Jamie Squire - Getty Images
We'll go through all three lists of mine today but we'll start with the must keep group. These are the guys that, in my mind, need to stay in KC next year no matter what. I debated on a few of them but my list ended with just three players.
I can see an argument for more on the must keep list so chime in the comments to let us know who else you would have there. Here's my list:
Must keep: LB Jovan Belcher (RFA), CB Brandon Carr and WR Dwayne Bowe
This list seems fairly obvious. They're all starters on the team and Bowe and Carr are the two big fish free agents this year. They need to keep those guys in any way that's possible. Bowe and Carr are unrestricted free agents which means they're scheduled to leave. One guy could receive the franchise tag and the other could get a long-term deal. We're not really sure if either one will get tagged.
Belcher is a restricted free agent, which means the Chiefs control his rights, and he's a starter. Bringing him back is a good call.
Other possibilities for this list would be QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle and FB Le'Ron McClain.
I guess I am one of the few that doesnt see Bowe as a must keep
I would rather tag him and trade him
badassz1987 - January 18, 2012
Why?
Tag & trade only if you are thinking start over, otherwise Bowe should be part of the long term plan. His leadership is the only thing in question and we don’t need him for that…
easyjb - January 18, 2012
I think it's a question of relative need
With Baldwin, Breaston & Moeaki you could argue that the team already has enough receiving options to give the opposition fits. If you could get a couple picks in the first three rounds for Bowe, then you could build a more complete team more quickly.
Having said that, I’d prefer to keep Bowe too, unless there’s just a crazy offer on the table.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
I like the tag and trade option
But, I don’t just trade him for just anything…gots to be good.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Hmm..
Baldwin I like, But he hasn’t proven anything. Breaston is good But not great, we known what we get there. Moeaki had one nice season, But he got hurt and it is a habit. Bowe has 3 one thousand yard seasons And is coming into the prime years of his career. Keep them together.
easyjb - January 18, 2012
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to keep Bowe
I think he’s very under appreciated by KC fans in general…he’s probably the best WR the team has had since the ‘60s, so I’d hate to lose him. On the other hand there’s an opportunity cost to keeping him, and that has to be considered.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
I don't think that he is under appreciated
I think it is more that people focus on his drops, especially since his drops come at key moments in games
KingChief - January 18, 2012
exactly. Trading Bowe would be foolish. Haven't we seen enough offense with no skill position players, especially receivers?
KCbo - January 18, 2012
Not being open-minded would be foolish
trading him is only foolish if he is traded just for the sake of trading him.
People also said trading Jared Allen was foolish; I would beg to differ that stance. Many clamored that trading LJ just before his contract year would have been foolish…instead it proved that keeping him was foolish.
Things swing wildly in this league. It never hurts to explore options.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Didn't we learn anything this season?
You can’t have too many top notch players. Bowe is the best WR on the team, and one of the best in the league. You don’t trade a proven talent like Bowe, even if you thinbk there are enough other weapons. The team is an injury away from having a WR corps that can be very productive, to being medicore.
Racyman - January 18, 2012
think about it
T hey all all three relitivly young players and trading Bowe to biuld is the thing to do. We will never get anywere with the QB options we have. Trading up for a QB would be the right thing to do.
Arrow Head Addict - January 19, 2012
dont trade bowe
you cannot trade bowe…having Bowe, Breaston, Baldwin and Moeaki will actually be put to use since we have a decent QB in Orton. That passing attack with our rushing game (Charles and McCluster with a 3rd RB on the way) will give the opposing def. cord. nightmares. Our offence has play makers all over the place we just didn’t have a good QB and an O-line with holes in it. We can draft what we need without trading Dwane Bowe.
cbass316 - January 18, 2012
We don't have Orton anymore
he is a free agent
KingChief - January 18, 2012
Maybe it's just me
But I’m not all that high on Moeaki to completely fill a void in the passing game. He’s better known for his blocking skills than as a pass catcher, though that doesn’t take away the fact that he can get open and make the plays when needed. Still, he’s more defensible than TE’s such as Graham, Gronkowski or even Tony G for that matter. If he were on the same plane as one of those types of TE I might think otherwise.
That said, in regard to relative need, Baldwin didn’t play a full season in his rookie year and needs to develop stronger in his second year. Bowe can provide that leadership and the time it will take to develop Baldwin into the player we need him to be.
You can make a stronger case in regard to “relative need” to keep Bowe than to let him test the FA market.
JMagsKC1 - January 18, 2012
Moeaki is an interesting case...
Not only is he known for his blocking, but in his rookie season he went through long stretches where it seemed like he would catch EVERYTHING that was in his reach. It’s extremely rare to have a rookie tight end play with so much potential, so hopefully it wasn’t a fluke.
sea_people - January 18, 2012
Only if its parts of a package to move up and get a real QB
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Cassell is a real QB
Trading the most important weapon of his aerial arsenal wouldn’t make any sense.
Dagda - January 18, 2012
People still believe this bullshit?
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
With Alex Smith about to play in the NFC Championship game
Yeah, some people still believe we can win playoff games with Matt Cassel at the helm
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Pointless argument with him
He still thinks Sanchez is better, you’re wasting your time
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Too bad we don't have the best coach in the NFL like they do in San Fran
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Perhaps
But although Crennel may not be as good as Harbaugh, Cassel is better than Alex Smith.
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Not sure about that
Smith looked better vs NO than I’ve ever seen Cassel look. Don’t forget, he was the #1 overall pick.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
LOL,
No freaking way. Smith is better
dbakerku - January 18, 2012
I'm seriously hoping
this guy is joking about Cassel being better than Alex Smith. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in a long long time.
crazychiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Really? The most ridiculous?
smith has played 70 games with a 58% completion rate, 179.2 yards per game average, 68 TD’s and 58 picks, and a 76.4 rating
Cassel has played 1 fewer game, has a 59% completion rate, 161.6 yards per game average, 8 more TD’s, 13 fewer picks, and a rating of 82.5
I am not arguing that Cassel is worlds better than Smith, nor am I arguing that we do not need to upgrade the QB position. What I am arguing, and what the data support is that Cassel is slightly better than Smith.
If the Niners can build a sound, balanced team led by Alex Smith and win playoff games I think we can do the same with Cassel
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Again, too bad we don't have the best coach in the NFL like Smith does
You want to skew some stats, take out the years Smith was hamstrung by incompetent Singletary and then compare him to KCQB#7. This is the brilliant coach who said he couldn’t win with Vernon Davis.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
I appreciate that you at least admit it would be skewing the stats to remove what you consider outliers
can I do the same with Cassel? can I remove the 2009 season when Cassel was hamstrung by a terrible offensive line and an incompetent Haley?
If I even just removed the first three games from this season when the offense was fumbling around because of how Haley ran the offseason the stats would start becoming more disparate
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Can't do it
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
The stats are interesting, but you forgot one important fact.
Smith has talent and potential.
saskwatch - January 18, 2012
Thats why KCQB#7 was a Heisman candidate, went #1 overall and has won a playoff game?
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
How are Heisman candidacy and draft position a better indicator of performance than stats once guys go pro?
Especially when the guys are half a decade out of college?
You are correct – Smith was more highly rated coming out of college…he has underachieved in a big way, while 7th round Cassel overachieved, with the result being two guys who aren’t terribly different
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
I looked at KCQB#7's 2008 year and compared it to Smiths 2011 season
Both were years when they had a legit coach and good supporing staff and you are correct, they were pretty equal. Now how do we get Harbaugh.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
And how do we get our defense to take that final step up into elite status?
I think we are close, but if we are rolling with Cassel next year I would like to a defense close to what the Niners, Ravens, Steelers, etc. have. Right now I feel like we could be Top 10 next year, but to win playoff games we may need to be in the Top 5
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
At least someone is thinking logically.
K_Karsten - January 18, 2012
This is faulty logic.
Smith’s underachievement and Cassel’s overachievement may result in similar statistics, but that is the only fact here. During roughly the same time period, Cassel has consistently shown he does not read defenses well, does not make decisions quickly, does not deliver the ball accurately and cannot deliver a long ball unless he is afforded (via a flea-flicker or similar play) the time and lack of rush needed to do so.
Smith had been struggling for years under the tutelage of some pretty diverse OC’s before Harbaugh came along and gave him some good QB instruction (and freedom). The result is a playoff win for the 49ers.
Cassel, too, received specialized QB instruction from Jim Zorn. But for the first time since he’s been a QB coach, Zorn’s student actually regressed.
Smith is better than Cassel on every level. Peanut butter is brown. These are indisputable facts.
midcalchief - January 18, 2012
Smith > Cassel
KC Nate - January 18, 2012
The data disagree with you
It’s close, but I think 8 more TD’s and 13 fewer picks in one fewer game gives Cassel the slight edge
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
The list
of QBs worse than #7 is short, but I’m sure Smith is not on it, while I am 1 billion percent sure Palko IS.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Alex Smith=Matt Cassel
This years 49ers=Last years Chiefs………………..weird.
severn58 - January 18, 2012
Except for the whole winning a playoff game thing.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
Kind of important
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Mostly no. But you know, some people…
Topchief1 - January 18, 2012
He is a backup QB
impersonating a starter
KingChief - January 18, 2012
And that is generous
He’s a backup tight end and special teamer impersonating a starting QB
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
But he's a Pro Bowl QB!!!
When he has a super soft schedule against defenses that can’t stop 5 yard dump offs…
CDN Chief - January 18, 2012
Bowe is the only weapon in the passing game that other teams game plan for
Losing him would be a HUGE blow.
Dagda - January 18, 2012
plus i got his jersey!
TheMainEvent - January 18, 2012
sacrifice bowe for more draft picks and build. all our offense talent is coming back from injury. baldwin needs time and breaston. we can fix the offense line with that extra pick. plus another OC/STAFF we would be in better position as a team on offense if we do trade bowe.
tyree.love - January 18, 2012
Build?
We are young and ready to win now. Unless you are trading Bowe for a legitimate QB, it would be a disaster. Baldwin hasn’t shown he can get any separation, Breaston is a #2 receiver at best. We have picks and free agency to fix the O-Line. The only situation you are better off as an offense without Bowe is if you get RGIII in return.
TheFifthDimension29 - January 18, 2012
I love Bowe
but New Orleans has two big receivers on FA as well. Meachem and Colston.
GaryfromIA - January 18, 2012
agreed
still way too inconsistent with effort and drops. Colston is the man and I’d gladly take him over Bowe. Lloyd would be intriguing, especially if we brought Orton back. There are a fair number of good WRs in FA this year so if Bowe wants too much, I say ship him out to a sucker franchise like the Browns.
Nicoloco - January 18, 2012
Well it appears now as if Indianapolis
may very well allow Peyton Manning to walk. Man, we would be an offensive powerhouse if we could manage to get Manning and keep our free agents. I think it would be great if that could happen. We would be instant Super Bowl contenders if Manning can still play. Thoughts, anyone?
G.L. - January 18, 2012
If that did happen
Which would be awesome.. the whole OC search would be a lot easier beacuse manning is sort of a package deal making whoever is the oc more of a puppet position. (which I would be happy to fil)
KCNorm - January 18, 2012
Lol.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
If that did happen
Keep Muir as OC. He can watch the practices from the bleachers and the games from home.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Exactly why
I want the job I just don’t think muir can handle it
KCNorm - January 18, 2012
? is can you sleep as enough to fill the job requirement
14 – 15 hours a day Muir was averaging is hard to beat
km230015 - January 18, 2012
Are you thinking he'll "walk" as in be released
or available for trade?
Either way, at the right price, I’d take him for 3 years over #7 for 3 days.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
He holds the cards with that because he can pretty much veto any trade
by not restructuring his deal and really they just tore down all he and the polian’s built he may not feel he owes them anything and says give my 28 mil or release me.
km230015 - January 18, 2012
If KC could show him they've upgraded the OL
and regained some running threat this could be an enticing option with the WR corps.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
I think a good question is..
What other teams are as good or better options for #18 than KC?
Who’s the competition?
GanjaChief - January 18, 2012
NYJ and SF?
If either one of those teams want him, then those teams would be hard to compete with.
Maybe not NYJ since the team seems dysfunctional and I think our team overall is better than theirs. But if Manning wants the family to dominate NY, then I’m sure they’d take him.
If SF wants Manning, I can’t see how he could turn that down. They would be far-and-away the best team in the NFL with him.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Jets are committed to Sanchez, I think.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
The Jets are committed to drawing attention to themselves
They’ll absolutely go after Manning. The question is, would he want to play there? I’d like to think not, but you never know
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
How is 2 AFC Championship games in 3 years dysfunctional?
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
They've gotten worse every year
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Except that they got better and then took a step back this year
2009 – 9 wins
2010 – 11 wins
2011 – 8 wins
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
2010 they backed in when the Colts pulled Peyton
Yes they beat the Pats and played great, but they’ve gotten worse every year. They wanna run the ball, gotten worse at it. Defense, got worse, Sanchize, got worse.
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
They'll probably be a 6 win team next year
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Do you really think the Jets are a perennial AFC contender for years to come?
I’m not being ignorant, serious question. I really think they are on their way down the ranks in the AFC. Like JMC just said, I could see a 6 win season next year for the NYJ, especially considering the Bills and Phins are getting better.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Yes, I think they're in a prime position
They have a legit oline, a good defense and a young and promising QB that may just need a new OC.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
They're also old in many positions
Their safeties are terrible, their NT is done and they have no pass rush from their linebackers. On Offense their OL has almost as many problems as ours, their WR corps has no depth behind Holmes (who may not be back next season anyway), and their current QB would rather do GQ photo shoots than improve his game.
Personally, I think ‘12 will be Rex’s last with the Jets.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
If you have a paypal account I'll take that bet
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
hahaha
I’m not that confident in the prediction. He seems to have a good working relationship with Tanny.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
I guess that's where we differ
Chiefs defense > Jets defense: They may have better corners than us, but I’ll take our linebackers and safeties over theirs anyday. I think their defense is going downhill. Their run defense was porous this season.
Their OL is good, but not excellent.
And I completely disagree about Sanchez being promising. Not much better (maybe not even better) than Cassel (who, by the way, I think should be a back-up QB,. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t think I was putting Cassel on a pedestal). I think if they don’t cut ties with him soon or put second on the depth chart to a FA or draftee soon, then they will be picking in the top 5 in a few years.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Unnamed players cutting up the QB
Other players calling out the unnamed players.
I also think that they’ve missed their shot. The team is getting worse. Their run defense is awful. All they have on defense is Revis and Cromartie. Their offense is brutal with Sanchez. The receivers are always complaining.
If you compare the two teams, I think the Chiefs are on the way up and the Jets are on the way down.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
I think he's too smart to the Jets, but maybe his brother's presence would sway him
As for SF, I was really worried about them, but now that they’ve made it to the NFC championship game with Smith, it’s a much tougher thing for them to just let him go.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
If Peyton wants another SB ring
he will stay in the AFC since it has an easier path
KingChief - January 18, 2012
The Chiefs would be the odds on favorites to
win the AFC West next year if we had Manning. It could look attractive to Manning to make another run at the Super Bowl with an actual honest to God defense playing for him.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
KC would be favorites to win the AFC period
The way the D has shaped up, and with the skill players on offense around him, we’d be favored to go to the Super Bowl.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
I was thinking
Min or Wash
They both have history of throwing money at older ‘proven’ QB’s. I dont know if manning will want to stay in the AFC.
GanjaChief - January 18, 2012
Again playing A-Rod 2x and the Giants and Cowboys 2x ayear
may sway him elsewhere the giants D-line and d.Ware getting 4 cracks at him and his neck.
km230015 - January 18, 2012
After making about $25 or so million this year
I’m not sure if Manning is after the money. I can’t see MIN giving up on Ponder yet. He looked decent at times this year and seems like he has lots of potential.
I can’t see him wanting to go to WAS, but that’s just me. He would have a better shot at a SB in the AFC. Not to mention he would have to play his brother twice if he went to WAS. Not sure he’d want to beat up on little Eli twice a year.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Also Minn sdoesnt have a good Oline for Pass blocking and
the redskins line struggles too.
km230015 - January 18, 2012
may also look at opponents
he amay not wat to play Brady 2x a year and maybe the playoffs with NJ.
km230015 - January 18, 2012
They very likely are going to be in the serious rebuild mode.
They will probably be looking for a franchise quarterback to start over with. They will not pay both in my opinion. I think they will release Manning but it can’t happen until March.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
at least March^ above
G.L. - January 18, 2012
They can release him now
they just have until March 4th to decide, that’s when that $28 million kicks in
KingChief - January 18, 2012
According to some
Restructuring isn’t even an option at this point.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
With both Polian and Caldwell out at Indy,
and Irsay pretty much committed to taking Andrew Luck, they are just paving the way for as graceful an exit for Manning as possible. They have to decide by March 8th because that is when the $28 million dollar bonus comes due.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
Yep.
I look for Manning to leave ala Brian Waters in a “mutual decision.”
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
It would be nice if that happened
and then Manning signs with us, then he beats the crap out of Indy next year. That would also be ala Brian Waters
KingChief - January 18, 2012
I would hate to see a repeat of Joe Montana
What Montana did was great, but he was a mercenary on his last legs. Bringing in Manning at the end of his career would be circus, sidetracking this team from developing into a powerhouse. Manning will never replicate his past performances – especially if Bowe were let go.
Dagda - January 18, 2012
It would give us a two year window to make a run at the Super Bowl
with our defense in its prime. Manning could groom a quarterback as his replacement.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
we would have to keep Bowe
No sense in throwing the bank at Manning without Bowe here
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Agreed.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
^This
Defense in its prime, Charles and Berry (hopefully) healthy and in their prime. NFL careers are short enough that if you can add a piece and immediately become a contender, you do it. Then… you get a guy you think you can develop in the draft (or if you think Stanzi is that guy) and start developing him behind Manning. I’m all for it.
u2nspenserfan - January 18, 2012
Serious question ??
I like Manning, but Him grooming a QB. I don’t think I have seen a QB behind turn out to be good. Am I missing something here ? I think Manning would be a great help for the team, but i hope we have someone else developing the QB.
dbakerku - January 18, 2012
I'm so sick of hearing the idea of that a veteran QB is going to groom a young guy
People just love training others to take their jobs. Favre was just wild about “grooming” Rodgers
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
He did wonders for Curtis Painter
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Who cares about Manning developing a young QB though?
That’s what a QB coach and OC are for.
Win now with Manning, win later with the guy that was developing while Manning was the starter.
TRSChief - January 18, 2012
They never brought in a QB to develop behind Manning in Indy
that’s part of the reason they were so bad this year. Now he knows he is at the end of his career and I’m sure he would help a young QB
KingChief - January 18, 2012
I don't think you can count on that
Maybe the exposure to Manning’s ways would help, but he seems to care more about the bottom line today, than worrying about team needs in the future.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Plus, even if he was indifferent to a young
quarterback, you can’t play with a guy like Manning and not pick up something of value. Besides, he knows his career is in its final stages and he may want to help a young quarterback learn the ropes.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
Assuming we could just sign him and not give up young players or draft picks
I don’t think it would sidetrack us. It would give us two (and maybe more) years to continue the search for the QBotF. And during those two or so years, instead of watching Cassel or whoever struggle, we could be extremely dangerous.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
We could be top of the heap..............;>}
G.L. - January 18, 2012
You would hate to see the best postseason success the chiefs have had in 40years?
trentchiefsfan - January 18, 2012
I would love to go purchase as 18 Chiefs jersey
Sometime in late February….
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Me, too.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
Or even early March....
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
You want an Emmit Thomas jersey?
Cool. He may even be the next DC.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
Manning missed a whole season for a reason..
If the Colts thought they were getting half the old Manning…they would keep him..IMO
cyberry - January 18, 2012
See the above.
Irsay has said they are probably going to draft Andrew Luck. The old GM and coach of the team are canned. The Colts will owe Manning a $28 million dollar bonus if he is still on the roster by March 8th. Basically their only option is going to be to release him. Manning will not be a Colt next season.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
Joel, this is Fanshot material
I expect more ;)
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Don't know if it's been posted already, but their franchise numbers are only split by about $1 million..
Bowe would be 9.4, and Carr 10.6. So basically, I don’t see this being of any help in the situation.
If it comes down to having to pick between the two, I’d franchise Bowe myself. WR’s have a history of needing a few years to adapt, and he’s already among the best in the league, I think it’d be easier to replace Carr.
severn58 - January 18, 2012
I'm of the opinion that Carr and Bowe are must-keep with a caveat
That caveat being that they want to be here. If either / both don’t really want to be here or would really rather be somewhere else, the contract craziness that would ensue to keep them probably isn’t worth it – in which case tag and trade would make the most sense.
Hopefully both of these guys want to remain and Pioli is willing to pay them what they’re worth if they are.
But overpaying to keep guys that don’t want to be here is bad business.
TRSChief - January 18, 2012
Based on what they've each said to the media
It sounds like Bowe really wants to stay. Carr said his friends & family want him to sign with Detroit (which would really piss me off). Carr has also spoken as though the Chiefs are a thing of the past, but maybe it’s just contract posturing on his part…
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
If Gun is still in Detroit, it might as well be a done deal.
severn58 - January 18, 2012
He recently signed an extension.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
Right, but words to the media can only be given so much credence
If we assume that mediaspeak is all true in this case, then do everything humanly possible to sign Bowe long term and tag Carr and trade him.
Which is why my caveats were in place. It’s possible that Carr may want to stay in KC. He and Flowers make a great tandem. Carr isn’t stupid and he has to realize this. But then it comes down to how much he values his role here, his working relationship with Flowers (and RAC), compared to any desire to go back to Michigan or anywhere else.
I think Carr will have a ‘breaking point" where he’d still stay here long term. I just don’t know if it’s unrealistically high at this point or not. I’m all for keeping the guy. But not getting into the realm of sci-fi on his contract just to do it.
TRSChief - January 18, 2012
Sources?
When and where did Carr say these things?
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
It was on AP a few days ago...
I think he was doing a radio interview or something…
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Hmmm. I can't believe I missed that story.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
Here's a link:
http://www.mlive.com/lakers/index.ssf/2012/01/after_four_years_with_kansas_c.html
neiowakcfan - January 18, 2012
I would add Battle and McClain
Battle simply because of depth. He’s a serviceable RB and we need depth just in case. Ideally, have Battle third on the depth chart with either FA or draftee (later round preferably) ahead of him.
McClain because he brings an all important leadership role to a young team, and he can just about do it all—block, run, and catch.
Agreed with Carr and Bowe. Belcher could be expendable if Pioli decides to go ILB in the first/second rounds.
7chiefs7 - January 18, 2012
Yes to McClain, no to Battle
I think we need to part with both Battle and Jones, and bring in a powerback (Bush or Snelling). Battle’s ST duties could be replaced with an additional rookie WR or CB. This approach gives us four RBs that would be active for most games, depth at speed RB (Charles and DMC) as well as power (Bush/Snelling and McClain), a respectable jumbo package for goaline situations (McClain lead blocking for Bush). It also means that for short-term needs we can use either Bush or McClain as a FB, and have an emergency FB on the practice squad in Bannon.
Chiefs4Life - January 18, 2012
Agreed
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
carr and bowe r a must keep
Belcher in my opinion could walk. I like his play but I think a monster next to dj would make us one of the best lb cores in the game
sexassassin - January 18, 2012 via mobile
agree
i totally agree wit you he’s really nt wat we wanted him to be this year
Christian Scruggs - January 18, 2012
Looks like the Royals are going to start locking up their young, homegrown talent
Time for Mr Pioli to look across the parking lot to learn how to run a team
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Yea those championship Royals are a model organization.
km230015 - January 18, 2012
Dayton Moore is doing a fantastic job to the point that once tight wad Glass is now ready to lock up what we have
And if you want to boil things down to that level, the Royals have won a title much more recently than the Chiefs
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Relative to the length baseball's history to the nfl?
km230015 - January 18, 2012
How about relative to how long the teams have been in existance?
Royals became a team in ’69 and won in ’85. Chiefs won a title in ’70.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
That is ridiculous. Perhaps once the Royals sign Gordon to a nice contract I may, MAY, give you that. But, Glass has shown nothing that he will spend more. The Royals still have one of the lowest payrolls in the MLB and will next season, even if Gordon gets a nice contract.
manofnothi - January 18, 2012
Cause what we need is 30 years of ineptitude, no playoff wins, and a payroll way under the rest of the league.
Fozzyboyd - January 18, 2012
Uh...
Are you talking about the Royals or the Chiefs??? :)
KSU-Chief - January 18, 2012
Being sarcastic and talking about both.
Fozzyboyd - January 18, 2012
How about 18 years of no playoff wins and a payroll way under the rest of the league (in a sport with a cap).
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Rather have no playoff wins
Than no playoffs
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
What the hell happened there
Supposed to be "rather have no playoff wins than no playoffs
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
You are arguing the benefits of being constipated over having diarrhea
when you are talking about the Chiefs and Royals organizations over the last couple decades (nearly 2 decades for the Chiefs and 3 for the Royals).
At least the Chiefs have had winning teams and playoff appearances. The Chiefs have sucked pretty bad at times lately but the Royals have consistantly fielded teams that were as competitive as Greg Robinson defenses.
Fozzyboyd - January 18, 2012
And now the Royals find themselves in a fantastic situation despite economic inequities
Dayton Moore is doing a fantastic job.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Until he trades away the talent again
To beef up that outstanding farm system just to trade away talent again
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
He trades his talent away?
Wish we saw some historcial evidence of how the Royals trade their players away. (That’s sarcasm)
HIV, I’ll give Moore some credit, he is doing a better job. Still, after 25 years, the Royals need to prove a lot more to me than just doing a better job. 3 winning seasons since 1990 shows they are horribly mismanaged. Moore still hasn’t produced a winning season in his 5-6 years and is on his 3rd manager. yeah, a lot of that falls on Glass too.
Fozzyboyd - January 18, 2012
To be fair
The Chiefs have locked up a lot of their own young talent. It’s just getting other teams free agents that they haven’t made a splash in.
Joel Thorman - January 18, 2012
Some, but they haven't been as proactive as the Royals
And yes, I know baseball is a different beast where you have to lock guys like Greinke up early if you’re a small market team
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
And the easiest way to get better
is for your current players to flat out play better.
BCRavenJHawkfan - January 18, 2012
Can't blame them for not making a splash in FA last year.
It would make no sense to be throwing a lot of money at players who would have no OTA’s or mini camps to gel with their teams. The Chiefs spent money on positions they had to get better at which was WR and NT. Look at all the other teams that threw a lot of money at players such as the Eagles. They didn’t start playing together as a team until late November. Look at the four teams remaining in the playoffs. I don’t beleive any of them went out and spent a lot of money. Hell, one thing one team did was to get a new coach.The way I believe this off season is make or break for Pioli.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
DJ, Charles, Flowers, Hali
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
You mean like they way they locked up Greinke....oh wait
badassz1987 - January 18, 2012
Yeah, we haven't locked up any of our young, homegrown talent
MNchiefsfan - January 18, 2012
BOWE
If we don’t resign Bowe we will need to draft a another WR Breston is a beast @ the slot & Tony M hasn’t showed us he can play a full season. We need Bowe.. Alot of you just don’t like Bowe as a person he has been really good for us. Please bring back Bowe
Chieffanndonkeyland - January 18, 2012
Draft picks are valuable.
… and to me, that’s the #1 reason to re-sign Bowe and Carr, particularly Bowe. To replace that talent, you’re going to have to use a high pick. If we sign them, those high picks can be used to improve the team, not to try to get us back to even.
u2nspenserfan - January 18, 2012
My thoughts exactly. You are a wise man (especially since I was thinking the same)
Fozzyboyd - January 18, 2012
Orton is priority uno
Matt_Grbac - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Absofuckinlutely
Sign Orton(this is the best place for him anyways) Lock up Carr, lock up Bowe if we can if not do the tag, get a 1 and 2, 4 picks in the first 2 rounds? Thats quality picks to add to this already great core we have.
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Gee what's the 1rst things on First take
Fuckin Tebow
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Blame America
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
americafuckyeah.mp4
GanjaChief - January 18, 2012
Tebowmania won't go away for at least another 2 years
KingChief - January 18, 2012
Good, by then the Donkeys should pretty
much be in the tank.
G.L. - January 18, 2012
Here's a novel idea....stop watching
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
"Well Pastor... has anyone ever told you there are two knobs on the radio?"
“One of them turns it off… and the other changes the station!”
-George Carlin
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
I like when they debate other things
Just gotta sit through the bullshit to get to it
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Watching Skip fucking Bayless is hazardous to your health
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
So is half the debates on AP
What can I say, I got an addiction!
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Don't you mean First Tebow?
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
I would add McClain to the must keep list.
I’d like to add Orton, but Orton is marginally better than Cassel and Cassel isn’t on my must keep list.
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
And I could live with the whole tag and trade with Bowe...
As long as you sign one of the other free agent WRs…. I’m looking at you, DeSean. We need a speedster in the WR corps.
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
No to MeSean
did you see how he gave up on Philly and got stupid penalties in multiple games
KingChief - January 18, 2012
Desean Jackson is the most selfish player in the league
Bowe is a saint compared to him. And bowe doesn’t really have many character concerns
trentchiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Not just selfish, flat out stupid
does more stupid shit on the field than I’ve seen since T.O. was in his prime. In fact he’s probably worse and has the long track record to back it.
I’ll never forget his stupid ass play in the high school all-star game where he was showboating trying to dive into the end zone and instead fumbled the ball at the 1 yard line. Even better is that he did something equally stupid in the NFL several years later.
I’ve honestly never seen a dumber, more selfish player in my life. Dude is 31 flavors of moron.
Ochophosphate - January 18, 2012
Oh wait... Stevie Johnson
That guy is about one step away from MeSean land with his boneheadedness.
Wtf is it with WRs… and CBs… something about those positions attracts nincompoops.
Ochophosphate - January 18, 2012
No, Bowe just has consistency concerns.
If I’m looking at physical skills, I’m taking the guy that has the ones we’d need over the guy who’s replacement we just drafted.
Character concerns might be partially solved by a change of scenery.
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
Fuck yes, to MeSean
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
Seriously?
If you were GM, would ANYONE one you team come from a non Pac-12 school? :)
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Dude, MeSean called out Tedford while he was in school
Thats so tight. Tedford’s a chump.
HIV 2 Elway - January 18, 2012
I love Mesean
But he absolutely quit on Cal. Things got tough and he threw in the towel. He sat out the BIG GAME. You know how disgraceful that is for Cal fans?
I’ve talked to former players…he refused to lift weights, refused to practice, and would only play hard in games on national tv (which he did ball out in).
Still, he was made for the pros. He’ll do great when he gets a contracts (probably the most grossly underpaid players in the league). I’d take him on the Chiefs in a heartbeat.
Another Successful Tedford QB - January 18, 2012
Not a bad strategy
Just look at the All NFL team just posted…so many Pac12 ballers.
Another Successful Tedford QB - January 18, 2012
Just what we need
A dude that may or may not try but wants to be paid like a dude that tries consistantly.
MNchiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Pass
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Unless he's willing to take less money than elite
He’s a very good player, but a moron. He’ll be unhappy about something else eventually.
MNchiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Imagine how unhappy he'd be
playing with #7…oh the drama.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
MUST keep Carr, Bowe, McClain, Belcher and probably Battle
stagdsp - January 18, 2012
Bowe is a MUST KEEP
Think different? Go watch the last game of the season again. He is close to being an elite receiver, only thing holding him back are the drops. Give him a full season with a quarterback that can actually utilize his skills (not you Cassel) and this man will have elite numbers.
bennya3 - January 18, 2012
I don't even think the drops are an issue anymore
I did re-watch that game, and YES, Bowe makes a HUGE difference
stagdsp - January 18, 2012
He also made a huge difference in the Oakland game....
with us not winning with him dropping a pass in the endzone.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
so...
with bowe we lose to Oakland & win vs. Denver
without bowe we win vs. Oakland & lose to Denver
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Without Bowe we miss the playoffs in 2010
PVChiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Which, in the long run, may have been better for the team
than what transpired…sticking us further down the pecking order with a lot of holes yet to fill.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Drops are always an issue
Just ask Green Bay.
When their guys are on their game, they are unbeatable (even WITH that defense!). When they are not and you see the drops, you get KC and NYG games.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Being physical at the line with the receivers
and hitting them hard can have them hearing footsteps = dropsies. The defense still has something to do with it.
neiowakcfan - January 18, 2012
Point is?
My point is that, regardless of the reason, drops are an issue. I don’t care the manner in which the drops occur. They shouldn’t happen. Those drops are the majority of the reason GB lost…at all…this season.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
I'm kind of surprised
that so many people apparently agree that Belcher is a must keep. I see him as more of a “if it makes sense.” I think there is definitely room for improvement with Belcher. I like him, but I can see him being easily replaced or even upgraded.
KCMizzou - January 18, 2012
Vontaze! Or Hightower
My vote is for Vontaze though. Physical, hard-hitting tackling machine.
EricBerryYoYouScary - January 18, 2012
I agree about Belcher
He’s a “if necessary” guy for me. I’d like to go with Siler (if healthy) and draft a replacement or find one in FA.
SCKSChief - January 18, 2012
Keep DBowe
I believe he wants to be here and I’m not convinced that Carr does. Rather have someone that wants to be here! Tag and trade Carr. Cb’s carry a better value in the trade market then Wr that’s proven by what teams have given up for wr’s the last few years. Plus cb’s seem to transition quicker then wr’s. Plus a fairly deep corner draft!
EmmyICT12 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
OC/QB?
Hire Jim Caldwell asap! I believe that would GREATLY improve our chances to lure Peyton to KC! 2 most glaring weaknesses fixed! Instant AFC West favorites and SB contenders! Make it happen spyoli! Save face and possibly your job!
EmmyICT12 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
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