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It's free agency day around here. The Kansas City Chiefs have 22 free-agents-to-be and we're whittling down the list of the must keeps, players we'd keep if it makes sense and players who should not be a priority.
We already looked at the must keep guys so now it's time to take a look at the guys I'd keep if it makes sense.
Keep if it makes sense: S Reshard Langford (ERFA), QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, FB Le'Ron McClain, TE Leonard Pope, DE Wallace Gilberry, DL Amon Gordon, DT Kelly Gregg, CB Travis Daniels and S Jon McGraw.
I think the Chiefs should bring all of these guys back -- if it makes sense. In the case of some, it's a money issue. In the case of others, it's a competition issue. And in the case of others, it's possible retirement. But the Chiefs should make an effort to bring all these guys back. Don't break the bank to make it happen but a reasonable effort should be made to do so.
Langford is an exclusive rights free agent, which means the Chiefs can control his rights, so might as well bring him back.
I say bring Orton back and let the best man win out in training camp, but early indications are that's unlikely to happen. Still the Chiefs should make an offer to him as free agency looms. See what it would take to get him in KC because, as the Chiefs tell us, competition is better for everyone.
Battle is a nice special teamer and third down back so should be back in KC as he contributes in several areas. There's no real downside to bringing him back (assuming he's not, you know, the feature back for half the season).
The Chiefs should take the same approach with McClain this year as they did last year -- if he's a bargain, sign him. McClain may want to test free agency, though. I wouldn't get into a bidding war for him but keep him if it's possible.
Pope is a little more iffy for me considering he doesn't add much to the passing game but if he's cheap, you may as well bring him back for tight end depth considering Tony Moeaki's injury history. That changes if the Chiefs can draft someone who is better than him.
Gilberry was a rising star in 2010 and then he just dropped off this year. I'd like him back because I think there's potential there but I'm not sure that happens when you look at his playing time reduction this year.
Gordon was a nice addition this year and should be brought back on a one-year deal.
Gregg is older so he's a little iffy as well but if he wants to play, he should get a spot in training camp assuming the Chiefs don't fill this position via the draft.
Daniels and McGraw should both probably come back until the Chiefs have someone better to replace them on the depth chart.
0 recs | 83 comments
What's with all the football talk today ?
I thought we were only allowed to talk about the Pioli scandal .LOL
dbakerku - January 18, 2012
And Tebow
Wichita Chief - January 18, 2012
We need Orton to come back...........
but does the the Little Kremlin think so?
LadyChief - January 18, 2012
orton back
Why? He got the Chiefs into the endzone twice since he got here, add in a Key int in the Raiders game. He ain’t worth it.
trchief - January 18, 2012
Orton only had 3 games with the team
He moved the ball up and down the field on a consistent basis. He had a TD dropped in the GB and Raiders game and not for the dropped TD in the Raiders game that eliminates 1 of his picks and leads us to the playoffs.
KingChief - January 18, 2012
Agreed!
Couldn’t agree more with KingChief. Bring Orton back because to be quite frank, there isn’t much else out there and Cassel is not the answer. Is Orton the answer? Probably not. But he at least throws the ball DOWN THE FIELD. When its 3rd and 7, he doesn’t check the ball down and throw a 2yd pass (ala Cassel). The offense is actually fun to watch when Orton is behind center. Tag Bowe if he won’t sign, bring Orton back, and with the return of JC and Tony M, we’d have a nice O to complement the D!!!!!!!!
bennya3 - January 18, 2012
the fact is we dont have many guys capable of finding the endzone to begin with . The only td maker playing while Orton was here was Bowe
7-8 practices with the team is not gonna change that
Willie Beamon - January 18, 2012
Orton hit 10 receivers in one game against GB
Cassel hasn’t hit ten receivers in one year since coming….Orton makes the second and third reads a threat, not just the number one and the check down.
Bumin80 - January 18, 2012
If Kyle Orton leaves...
Who do you see the Chiefs potentially coming in to compete with Cassel for the starting job?
diddyb24 - January 18, 2012
bringing in*
diddyb24 - January 18, 2012
Cassel
LadyChief - January 18, 2012
Peyton Manning
let them battle it out in camp.
jmcgoblue - January 18, 2012
Pey Pey today, January 18th, with a fused neck, halo device on his dome, not having thrown a football in months,
Not having worked out in months, wheeled in strapped to a gurney>Cassel
severn58 - January 18, 2012
this needs to be green
LadyChief - January 18, 2012
Done
His Royal Greatness - January 18, 2012
Shaun Hill
dubld - January 18, 2012
Stanzi..
duh
GaryfromIA - January 18, 2012
If the team is smart, Jason Campbell should be the man.
Topchief1 - January 18, 2012
They should bring in a highly drafted rookie to compete with Cassel or sit behind him for a year.
Hell, they should try to get Peyton Manning.
But I don’t see them bringing in anybody to compete with Cassel. The QB depth chart next September will read:
1. Matt Cassel
2. Ricky Stanzi
3. “Veteran” QB who has kicked around the league for a few years but who you’ve never heard of. Someone is the mold of Bill Stull, Tyler Palko, Matt Guitierrez, etc.
MtHammer - January 18, 2012
Even if the Chiefs draft a better TE then Pope I think you still bring him back because you have to have 3TEs more now that can play.
Even if he’s fourth on the depth chart, you still take him. I disagree about McClain too because I think you have to re-sign him no matter what as long as the cost doesn’t get ridiculous. We didn’t get to see anything from him this year because our running game was shot by game two and we don’t have an OC who knows how to use him, Also you could make a strong case to bring Daniels back too even if you sign or draft another CB. Daniels is very underrated in his role and is a solid contributer and depth when called upon. Late in the year they were even using him in McGraws safety role, which he did better then McGraw did.
GenericBrand - January 18, 2012
I think McClain not playing was more on Haley
Once Todd was gone McClain started to get carries and catching passes
KingChief - January 18, 2012
It's strange, but....
the whole team looked better when Orton was under center. The offense looked better than it had all year. Was wondering if anyone else saw that or if I need to re-evaluate my evaluation????
KCRiseFromTheAshes - January 18, 2012
Everyone saw it
You’re not alone
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
still
I think we need a better option
tomachop - January 18, 2012
Eh, there really isn't 1
We’re not getting Luck or RG3 and Orton is a better option than the rest of that class and FAs. Give this dude a full offseason with these weapons and big things comin!
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Saw it
Wichita Chief - January 18, 2012
i think thats true but
i also think that stems alot from the fact that the offense simply wasnt ready the first half of the season. With all the confusion of who was calling the plays and haleys diaster of a camp, no matter who you put back there they wouldve struggled
tyson_jackson who? - January 18, 2012
You mean
the offense wasn’t ready the first 13/16 of the season. IOW, before Orton became the starter.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
I think it more stems from the fact that with Cassel/Palko there was only a maximum of 2 WR's that were viable targets on any given play
mushin - January 18, 2012
Two wide receivers? Don't you mean one wide receiver + one running back? Or, more accurately, one running back + one wide receiver...
sea_people - January 18, 2012
Nah, most of us saw the same thing.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
Your eyes were correct.
Having a seasoned NFL veteran who knows how to read and a defense and find the open receriver will make an offense look much better.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
I definitely saw it
although Orton appeared to regress a little bit after the GB game. If you take away the two blocked kicks, he did sort of lose us the Raiders game. That being said, his regression is still better than Cassel 80% of the time.
Nicoloco - January 18, 2012
gotta disagree on McClain
McClain is a MUST KEEP.
if you want to get the run game going again…. gotta have a fullback who can block for Charles.
Here’s to a more “downhill” rushing attack in 2012!!!
Rogue99 - January 18, 2012
Truth.
We never did get to see the Charles/McClain rushing attack.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
Orton please
obviously pioli wont draft rg3 so Orton is by far the beat option. do it…do it now
falon36 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Stop with the "he wont draft him"
He’s not gonna get to us. Teams ahead of us already wanna make a play for em, so we’re not gonna get em
KCinIL - January 18, 2012
Not that he won't
but that he won’t trade up to get him. Somehow or another, QB always fall.. maybe Chiefs nation gets lucky…
Shamrock2k - January 18, 2012
Battle a third down back? Not sure I buy that, but he has shown to have value for us
and I am in favor of resigning him. McClain, I’m not a big believer but think he has a presence in the locker room and ok with. Gordon, hell Yeah and Gregg, sure if he wants to play. McGraw, absolutely not. We need a faster option but the team hasn’t seen the need yet so who knows. Pope,was unfortunately bad this year. He missed blocks a bunch, was called for a few penalties and worse than that dropped some balls, so he’s got to go. I can live with the rest but competition is needed.
dubld - January 18, 2012
Langford is the worst player ever to put on a Chiefs jersey
Might be a bit exaggerated, but he really bad. Like “I just dont know who to cover ever and if I do I just can’t get there” bad.
IGot5iveOnIt - January 18, 2012
William Bartee
severn58 - January 18, 2012
Tyler Palko
mushin - January 18, 2012
I say this is the worst person ever, including fans, to put on a Chiefs jersey
KingChief - January 18, 2012
Brodie Croyle.
Game over.
IGot5iveOnIt - January 18, 2012
Both
are too horrid to think about ever wearing a Chiefs jersey again. Palko won one game, or at least didn’t LOSE the game, but Croyle has a hot wife. I say they tie for terribleness.
AnkenyChiefsFan - January 18, 2012
don't forget Trezelle Jenkins (thanks Carl)
and Mark Vlasic and Matt Blundin.
Nicoloco - January 18, 2012
Eddie Freeman
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
Down with The Prodigy I see, good call. Although I was a little upset he couldn't solve Frankie Edgar.
severn58 - January 18, 2012
Hard to solve a guy who does not wanna fight
and spends a total of 10 rounds bouncing around on the outside playing patty cake. I was more upset with his loss to Nick Diaz than the Edgar fights.
AhQueeNo - January 18, 2012
Not a big fan of Diaz as a person, but I can't argue with his skills.
Outside of BJ, some would say he’s one of the better boxers in MMA. Plus, his stamina is supposed to be legendary, and we both know that will always be BJ’s achilles heel.
Personally, I would’ve liked him to stay at LW, I think hopping around weight classes takes too much of a toll physically and mentally.
severn58 - January 18, 2012
Eddie Drummond
TheScootness - January 18, 2012
Wasn't it him that got burned on the deeps passes?
By Denver and Oak?
Wichita Chief - January 18, 2012
Of all these guys, Gordon is the guy I would target as #1
He really came on late in the season. I had forgotten that a D-Line was allowed to get penetration. And it seemed that all the other guys (especially T-Jax) started to feed off it.
mushin - January 18, 2012
This.
Hopefully Powe can at least play on run downs.
T-Jax, Powe, Gordon
Those guys can deff eat up blocks and open up things for out linebackers.
And on passing downs go with something like:
T-Jax, Bailey, Gilberry (dude needs to slim back down though)
That d line is more than serviceable with our back 8. Especially if we can upgrade Belcher’s spot and Houston continues to develop.
EricBerryYoYouScary - January 18, 2012
our*
EricBerryYoYouScary - January 18, 2012
2011 Battle 4.0 > 2010 Jones 3.7
Pay the man, play the man on special teams and as a backup RB.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
I agree
This is a practical organization that has limited resources, they will keep Battle as a decent backup, add a youngster and move on. There’s no way they invest a lot in a RB this year. Jamaal Charles is special, any other back is going to have to work behind this line and battle did pretty well for himself. Invest in the o-line to make average backs better and make Charles an HOF. I don’t know if Battle is a must keep, but he’s a will keep.
just a guy - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Orton, Gordon, Battle, Pope and McGraw.
McClain is on my must keep list. Gordon probably should be too.
Falcon58 - January 18, 2012
Just curious, what did you see out of McClain that made him a must keep?
I love they guy, but he was not an integral part of any offense I saw. Of course I didn’t see much offense this year….
mushin - January 18, 2012
Maybe that's why the offense sucked.
He can do a lot of things, and would be very valuable with an OC with a clue.
Tarkus - January 18, 2012
Or a qb that can look past his first receiver.
EricBerryYoYouScary - January 18, 2012
I think Daniels is almost a must keep...
He played great Man to Man against the Packers for the most part. I really think he is very good depth at CB and has looked good stepping in for Flowers.
groundedchevy - January 18, 2012
Difference b/w Cassel & Orton
Anyone who watched the game can tell you the main difference b/w Cassel and Orton, Orton actually threw the ball down the field. That opens up an offense, and it keeps the defense honest. Throwing the ball downfield is something Cassel rarely does and rarely does accurate. Pioli is an arrogant man if he is sticking to Cassel when has a chance to bring back Orton. Not saying Orton is Brady, but hell, he’s better than Cassel.
bennya3 - January 18, 2012
Agreed, and I would add
his presence in the pocket and unmatched leadership in the huddle. He was ‘in charge of’ and ‘RAN’ the offense. (and maybe some of that was bc Haley was gone). But regardless, Orton for sure deserves a good hard look.
crazychiefsfan - January 18, 2012
Not only did Orton give us a chance to score on every drive...
but he gave the defense valuable time on the sidelines (unlike 3 and out Cassel). If we want to see our defense become special, I would think we would never want to see (3 and out) take another snap. Sign Orton and the rest of the “must keep” FA’s and spend the some of the cap space on key FA’s and draft picks. LETS WIN NOW!!!
KCfosho - January 18, 2012
here's a list of the NFL's TOP 50 FA
I definitely like the must keep and even Orton and Gordon.. BUT, there are other nice FA’s out there too. Carl Nicks from NO would be a steal.
GaryfromIA - January 18, 2012
http://nfltraderumors.co/2012-nfl-free-agents/
GaryfromIA - January 18, 2012
I would like to see a play for Olsen
Let Pope walk and bring in Greg Olsen. I think he would be a great addition to alternate with Moeaki. Of course price and if he would take a “backup” role would play a factor
BDCinSA - January 18, 2012
Yes and no.
Nicks would be a great pickup but he is gonna require a huge contract so u cant really call it a steal.
ChiefsfaninCO - January 18, 2012 via mobile
There's only 1 QB in the top 50
(Besides Brees) Campbell. Might as well keep Orton.
Wichita Chief - January 18, 2012
Let McGraw Go
The time has come
KansasCityShuffle - January 18, 2012
Totally disagree with this
He’s not a starter, but he’s a valuable veteran who knows the system and is rarely out of position. He’s a great value at or near the league minimum.
mushin - January 18, 2012
Orton...
that’s what I meant with we wont get rg3… Orton to bowe would be more dangerous than Orton to Lloyd. imagine a whole season of that including a real training camp and Baldwin ..
falon36 - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Lloyd has some of the stickiest hands out of all WRs
I don’t see how you can say Orton/Bowe is more potent than Orton/Lloyd. That was one of those tandems that just worked well. No matter where Orton put, Lloyd didn’t drop. Lloyd is also known as having one of the lowest drop percentages. Orton and Cassel are equal…they both have areas that are better than the other’s but neither gives us to ‘sure’ SB edge. Bowe needs a better quality QB than what you’re saying to be better than the old Orton/Lloyd duo.
JMagsKC1 - January 18, 2012 via mobile
I like Lloyd...
but I like Colston better… Imagine if we kept Bowe (although I think it’s unlikely), Colston, Baldwin and Breaston as the 4, that would be sick, with orton throwing the rock that would be fun to watch. I can dream. I think it’s more likely Bowe is gone and we have to get a FA replacement. Colston’d be my choice hands down.
Nicoloco - January 18, 2012
I think Gordon is a must keep.
Orton is a wish but it’s going to be his decision I imagine. I liked CB Daniels, isn’t he still fairly young and he is a good backup.
kc_okerix - January 18, 2012
I agree McClain is a must keep
Charles would benefit with a great FB, which I believe McClain is. I think BeastMode Lynch is a FA as well. Swoop him up and cut Battle’s worthless ass.
Another Successful Tedford QB - January 18, 2012
No way in hell.
Seattles biggest priority is resigning lynch that guy tore it up this year. I agree tho, it would be awesome to see him in red and gold next year. Its about as likely as ray rice coming here tho :-(
ChiefsfaninCO - January 18, 2012 via mobile
Damn, I was all for picking him up when Buffalo gave up on him. I may be tad bias, but looks like I was right. Fool is a beast ….when focused.
Another Successful Tedford QB - January 18, 2012
orton needs to be the backup
orton is not an elite starting qb. but i feel like he would make an excellent backup. to me cassel is the unquestioned starter because he got us into the playoffs. orton is a huge upgrade to the second string qb over poor performances by both croyle and palko. we need to finally address this need to our team and orton is the answer.
Zennedy - January 18, 2012 via Android app
Agreed
KC developed a crush for Orton because of the Packers game – not taking that away from him. But other than that, he’s shown flashes of great form from time to time but never has he shown he can be as damaging to other teams, as he was to the Packers, on a consistent basis. In fact, he’s never remained consistent for a full season…he ends a season the opposite of how he started it. He’s definitely the answer as a backup to a team that Pioli has built for Cassel as the starter and would keep our team afloat if Cassel went down again. He also provides that push as Cassel’s competition.
JMagsKC1 - January 18, 2012
Unquestioned starter? WOW.
Mr.Pibbs - January 18, 2012
Gordon is a definite must keep
JC25FoMVP - January 18, 2012 via mobile
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