHIEFS THREAD***** (1 Viewer)

[Stinkin Ref]

So far as KC fan you have to be pretty happy. They have addressed some needs and improved in many areas. And they have the 11th overall pick yet to come where they should be able to add an impact player.

Jamal Charles will be back

Dwayne Bowe has been tagged

Tony Moeaki will be back

Eric Berry will be back

QB2: Brady Quinn....major upgrade over Palko/Stanzi

RB2: Peyton Hillis....upgrade over Jones, etc....some could argue he was the best overall free agent RB available....should fit in nicely

TE2: Kevin Boss....with Moeaki coming back and a copy cat league with maybe more two TE sets, he might be a nice addition here.....decent insurance if nothing else with Moeaki coming off an injury

RT1: Eric Winston....KC signs the most coveted free agent tackle....immediate upgrade and starter

CB: Stanford Routt....losing Carr hurts....this helps the pain a little

other 2012 moves:

Zeke Markshausen (WR) Signed Contract

Jacques Reeves (DB) Signed Contract

Stanford Routt (CB) Signed Contract

Kyle McCarthy (DB) Signed Contract

Darryl Harris (G) Signed Contract

Anthony Toribio (DT) Signed Contract

Luke Patterson (OL) Signed Contract

Jamar Newsome (WR) Signed Contract

Caleb Campbell (LB) Signed Contract

Rob Bruggeman (OL) Signed Contract

Shane Bannon (FB) Signed Contract

Looks like they have used free agency to address the offensive side of the ball and maybe the defense will be a focus of the draft. Hillis and Winston are immediate impact players. I like what KC has done so far this offseason.

 

[Slapdash]

Really like the moves you guys are making this offseason. Putting together a strong squad. Not sure if Cassell can get the Chiefs deep into the playoffs though.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

Really like the moves you guys are making this offseason. Putting together a strong squad. Not sure if Cassell can get the Chiefs deep into the playoffs though.

agreed....not sure Cassel is the answer

 

[greenf7cat]

Really like the moves you guys are making this offseason. Putting together a strong squad. Not sure if Cassell can get the Chiefs deep into the playoffs though.

agreed....not sure Cassel is the answer

I'm confident he is not the answer. I am actually quite intrigued by the Brady Quinn signing. I honestly don't feel as if he has even had a chance to be successful. We shall see.I am enamored with the signing of Winston. KC actually gets to go into the draft and draft based on BPA, as opposed to need..which is pretty exciting stuff.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Re-Signed Amon Gordon. While not a world beater by any means gives a little depth and flexability to the DL.

I would love to see KC sign Franklin from SF/NO to a one or two year deal while they draft/develop a NT.

Needs as I see it in order of importance (assuming Charles/Moeaki/Berry all make fill recoveries):

DT

MILB

Depth at almost all positions specifically OL and DB.

Should be a great draft to go best available. The real question is if Tannehill we be there @ 11. Cleveland and Miami are the potential suitors above them. Reading alot that CLEVE will stick with McCoy rather than reach for Tannehill and that MIAMI has legit interest in Alex Smith.

Is Tannehill a franchise QB and would KC take him @ 11 if he was there?

 

[B. Nugget]

Re-Signed Amon Gordon. While not a world beater by any means gives a little depth and flexability to the DL.I would love to see KC sign Franklin from SF/NO to a one or two year deal while they draft/develop a NT. Needs as I see it in order of importance (assuming Charles/Moeaki/Berry all make fill recoveries)TMILBDepth at almost all positions specifically OL and DB.Should be a great draft to go best available. The real question is if Tannehill we be there @ 11. Cleveland and Miami are the potential suitors above them. Reading alot that CLEVE will stick with McCoy rather than reach for Tannehill and that MIAMI has legit interest in Alex Smith.Is Tannehill a franchise QB and would KC take him @ 11 if he was there?

I've been out of the loop since the combine, are people really saying Taneyhill and franchise QB in the same sentence? Maybe someone will overpay for him at 11 and we can trade down, drafting a marginal talent at QB with that pick instead of a DT/LB as mentioned would only set them back even further, IMO...and the natives are getting restless with management as it is.

 

[B. Nugget]

Re-Signed Amon Gordon. While not a world beater by any means gives a little depth and flexability to the DL.I would love to see KC sign Franklin from SF/NO to a one or two year deal while they draft/develop a NT. Needs as I see it in order of importance (assuming Charles/Moeaki/Berry all make fill recoveries)TMILBDepth at almost all positions specifically OL and DB.Should be a great draft to go best available. The real question is if Tannehill we be there @ 11. Cleveland and Miami are the potential suitors above them. Reading alot that CLEVE will stick with McCoy rather than reach for Tannehill and that MIAMI has legit interest in Alex Smith.Is Tannehill a franchise QB and would KC take him @ 11 if he was there?

I've been out of the loop since the combine, are people really saying Taneyhill and franchise QB in the same sentence? Maybe someone will overpay for him at 11 and we can trade down, drafting a marginal talent at QB with that pick instead of a DT/LB as mentioned would only set them back even further, IMO...and the natives are getting restless with management as it is.

 

[jurb26]

Re-Signed Amon Gordon. While not a world beater by any means gives a little depth and flexability to the DL.I would love to see KC sign Franklin from SF/NO to a one or two year deal while they draft/develop a NT. Needs as I see it in order of importance (assuming Charles/Moeaki/Berry all make fill recoveries)TMILBDepth at almost all positions specifically OL and DB.Should be a great draft to go best available. The real question is if Tannehill we be there @ 11. Cleveland and Miami are the potential suitors above them. Reading alot that CLEVE will stick with McCoy rather than reach for Tannehill and that MIAMI has legit interest in Alex Smith.Is Tannehill a franchise QB and would KC take him @ 11 if he was there?

I've been out of the loop since the combine, are people really saying Taneyhill and franchise QB in the same sentence? Maybe someone will overpay for him at 11 and we can trade down, drafting a marginal talent at QB with that pick instead of a DT/LB as mentioned would only set them back even further, IMO...and the natives are getting restless with management as it is.

There are people saying Tannehill should/could go as high as 1.04 to Clev.... I know, it's ludicrous.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Re-Signed Amon Gordon. While not a world beater by any means gives a little depth and flexability to the DL.I would love to see KC sign Franklin from SF/NO to a one or two year deal while they draft/develop a NT. Needs as I see it in order of importance (assuming Charles/Moeaki/Berry all make fill recoveries)TMILBDepth at almost all positions specifically OL and DB.Should be a great draft to go best available. The real question is if Tannehill we be there @ 11. Cleveland and Miami are the potential suitors above them. Reading alot that CLEVE will stick with McCoy rather than reach for Tannehill and that MIAMI has legit interest in Alex Smith.Is Tannehill a franchise QB and would KC take him @ 11 if he was there?

I've been out of the loop since the combine, are people really saying Taneyhill and franchise QB in the same sentence? Maybe someone will overpay for him at 11 and we can trade down, drafting a marginal talent at QB with that pick instead of a DT/LB as mentioned would only set them back even further, IMO...and the natives are getting restless with management as it is.

I have seen a few mock drafts with Tannehill to CLEVE and a couple more recently updated with him going to MIA after the Garrard signing.

 

[Faust]

Chiefs' success hinges on play of standout Eric Berry

By Marc Sessler

Writer

Around the League will examine one key figure under pressure on each team heading into the 2012 season. Next up: The Kansas City Chiefs.

Under Pressure: Eric Berry

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered devastating injuries on both sides of the ball last season.

On offense, the team's explosive running back, Jamaal Charles, was finished for the season after he tore his ACL in the second game of the year. This came one week after Eric Berry, the young leader on defense, suffered a similar injury in the season opener.

Both are being counted on to return to form in 2012, but we're picking Berry as our man under the microscope in Kansas City. Some of our "Under Pressure" targets are on the hot seat for poor performance; some find themselves at a career crossroads; Berry is a different story. He's on our list because the success of this defense hinges on his return this season. Where Berry goes, the Chiefs will go.

Kansas City will face Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers and some guy named Peyton Manning in the AFC West. The Chiefs have made changes in the defensive backfield with the addition of Stanford Routt set to replace the departed Brandon Carr at cornerback. Free safety Kendrick Lewis will continue to pair alongside Berry, but the two have started only 11 games together in two seasons. With all four healthy, the Chiefs are a dark horse in this division.

Berry was outrageous in his rookie Pro Bowl campaign. He was desperately missed in 2011. The feeling in Kansas City is that if Berry returns to form, he gives this team one of the best safety combinations in football. This is especially meaningful for Kansas City's defense. Romeo Crennel's 3-4 scheme shares a lineage with the defense Bill Belichick has run for years in New England. It calls for a powerful, reliable safety up the middle. In other words, Berry's the guy they count on to flip the switch.

Knowing that, he is excited to grow under Crennel: "I think they have the right guy for the job," Berry told WHB-AM in March, via SportsRadioInterviews.com. "And (Crennel) is gonna hold everybody accountable, and he's gonna make sure everybody's doing their job. ... We know we have a good coach and we just have to rally behind him and make sure we just play for him."

It's unfair to label last season a bust for Berry, but in the business of football, he is entering the all-important third year of his rookie contract. Set to earn $4.8 million this season, there is a fair amount of heat on Berry to show that he can put last year behind him, stay healthy and pick up where his rock-solid rookie campaign left off. With his salary set to jump to $7 million in 2013, there can be no hiccups this time around.

 

[Faust]

Chiefs committed to Dexter McCluster at WR -- for now

By Marc Sessler

Writer

We have a Dexter McCluster-sized puzzle in Kansas City, where the Chiefs are searching for ways to squeeze the most talent out of their jack-of-all-trades weapon.

McCluster is being used at wideout this offseason after carrying the ball 114 times in 2011. He's shown some spark in both roles, but coach Romeo Crennel and his staff are committed to growing McCluster at receiver. For now.

"We feel like he knows how to play running back, and we can put him over at running back at any point in time, but we felt like he needed the work at wide receiver," Crennel told The Kansas City Star. "So we gave him the work at wide receiver. If we need him at running back then we'll put him at running back. Probably what that will do is open it up for us to be able to use him however and whenever we need him at whatever position."

The versatility is a plus, but the Chiefs want to see production. Shifting McCluster to wideout makes sense on a roster thin at the position. Dwayne Bowe is unsigned and absent from OTAs. Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin are lining up with the starters, but behind that pair, the list is uninspiring. At running back, Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis figure to shoulder the load.

In two seasons, McCluster has shown flashes - his wheels alone keep him on the field -- but the Chiefs haven't found a way to unleash him. Refining his role might lead to success, but for all his speed, McCluster averaged just 7.1 yards per catch in 2011. He's produced just three touchdowns in two seasons and that's part of the problem. He was drafted to be their home run hitter. Here in May, they're still looking for a way to fit him into the lineup.

 

[Faust]

Romeo Crennel not worried about absent Dwayne Bowe

Dwayne Bowe remains M.I.A. to this point at Kansas City Chiefs' organized team activities, and his time away from the team could turn into an extended absence, according to the Kansas City Star.

Coach Romeo Crennel, however, said he's not concerned about when Bowe, who's upset over his contract situation, will return.

"We're going to win with whoever we have," Crennel said. "If he's with us, we'd like that to happen. If he's not, then we're going to work with the guys we've got here."

Bowe is reportedly unhappy the team placed the franchise tag on him this offseason and has no plans to sign it. He is believed to be seeking a long-term deal.

Bowe would make $9.5 million in 2012 if he signed his franchise tender.

Already thin at the position, the Chiefs were also missing last year's first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin during Friday's practice session because of a migraine. The team previously said that Dexter McCluster, their jack-of-all-trades weapon, will be used at wideout this season.

Bowe put together a breakout season in 2010, when he hauled in 15 touchdowns. He followed that up by catching 81 passes for 1,159 yards and five TDs this past season.

 

[Faust]

Matt Cassel is a winner, according to new Chiefs OC

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Matt Cassel has had an up-and-down three-season run with the Kansas City Chiefs, but new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll believes he inherited a winner at the quarterback position.

Cassel led the New England Patriots to an 11-5 record after Tom Brady wrecked his knee in Week 1 of the 2008 season. He later piloted the Chiefs to a 10-6 mark and an AFC West title in 2010. Cassel has never won a playoff game -- in fact, he played terribly against the Ravens in his only postseason start -- but Daboll sees a player who knows how to lead his team.

"He's been a winner," Daboll told reporters Thursday, according to ESPN.com. "He's had two 10-plus win seasons. I did a study just this offseason about 10-plus-win quarterbacks, which is what you're defined by, obviously. There's been nine of them in the last four years that have had two or more 10-plus win seasons in the regular season, and Matt is one of them.

"The other ones being Brady, (Drew) Brees, (Aaron) Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Eli (Manning), (Joe) Flacco, (Matt) Ryan, so he's been a winner. He works his tail off in the classroom. I think he's done a good job in these OTAs, and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Daboll finds a creative way to lump Cassel in with a group of the game's best quarterbacks, but he does leave out the big picture. Despite those 10-plus win seasons, Cassel is a pedestrian 28-26 in games he's started overall.

If you really are defined by your record, this seems about right.

 

[Faust]

Jamaal Charles ready to put cleats on, go to work

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Jamaal Charles has yet to join his Kansas City Chiefs teammates at practice in offseason workouts, but the running back remains confident he'll be in action when training camp begins in July.

"When they let that cape off me, I'm ready to go," Charles said Wednesday, according to The Kansas City Star. "I'm ready to put my cleats back on and punish everybody in my way."

Charles added his body feels so strong, he could play today if needed. (This is a sentiment we seem to hear an awful lot this time of year.)

Charles went on injured reserve after tearing his ACL against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. He had broken out as one of the NFL's top running backs in 2010, when he had nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage for a Chiefs team that won the AFC West.

Charles' game is predicated on speed and cutting ability more than power, so the Chiefs will be holding their breath that the running back still will possess the elusiveness that made him a nightmare for defenses two years ago.

 

[Faust]

Tony Moeaki, back from injury, will be key for Chiefs

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

As we count down the days to training camp, Around the League will examine one player from every team set for a breakout campaign in 2012. Up next: the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tony Moeaki will give Chiefs a new dimension

Every team has to deal with injuries -- and thus, really shouldn't complain -- but an exception could be made for the Chiefs in 2011.

Tight end Tony Moeaki, safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles were all lost over the course of two weeks in September, three impact players wiped off the grid with the season still in its embryonic stage.

Berry and Charles had already established themselves as stars in 2010, and Moeaki appeared to have that potential before ripping up his knee in Kansas City's final preseason game. He caught 47 passes for 556 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie, combining sure hands with an ability to stretch defenses.

Fully cleared for training camp, Moeaki will get another crack at becoming Kansas City's first elite tight end since Tony Gonzalez left town. General manager Scott Pioli's Patriots ties were on display again in the offseason, when he signed Kevin Boss to play alongside Moeaki in two-tight end formations.

Though it's unlikely the pair will evoke comparisons to Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, Moeaki and Boss -- a strong veteran talent underutilized last year in Oakland -- will allow Matt Cassel to make the type of throws that best suit his game.

But make no mistake: Moeaki has the highest ceiling and will be the tight end the Chiefs count on to make the leap to a Pro Bowl-level this season. When you factor in Boss, the return of Charles and Dwayne Bowe on the outside, everything is in place for Moeaki to give defenses fits in the middle of the field.

 

[Faust]

Eric Berry says he's back to '100 percent' for Chiefs

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

When Eric Berry went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the season opener against the Buffalo Bills last season, the Kansas City Chiefs lost a rising star in their secondary they never adequately replaced.

Berry has been cleared to take part in training camp next month, and he told Sirius XM Radio on Wednesday he is now "100 percent" physically.

If the Chiefs are to emerge as a darkhorse candidate in the AFC West this season, they will need Berry to return to the level of play that made him a Pro-Bowl talent as a rookie. Kansas City plays in a division with Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers and Carson Palmer -- and as Marc Sessler pointed out in our "Under Pressure" series -- Romeo Crennel's 3-4 defense calls for a powerful, reliable safety up the middle.

That was once Eric Berry. The Chiefs will need him to be that way again.

 

[Faust]

Matt Cassel, Chiefs' offense shoulder playoff hopes

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

"NFL Total Access" continues with its "32 teams in 32 days" series. We decided to score some brownie points by writing an accompanying post each night. We'll focus on one goal that each team needs to accomplish before Week 1.

Chiefs can't afford slow start on offense

Can you believe we're already in Year 4 of the Matt Cassel Era in Kansas City?

It seems like just yesterday Charlie Weis was grinning ear-to-ear after landing Tom Brady's backup. Weis is long gone, while Cassel has sandwiched one good season between two forgettable campaigns at Arrowhead.

In a league not known for patience, it's certainly possible the Chiefs will explore their options if Cassel can't get the team back into playoff contention in 2012.

The Chiefs' offense also hinges on Brian Daboll, who was hired this offseason to replace the retired Bill Muir as offensive coordinator. Daboll earned Crennel's respect during their time with the New England Patriots, but Daboll doesn't come to Kansas City with a killer resume running NFL offenses. The Dolphins ranked 22nd in the league in 2011, while his two seasons in Cleveland ended with rankings of 29th (2010) and dead last (2009).

Of course, Daboll has more talent to work with these days, inheriting an offense that includes wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, running back Jamaal Charles and emerging tight end Tony Moeaki.

Both Charles and Moeaki are coming back from serious knee injuries, but the Chiefs can't hope for 10 wins until their top performers get all the way back. The Chiefs have the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers on the schedule in the first month of the regular season, four teams capable of turning games into a shootout.

If the Chiefs can't match the firepower, it could be a long season for Romeo Crennel, a man who already has history working against him.

 

[Faust]

Ryan Lilja pushed out by Chiefs rookie Jeff Allen?

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

"Around the League" is taking a look at each team's salary-cap situation heading into training camp. Next up: The Kansas City Chiefs.

Adjusted cap number: $146.483 million

Cap room remaining: $16.548 million

Best bargain: Despite being one of the better run-blocking offensive tackles in the National Football League, the Houston Texans released Eric Winston and his $5.5 million base salary and $6.5 million cap number before the start of the 2012 league year. The Chiefs swooped in, signing Winston and instantly upgrading the right side of their offensive line. The Chiefs will pay Winston the same $5.5 million he was due from the Texans, but get him at a $2.5 million cap number for this season.

Potential camp casualty: The Chiefs are in great shape, cap-wise, so there is no urgency to clear space this summer. One player that might be under the gun for a restructure is left guard Ryan Lilja. The 31-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and could be pushed for a starting job by 2012 second-round pick Jeff Allen, a tackle at Illinois who is expected to move inside at the NFL level. Allen was regarded as a "day one" starter by the NFL Network's Mike Mayock and with Jon Asamoah locked in on the right side of Rodney Hudson, Lilja's spot could be up for grabs.

Contract issue looming in 2013: Continuing along the Chiefs' offensive line, left tackle Branden Albert's rookie contract will expire after the season. The former first-round pick out of Virginia has started all 60 games he's been active and, according to Football Outsiders Almanac 2012, had just 5.5 blown blocks in 2011. Quality left tackles simply do not hit the free agent market and there's little reason to think that Albert will in 2013. The Chiefs could even use the franchise tag, which for an offensive lineman, is projected to be worth $9.278 million if the salary cap stays flat in 2013.

The other big issue the Chiefs have for 2013 could be resolved by Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline to reach a multi-year extension with franchised wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. A Pro Bowler in 2010, Bowe has caught 356 passes for 4,927 yards and 36 touchdowns in his 75-game career, topping 70 receptions four times and 1,000 yards three times in his first five NFL seasons. Due $9.515 million in base salary this season, Bowe is among seven franchised players who has not yet signed his tender. To franchise Bowe again in 2013 would cost the Chiefs $11.418 million.

 

[Faust]

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs could part in 2013

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Dwayne Bowe wants a monster contract. He wants to become a superstar. And it's increasingly unlikely he'll get his wishes granted while with the Kansas City Chiefs.

When Franchise Tag Day ended, Bowe and the Chiefs remained stuck in a stalemate that never came close to being resolved. The Chiefs seem unwilling to meet Bowe's big contract demands. They want him motivated again by a one-year contract. And they are probably comfortable with the chances Bowe could leave in 2013.

The Chiefs could use the tag again on Bowe next year, but his salary would climb to $11.4 million. That still might be a more palatable option for the Chiefs when it comes to retaining a talented player they don't quite trust.

"While Bowe tries, and often tries too hard, he comes across as unreliable, difficult to read and consumed by ego," Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star wrote Monday. "Bowe is good, but he's not elite. Too many drops. Flawed route-running. Having no idea how his words sometimes make him sound. He should've hoped for, but not expected, a monster payday, and now he'll have to wait several months for another swing."

Bowe has always been a better fantasy player than real-life option. His conditioning, consistency, hands and attitude have been questioned over the years. Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli has committed to guys like linebacker Derrick Johnson, defensive back Brandon Flowers and running back Jamaal Charles, who are all "core" players. He doesn't seem to view Bowe that way.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

what's up KC fans??

i'm headed to the raider/kc game next week.

any tips? i have a gold M parking pass and am stoked to see the tailgating, can't wait!

i fly in sat night, any good watering holes?

 

[jurb26]

Epic fail.

 

[Bobtender]

Can someone tell me why Cairo Santos is being ranked ahead of Succop starting yesterday, the 5 most current ranking?

I know there was a pretty good battle going on in camp but after Succop hit the 54 yarder post injury I thought he had secured the job. Also the depth charts still show him as the starter.

Edit: sorry didn't realize this was a 2012 thread.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

@Stinkin Ref do you mind changing the name of this thread so the Chiefs can have an indefinite team thread? They may be the only team in TSP without a working team thread. Thanks.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Nice job, many thanks.

 

[Gandalf]

Can Chiefs fans weigh in on Spencer Ware? What happens to him when Charles comes back? Does this destroy his redraft value? In dynasty Charles is signed through 2017. I'm guessing will be RBBC best case for Ware when Charles returns. Am I wrong?

 

[The Jacket]

It's very, very hard to predict. Since Reid has been here he shows loyalty to veterans and rides his stars hard. But I can't see ANY way he forgets about Ware with how good he's been. Literally every player on the team talked about Ware when asked about Sunday's comeback win. 

In Charles' first game back I bet he doesn't start. It's easy to pass off Ware starting over him as Charles eases back in. After that, it'll all come down to how Charles performs. If he's his old self, the guy a lot of people have probably forgotten about, he's rightfully gonna be the starter and get at least 60% of the work. The question is, which I don't think anyone can answer, will Reid gradually forget about Ware or give him enough work to worsen both players' fantasy prospects.