SB Nation - Adrian Jones

To me, the most surprising cuts are Arian Foster and Brandon Harrison. I know that John Busing has had a good preseason, but I still had a sneaking suspicion that Harrison would win that spot. Also, even though Moats has shown more this training camp, Arian Foster showed more upside, which I thought would win him a spot especially given his similarity to the oft injured Chris Brown. Lastly, I'm a little surprised that Chaun Thompson beat out Buster Davis, although I think tht is of little consequence either way.

What do you think of the final roster, BRB?

Chiefs G Mike Goff on Veterans, Experience and the Royals

Joel Thorman — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:02:00 -0000

Kansas City Chiefs RG Mike Goff appeared on 810 WHB Tuesday afternoon to discuss what attracted him to the Chiefs, the importance of Super Bowl experience and Transformers.

Yes, the movie Transformers (apparently getting terrible reviews).

Goff figures to replace since departed Adrian Jones at right guard. John over at Bolts from the Blue, our Chargers site, says Goff leaving was actually a good thing from the powder blue perspective. San Diego ran to the left side of the line far more often than the right because of Goff’s deteriorating skills according to his analysis.

That may be true but they didn’t have Adrian Jones last year either. Goff’s skills can be questioned but what can not is that he’s an upgrade over Jones.

Click here to listen to the interview on 810 WHB. Or if your boss still doesn’t understand the necessary role you’ve taken in blogging while he or she is paying you, then hide the audio by reading the interview after the jump.

What attracted you to Kansas City?

When I first got out there and was talking with Scott Pioli and Todd Haley, I really bought into what they were trying to get done next year. Just to be on a team that, having played against them for the past 5 years, I understand what kind of talent is on this team and the possibilities this team has. And to have a chance to be on the ground floor of something special, that’s exiting. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to proving everybody wrong on where we’re ranked in a lot of things next to the Detroit Lions.

Playing the Chiefs last season:

The way I was looking at it, they should’ve beat the Chargers twice last year if you want to be honest about it. They should have beat the Chargers in San Diego and they let the lead in Kansas City get away from them. People ask me, ‘How did the Chargers come back and win that game?’ I said that there was a lack of maturity on the other side . That allowed us to think to ourselves ‘The game is never over’. Especially when you bring guys like Vrabel, Zach Thomas, Bobby Engram, myself, veteran guys that have been through the fires for a long time.

The importance of veterans:

When you’ve got veterans with a group of young guys, that’s where you let guys know it’s never over. This isn’t like college football. When you look at our roster we’ve got a lot of young guys who are pretty much just out of college. This isn’t where you get up by a certain amount of points where you know you’re going to impose your will and dominate them. That’s just not how this league is. When you’ve got guys that have been around they’re going to keep guy level headed and remind you it’s not over, let’s finish this deal and we’ll have a victory. That’s the important thing about bringing guys with leadership.

When you’ve got good guys and bad guys….err, not good guys and bad guys, sorry I just saw Transformers.

(Editor’s note: Gives Transformers a thumb sideways. Watched Transformers growing up and loved the cartoon growing up. I don’t remember this cartoon movie – apparently more than a few people don’t. Anyway, Goff recommends The Taking of Pelham 123. He claims not to be a Trekkie, but recommends Star Trek as his top movie pick of the summer. Hmm….)

Importance of Super Bowl experience:

Obviously, Vrabel’s won 3 super bowls, Matt Cassel has been part of that, Zach Thomas has been on some great teams, Bobby Engram has been to the Super Bowl. When you’ve got guys that have Super Bowl experience…I’ve yet to be there, but that’s why you play the game. The money is fine and dandy but you play to get to a Super Bowl and get a win. I think everybody is hungry for that, especially looking at where the GM came from. Todd Haley just came from a Super Bowl. Monty Beisel just got back from the Super Bowl. I think everyone is hungry to get to the Super Bowl. When you get a core of guys that have that experience it becomes an experience.

Are the playoffs a realistic goal?

I absolutely do. I’m old enough that I’m not going to blow smoke up anyone’s rear. I’m going to call it like I see it. I would not have taken the opportunity to come to the Chiefs if I didn’t feel in my heart this team has the talent to do something special. The great thing about it, all these people are talking about it being a rebuilding year, it’ll take a few years…I don’t believe that. Look at last year, there are what, like 5 games lost by less than 3 points? You look at that….You just finish it out and score one more touchdown or whatever that’s five more games right there and who knows about the rest.

On surprising some teams this year:

The great thing about it with no one expecting you to do great you’ve got the element of surprise on your side. With that happening, I think this team has a lot of talent and we’re going to surprise a lot of people. People are going to take us for granted. That’s a great opportunity for us. People won’t take us seriously and that’s a great thing. When that happens you’ll beat a lot of people you aren’t expected to.

On the wide receivers and the loss of Tony Gonzalez:

I don’t think it is (a legitimate concern). This is an opportunity for all the young receivers…if you want to make a name for yourself this is where you do it. What better opportunity than this to step up and be the receiver you want to be. I think when you’ve got obviously Dwayne…he’s been working hard all offseason. It’d be great if Tony Gonzalez were here but from what I’ve heard it’s a trade that’s been in the works for the past several years. Everyone knew it was going to happen and it did. If I’m a receiver or a tight end I’m excited about the opportunity that, you know the All-Pro tight end is gone, and this is my opportunity to shine and I’m excited about that. I don’t think it’s a concern I just think people need to realize the opportunity they have to make an impact. What better time to make a name for yourself than to step up now.

Previously, you’ve played for coaches like Bruce Coslet, Dick LeBeau, Marty Schottenheimer, Norv Turner. Does Todd Haley remind you of any of them?

No, he brings a style all on his own. You know it’s interesting when you have a first time head coach, this is my second time with Marvin Lewis being the other, you just got to get used to their style and how things are run. The great thing about Todd is that he lets you know what is expected and this is how things are going to be run.
When you’ve got everyone going in the right direction that’s a great start to training camp.

While in college….

I got to play with a former Chief, Casey Wiegmann, for two years.

What are you doing for the next few weeks until training camp?

Continuing to work out. I’m out here in San Diego. I’m relaxing with my wife and making sure that, while I’m still working out and I’m still preparing for the season, that I have enough time for myself and my family. You realize how long the season is and what kind of punishment you put your body through. It’s a good mix of relaxing with the family and making sure you’re in shape.

Mr. Goff is becoming a Royals fan:

That is true, I actually don’t know a lot about the team, I’m just a baseball fan. I’ve been very fortunate to have played in towns that have MLB teams. I really like to kind of catch up on and cheer for the local team. They got off to a great start and have kind of fallen on hard times after a little bit . Hopefully after the All Star break they can turn it around a little bit.

Stats Show the Chiefs are About Average at Pass Protection

Chris Thorman — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:50:10 -0000

View full size photo »

After watching 2007's travesty of an offense piddle down the field, the 2008 Kansas City Chiefs were a welcome relief from ineptitude.

One of the most notable improvements came on the offensive line. Branden Albert's addition at left tackle proved to be best move of the '08 draft. After only four 100+ yard rushing games in '07, the Chiefs produced nine of them in '08.

There was a big difference from 2007 to 2008 in pass protection as well. The Chiefs allowed 55 sacks two years ago and only 37 last year. Yes, I know. Tyler Thigpen's scrambling ability was a big part of that improvement but I have to say on an anecdotal level the line was much improved in the amount of time they allowed Thigpen to throw the ball.

So the line did pretty well as a unit last year combined with Tyler Thigpen. How did they do individually?

shanyes41 over at Bolts from the Blue posted a fascinating set of statistics a few days ago on individual linemen rankings in pass protection. The result is a ton of information covering virtually every offensive linemen in the NFL.

Here's how he did it:

So I found the total "Pass Plays" run by every team. This is the number of pass attempts, plus the number of total sacks for the team for the whole year. It doesn't account for pass plays that ended up in a QB scramble for positive yards. I couldn't figure out how to count those or even whether it was a positive or negative thing (since it is basically a sack, without the actual sack, if that makes sense)

I knew how many games each guy started, so I could figure out roughly how many pass plays a guy was involved in by taking games started and multiplying it by pass plays per game for the team. If you take the number of sacks given up and divide by number of pass plays a player is involved in, you get sacks per pass play for a given player.

Sounds easy enough. How did the Chiefs linemen fare? Pretty average overall with some nice surprises. And that average label is not a knock.

Branden Albert came in ranked #13 overall for left tackles in sacks per pass play.

Showing his Pro Bowl form, Brian Waters came in ranked 6th best at the left guard position.

Rudy Niswanger ranks #23 out of the centers. The Chiefs' center last year, Casey Wiegmann, finished #8 and was named to the Pro Bowl as a Denver Bronco.

Kansas grad Adrian Jones just crept into the top ten for right guards. New Chief and former Charger Mike Goff was ranked 23rd. You don't hear people talk much about Adrian Jones. He's a free agent now.

Damion McIntosh, who tied for the 5th most sacks given up by a right tackle, ranked #21.

And now that I'm looking at these again, the Chiefs are little better than average according to these numbers. I know it's been the prevailing wisdom that the addition of veteran Mike Goff will further bolster the line but there are no guarantees. I believe Thigpen's scrambling ability and just athleticism had a lot to do with the statistical improvement of the Chiefs' offensive line. With Cassel, a much more "traditional" quarterback, under center I think this could expose our offensive line as still not quite ready to consistently protect the quarterback.

Thoughts on these numbers?

Click over for the entire table.

Position	Name	Team	Sacks	Games Started	Team Passing Plays	Passing plays per game	Sacks per Pass Play
LT	Ryan Clady	Broncos	0.5	16	632	39.5	0.0008
LT	Michael Roos	Titans	1	16	465	29.1	0.0022
LT	Tra Thomas	Eagles	2	16	629	39.3	0.0032
LT	Orlando Pace	Rams	2	14	565	35.3	0.0040
LT	Jake Long	Dolphins	2.5	16	517	32.3	0.0048
LT	Jammal Brown	Saints	3	15	649	40.6	0.0049
LT	Tony Ugoh	Colts	3	12	599	37.4	0.0067
LT	Marcus McNeill	Chargers	3	14	503	31.4	0.0068
LT	Jared Gaither	Ravens	3	15	466	29.1	0.0069
LT	DBrickashaw Ferguson	Jets	4	16	559	34.9	0.0072
LT	Chris Samuels	Redskins	3	12	548	34.3	0.0073
LT	Jordan Gross	Panthers	3	15	434	27.1	0.0074
LT	Branden Albert	Chiefs	4.5	15	578	36.1	0.0083
LT	Joe Thomas	Browns	4.5	16	512	32.0	0.0088
LT	Walter Jones	Seahawks	3.5	12	510	31.9	0.0092
LT	Mike Gandy	Cardinals	6.25	16	658	41.1	0.0095
LT	Todd Weiner	Falcons	3	11	451	28.2	0.0097
LT	Max Starks	Steelers	4	11	555	34.7	0.0105
LT	Bryant McKinnie	Vikings	4	12	495	30.9	0.0108
LT	David Diehl	Giants	6.5	16	519	32.4	0.0125
LT	Flozell Adams	Cowboys	7.25	16	578	36.1	0.0125
LT	Matt Light	Patriots	7.5	16	582	36.4	0.0129
LT	Khalif Barnes	Jaguars	7.5	16	579	36.2	0.0130
LT	Chad Clifton	Packers	7.5	15	575	35.9	0.0139
LT	Levi Brown	Bengals	5.5	11	564	35.3	0.0142
LT	Donald Penn	Buccaneers	8.5	16	594	37.1	0.0143
LT	Joe Staley	49ers	8.5	16	564	35.3	0.0151
LT	Jeff Backus	Lions	9.25	16	561	35.1	0.0165
LT	John St. Clair	Bears	9.75	16	557	34.8	0.0175
LT	Duane Brown	Texans	11.5	16	587	36.7	0.0196
LT	Kwame Harris	Raiders	7.5	11	460	28.8	0.0237
LT	Jason Peters	Bills	11.5	13	517	32.3	0.0274
Position	Name	Team	Sacks	Games Started	Team Passing Plays	Passing plays per game	Sacks per Pass Play
LG	David Baas	49ers	0	9	564	35.3	0.0000
LG	Kris Dielman	Chargers	0	16	503	31.4	0.0000
LG	Charlie Johnson	Colts	0	16	599	37.4	0.0000
LG	Carl Nicks	Saints	0.5	13	649	40.6	0.0009
LG	Todd Herremans	Eagles	0.75	15	629	39.3	0.0013
LG	Brian Waters	Chiefs	1	16	578	36.1	0.0017
LG	Josh Beekman	Bears	1.25	16	557	34.8	0.0022
LG	Reggie Wells	Cardinals	1.75	16	658	41.1	0.0027
LG	Robert Gallery	Raiders	1.75	16	460	28.8	0.0038
LG	Ben Hamilton	Broncos	2.5	16	632	39.5	0.0040
LG	Chester Pitts	Texans	2.5	16	587	36.7	0.0043
LG	Eugene Amano	Titans	2	16	465	29.1	0.0043
LG	Jacob Bell	Rams	2.5	13	565	35.3	0.0054
LG	Pete Kendall	Redskins	3	16	548	34.3	0.0055
LG	Rich Seubert	Giants	3	16	519	32.4	0.0058
LG	Chris Chester	Ravens	2	11	466	29.1	0.0062
LG	Jeff Smiley	Dolphins	2.5	12	517	32.3	0.0064
LG	Travelle Wharton	Panthers	2.5	14	434	27.1	0.0066
LG	Justin Blalock	Falcons	3	16	451	28.2	0.0067
LG	Eric Steinbach	Browns	3	14	512	32.0	0.0067
LG	Floyd Womack	Seahawks	3.5	14	510	31.9	0.0078
LG	Arron Sears	Buccaneers	4.5	15	594	37.1	0.0081
LG	Uche Nwaneri	Jaguars	4.5	15	579	36.2	0.0083
LG	Logan Mankins	Patriots	5	16	582	36.4	0.0086
LG	Daryn Colledge	Packers	6	16	575	35.9	0.0104
LG	Edwin Mulitalo	Lions	4.25	11	561	35.1	0.0110
LG	Cory Procter	Cowboys	4.5	11	578	36.1	0.0113
LG	Alan Faneca	Jets	7	16	559	34.9	0.0125
LG	Chris Kemoeatu	Steelers	7.5	16	555	34.7	0.0135
LG	Steve Hutchinson	Vikings	7	16	495	30.9	0.0141
LG	Andrew Whitworth	Bengals	5	10	564	35.3	0.0142
LG	Derrick Dockery	Bills	8.25	16	517	32.3	0.0160
Position	Name	Team	Sacks	Games Started	Team Passing Plays	Passing plays per game	Sacks per Pass Play
C	Olin Kreutz	Bears	0	16	557	34.8	0.0000
C	Todd McClure	Falcons	0	16	451	28.2	0.0000
C	Ryan Kalil	Panthers	0	12	434	27.1	0.0000
C	Chris Myers	Texans	0	16	587	36.7	0.0000
C	Kevin Mawae	Titans	0	15	465	29.1	0.0000
C	Brad Meester	Jaguars	0.25	10	579	36.2	0.0007
C	Lyle Sendlein	Cardinals	0.5	16	658	41.1	0.0008
C	Casey Wiegmann	Broncos	1	16	632	39.5	0.0016
C	Jeff Faine	Buccaneers	1	16	594	37.1	0.0017
C	Jonathan Goodwin	Saints	1	13	649	40.6	0.0019
C	Duke Preston	Bills	0.75	11	517	32.3	0.0021
C	Andre Gurode	Cowboys	2	16	578	36.1	0.0035
C	Jamaal Jackson	Eagles	2.25	16	629	39.3	0.0036
C	Nick Mangold	Jets	2	16	559	34.9	0.0036
C	Shaun OHara	Giants	2	16	519	32.4	0.0039
C	Matt Birk	Vikings	2	16	495	30.9	0.0040
C	Jeff Saturday	Colts	2	12	599	37.4	0.0045
C	Dominic Raiola	Lions	2	12	561	35.1	0.0048
C	Jason Brown	Ravens	2.25	16	466	29.1	0.0048
C	Hank Fraley	Browns	2.5	16	512	32.0	0.0049
C	Nick Leckey	Rams	2	10	565	35.3	0.0057
C	Nick Hardwick	Chargers	2.5	13	503	31.4	0.0061
C	Rudy Niswanger	Chiefs	3.5	15	578	36.1	0.0065
C	Eric Heitmann	49ers	4	16	564	35.3	0.0071
C	Eric Ghaiciuc	Bengals	4	16	564	35.3	0.0071
C	Chris Spencer	Seahawks	2.5	11	510	31.9	0.0071
C	Jake Grove	Raiders	2.5	12	460	28.8	0.0072
C	Scott Wells	Packers	3.5	13	575	35.9	0.0075
C	Dan Koppen	Patriots	4.5	16	582	36.4	0.0077
C	Samson Satele	Dolphins	4.5	16	517	32.3	0.0087
C	Casey Rabach	Redskins	5.5	16	548	34.3	0.0100
C	Justin Harwig	Steelers	6.5	16	555	34.7	0.0117
Position	Name	Team	Sacks	Games Started	Team Passing Plays	Passing plays per game	Sacks per Pass Play
RG	Chris Kuper	Broncos	0	16	632	39.5	0.0000
RG	Jake Scott	Titans	0.5	16	465	29.1	0.0011
RG	Max Jean-Gilles	Eagles	0.5	10	629	39.3	0.0013
RG	Jason Spitz	Packers	1	16	575	35.9	0.0017
RG	Chris Snee	Giants	1	16	519	32.4	0.0019
RG	Ikechuku Ndukwe	Dolphins	1	15	517	32.3	0.0021
RG	Harvey Dahl	Falcons	1	16	451	28.2	0.0022
RG	Davin Joseph	Buccaneers	1	12	594	37.1	0.0022
RG	Brad Butler	Bills	1	13	517	32.3	0.0024
RG	Adrian Jones	Chiefs	1	10	578	36.1	0.0028
RG	Deuce Lutui	Cardinals	2	16	658	41.1	0.0030
RG	Jahri Evans	Saints	2	16	649	40.6	0.0031
RG	Rex Hadnot	Browns	1.5	15	512	32.0	0.0031
RG	Mike Brisiel	Texans	2	16	587	36.7	0.0034
RG	Brandon Moore	Jets	2	16	559	34.9	0.0036
RG	Mike Pollak	Colts	2	13	599	37.4	0.0041
RG	Roberto Garza	Bears	2.5	16	557	34.8	0.0045
RG	Stephen Neal	Patriots	2	9	582	36.4	0.0061
RG	Robbie Williams	Bengals	4	16	564	35.3	0.0071
RG	Randy Thomas	Redskins	4	16	548	34.3	0.0073
RG	Leonard Davis	Cowboys	4.5	16	578	36.1	0.0078
RG	Stephen Peterman	Lions	4	14	561	35.1	0.0081
RG	Mike Goff	Chargers	4.5	16	503	31.4	0.0089
RG	Cooper Carlisle	Raiders	4	15	460	28.8	0.0093
RG	Tony Wragge	49ers	4	10	564	35.3	0.0113
RG	Darnell Stapleton	Steelers	5	12	555	34.7	0.0120
RG	Richie Incognito	Rams	6.5	15	565	35.3	0.0123
RG	Ben Grubbs	Ravens	6.5	16	466	29.1	0.0139
RG	Dennis Norman	Jaguars	7.25	14	579	36.2	0.0143
RG	Anthony Herrera	Vikings	7.5	16	495	30.9	0.0152
Position	Name	Team	Sacks	Games Started	Team Passing Plays	Passing plays per game	Sacks per Pass Play
RT	Jon Stinchcomb	Saints	1.5	16	649	40.6	0.0023
RT	Ryan Diem	Colts	1.5	16	599	37.4	0.0025
RT	Ryan Harris	Broncos	2.5	16	632	39.5	0.0040
RT	Mark Tauscher	Packers	2	13	575	35.9	0.0043
RT	David Stewart	Titans	2	16	465	29.1	0.0043
RT	Ray Willis	Seahawks	1.5	10	510	31.9	0.0047
RT	Tyson Clabo	Falcons	2.5	16	451	28.2	0.0055
RT	Langston Walker	Bills	3	16	517	32.3	0.0058
RT	Nick Kaczur	Patriots	3	14	582	36.4	0.0059
RT	Kareem McKenzie	Giants	4.5	16	519	32.4	0.0087
RT	Vernon Carey	Dolphins	4.5	16	517	32.3	0.0087
RT	Kevin Shaffer	Browns	4.5	15	512	32.0	0.0094
RT	Tony Pashos	Jaguars	5.5	16	579	36.2	0.0095
RT	Marc Colombo	Cowboys	5.5	16	578	36.1	0.0095
RT	Jeremy Trueblood	Buccaneers	6	16	594	37.1	0.0101
RT	Willie Colon	Steelers	5.75	16	555	34.7	0.0104
RT	John Tait	Bears	6	16	557	34.8	0.0108
RT	Willie Anderson	Ravens	3.5	11	466	29.1	0.0109
RT	Jon Runyan	Eagles	7	16	629	39.3	0.0111
RT	Damien Woody	Jets	6.5	16	559	34.9	0.0116
RT	Damion McIntosh	Chiefs	7	16	578	36.1	0.0121
RT	Jeromey Clary	Chargers	6.5	16	503	31.4	0.0129
RT	Gosder Cherilus	Lions	6	13	561	35.1	0.0132
RT	Eric Winston	Texans	8	16	587	36.7	0.0136
RT	Ryan Cook	Vikings	6	14	495	30.9	0.0139
RT	Alex Barron	Rams	7.5	15	565	35.3	0.0142
RT	Jeff Otah	Panthers	5	12	434	27.1	0.0154
RT	Cornell Green	Raiders	7.5	16	460	28.8	0.0163
RT	Levi Brown	Cardinals	11	16	658	41.1	0.0167
RT	Jon Jansen	Redskins	6.5	11	548	34.3	0.0173
RT	Stacy Andrews	Bengals	9.5	15	564	35.3	0.0180
RT	Adam Snyder	49ers	9.5	13	564	35.3	0.0207

Poll

The 2009 offensive line will be...

Much improved

242 votes

About the same as last year

241 votes

The line is worse than we think

50 votes

533 votes | Poll has closed

No Teams Make a Claim on the Chiefs Restricted Free Agents

Joel Thorman — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:30:10 -0000

Entering the 2009 offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs had three restricted free agents including C Rudy Niswanger, WR Jeff Webb, and S Jarrad Page to which they extended tenders.

Friday was the final day for teams to make a claim on restricted free agents. Basically, teams tendered players at the following levels

1st and 3rd round - $2.5 million
1st round - $2 million
2nd round - $1.5 million
Low round tender (equivalent to original draft position) - $1 million

*Note these amounts are approximates.

That means opposing teams can offer Webb a contract worth, let's say $10 million (Hey, we all have dreams), and the Chiefs can either match the offer and keep Webb or let him leave with a 6th round pick as compensation (since that's his original draft position).

Updates on the Chiefs restricted free agents is after the jump.

For the first time since 1993, no teams made a successful claim on a restricted free agent. Three teams sent a restricted free agent an offer sheet, which he signed in each instance, only to have it matched by the incumbent team.

Rudy Niswanger - 1 year, $1.5 million contract likely signed or to be signed

He was offered a second round tender which is equivalent to about $1.5 million ($1.417 in 2008) in salary in 2009. No teams made a claim on him meaning he'll be back with the Chiefs for at least one more season.

This is about a 300% increase in salary for the Chiefs' center and it still represents a great value for a player that will likely be a starter in '09 and has experience at multiple positions on the offensive line.

Jeff Webb - 1 year, $1.01 million contract signed

He was given the low round tender and signed it a couple days ago according to the Kansas City Star (H/T Vince D in the FanShots). So for now the Chiefs are committed to Webb for one more season at about a million bucks.

To those that ask why, I say why not? $1 million on a one year deal is peanuts compared to the approximately $30 million the Chiefs have under the cap. Haley has a background with wide receivers so I'm going to defer to him on this one.

Jarrad Page - Status unknown

He was also reportedly offered a tender but we're not sure which level, though it was presumably at a second round or low round. We know no teams went after him or offered the Chiefs compensation so the Chiefs still hold his rights.

Page has been a solid starter and represents an excellent value as a 7th round pick. He's started every game the last two seasons so I would imagine the Chiefs seriously consider giving him a long-term deal if he plays well in this prove it year.

Chiefs unrestricted free agents

The Chiefs also had six unrestricted free agents following the conclusion of the '08 season. They have only resigned one of these players and, frankly, I don't think there's much interest in any of the others from the new regime.

LB Pat Thomas - Signed a one year deal with the Buffalo Bills
S Oliver Celestin - No updates
DE Jason Babin - No updates
LB Rocky Boiman - No updates
S Jon McGraw - Signed contract with the Chiefs
G Adrian Jones - No updates

***

Previous updates to the Chiefs free agents

Chiefs have six UFAs; I say Babin, Boiman and McGraw should be retained.

Decision day looms for Chiefs and free agents

Mocking the Draft - Team Needs and Free Agency

Chiefs Free Agency Roster Moves Summary

Chris Thorman — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:31:37 -0000

Additions	Subtractions	UFA Re-signed	UFA not Re-Signed	Visited/ Interested
QB Matt Cassel	CB Pat Surtain	S Jon McGraw	LB Pat Thomas	SS Keith Davis
LB Mike Vrabel	LB Donnie Edwards		G Adrian Jones	WR Keary Colbert
WR C.J. Jones	QB Damon Huard		S Oliver Celestin	WR Bobby Engram
LB Darrell Robertson	TE Michael Merritt		LB Rocky Boiman	LB Clark Haggans
CB Travis Daniels			DE Jason Babin

Since not all of you get to obsessively check Arrowhead Pride for hours a day, here's a roster roundup to help people get caught up.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed/traded for six players; cut four players; re-signed one unrestricted free agent; and had a number of players in for free agent visits.

The Chiefs have 68 players on the roster. And as of right now, we'll add six players through the draft (possibly more if you don't forget about compensatory picks, which I think we'll get at least one).

That leaves about a half dozen or so players that the Chiefs will add at some point this off season. The current roster is far from concrete. Players currently on the roster will be cut as others at their position become available or they've worn out their potential with Todd Haley.

I've linked back to our discussions about some of those players in case you want to catch up.

Catching up with the Chiefs in Free Agency

Joel Thorman — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:59:57 -0000

Will the Chiefs make a run at Igor Olshansky?

via www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

Here's a quick update on the free agents at positions of need for the Chiefs.

Defense

Chris Canty (DE - 6'7", 286 lbs - 26 years old) - Originally scheduled to visit with the Redskins but was later canceled because the Redskins were "running out of money" according to Executive VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato. Is still in New York following a visit with the Giants even though they recently signed defensive lineman Rocky Bernard from the Seahawks. Although no deal is imminent, Canty's agent said talks are continuing and the Giants do want to sign him. He's supposedly seeking $18 million guaranteed and $8 million per year. **SI.com says it's either the Giants or the Packers. ***Signs 6 year, $42 million deal with $17.5 million guaranteed with the New York Giants.
Antonio Smith (DE - 6'3", 274 lbs - 27 years old ) - Signed 5 year deal with the Texans.
Bart Scott (LB - 6'2", 235 lbs - 27 years old) - Signed 6 year, $48 million deal with the Jets.
Ray Lewis (LB - 6'1", 245 lbs - 33 years old) - Apparently the Cowboys aren't after him anymore. The Ravens are still trying to sign him after he reportedly turned down a 3 year, $24 million offer before free agency started. **The offer apparently remains on the table. It appears more and more likely he'll stay in Baltimore.
Angelo Crowell (LB - 6'1", 243 lbs - 27 years old) - The Redskins were interested in him but not after their spending spree. No visits scheduled.
Rosevelt Colvin (LB - 6'3", 250 lbs - 31 years old) - No sniffs from anyone after the Pats released him. He knows the 3-4 defense and represents a need but he's missed 17 games in two years.
Igor Olshansky (DE - 6'6", 309 lbs - 26 years old) - Haven't heard a word about him. No visits reported.

Offense

Laveranues Coles (WR - 5'11", 193 lbs - 31 years old) - Whittled his choices down to the Buffalo Bills or the Miami Dolphins and the New York Daily News speculates the smart money is on the Dolphins. Who doesn't want to sign in Miami this year it seems? **Dolphins aren't likely to pursue Coles.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR - 6'1", 197 lbs - 31 years old) - After a visit with the Seahawks and the Vikings, he is still in Minnesota. It's believed that they're talking money at this point. However, ESPN's Michael Smith reports that he will also make visits to the Bucs (who just re-signed WR Michael Clayton) and the Eagles.
Stacy Andrews (RT/RG - 6'7", 342 lbs - 28 years old) - Signed 6 year deal with the Eagles.
Jeff Saturday (C - 6'2", 292 lbs - 33 years old) - Signed 3 year deal with the Colts.
Khalif Barnes (LT - 6'6", 305 lbs - 26 years old) - The Raiders have "toyed" with the idea of taking a harder look at him. Meanwhile, Barnes canceled a visit with the Saints after they resigned Jon Stinchcomb.

Chiefs Unrestricted Free Agents

Jason Babin, Oliver Celestin, Jon McGraw, Adrian Jones, Rocky Boiman and Pat Thomas - Haven't heard a peep about any of these guys.

Chiefs Restricted Free Agents

Jarrad Page, Jeff Webb and Rudy Niswanger - They were all tendered so I don't expect any team to be willing to part ways with the compensation packages assigned to each of them.

With the exception of a couple of names, these players are beginning to represent the second wave of free agency. The signing bonuses are dwindling so the Chiefs should take a hard look at a few of these value players.

As always, post any updates to free agency signings in the comments or the FanShots (Free agency is an important time to install the FanShot bookmark so you can post to AP from any webpage).

Any other possible free agent signings out there?

Chiefs Facing Decisions with Nine Free Agents

Joel Thorman — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:22:33 -0000

The Chiefs will have six players who will become unrestricted free agents at midnight.

	DE Jason Babin	LB Rocky Boiman	S Oliver Celestin	G Adrian Jones	S Jon McGraw	LB Pat Thomas
Age	28	29	28	27	29	26
Height	6'4"	6'4"	6'0"	6'4"	6'3"	6'2"
Weight	285 lbs	236 lbs	207 lbs	296 lbs	206 lbs	243 lbs

Back in January when we originally touched on our UFAs, I wanted to Babin, Boiman and McGraw retained. That hasn't really changed but I'm more than willing to part ways with Boiman.

Out of this list, now I'd like to see Jason Babin and Jon McGraw retained. Babin appears to be a serviceable reserve while McGraw has worked his butt off, was a captain last season and would be an asset as a reserve in the secondary and/or on special teams.

(NOTE: ALRIGHT KNUCKLEHEADS, LET'S KEEP THE JON MCGRAW BASHING TO A MINIMUM. YOU ALL KNOW HE'S A FIRST COUSIN OF MINE AND THE BEST GROCERY BAGGER AT MY LOCAL MARKET.)

The cost for resigning any of these players isn't an issue because A)they're cheap and B) we have a lot of money to spend.

Restricted Free Agents

The Chiefs have offered Rudy Niswanger a second round tender, which is $1.417 million. In a nutshell, this means that Niswanger has until April 21st to negotiate an offer from another team. The Chiefs have the right to match any offer. If they don't match the offer, the Chiefs would be eligible to receive compensatory draft picks in return.

Jarrad Page is another player that could be tendered as a restricted free agent. Since Page was a 7th round pick, the compensatory pick we would receive in the event that he was tendered then offered by another team would be a 7th rounder. At this point, there's no question Page is worth more than a 7th rounder to the Cheifs.

Jeff Webb is another restricted free agent although I don't expect the Chiefs to extend a qualifying offer to him. He hasn't done much on the field to warrant any protection from the Chiefs.

Which of these unrestricted and restricted free agents do you think the Chiefs will retain?

Breaking down Buffalo's likely free agency strategy

Brian Galliford — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:30:07 -0000

Might Bills pursue Houshmandzadeh? (US Presswire)

With the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine wrapping up today in Indianapolis, all eyes will be on the free agency spending spree that's about to commence. Black Friday isn't just the day after Thanksgiving, folks - there's another high-stakes shopping day to pay attention to, and it's coming up quickly.

The Buffalo Bills are in a tight spot. With a coaching staff sitting upon blazing thrones that make the term "hot seat" seem downright chilly, the Bills are in a win-now mode and are expected to be aggressive in finding players that can make an impact immediately. However, considering the current state of the economy, there is also a prevailing theory that the Bills will consider scaling back spending on veterans. It's a Catch 22, but for the staff and 90-year-old owner Ralph Wilson, winning is expected to trump penny-pinching.

Unfortunately for Buffalo, this year's free agent class is devoid of many difference makers. Considering the amount of statistical impact and leadership necessary for the Bills to make a serious playoff push in 2009, there's really only one logical way to go about attacking free agency. In terms of a plan for midnight Friday morning, here's how I think Buffalo's strategy could play out...

Step One: Make a run at offensive weapons
Outside of Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth and Ravens LB Ray Lewis (both unlikely to be pursued by Buffalo), there aren't any defensive playmakers worth pursuing heavily out of the gate. There are good players, but none that will command the immediate attention of a Haynesworth or a Lewis. Offensively, however, there is one big name that the Bills very well could sniff around, and that's Bengals free agent WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Though he'll be 32 in September, Houshmandzadeh is currently on a three-season streak of at least 90 receptions and has 25 touchdowns in that time frame. By far the best receiver on the market, Houshmandzadeh is expected to garner interest from serious contenders like the Giants and Titans, but that won't stop the Bills from kicking the proverbial tires.

Beyond Houshmandzadeh, the pickings are slim. One productive name that has already been linked to the Bills is tight end Owen Daniels, a restricted free agent in Houston. In just three seasons, Daniels has quickly established himself as a bona fide receiving threat and is coming off of his first Pro Bowl invitation. Depending on the type of compensation necessary to acquire him, the Bills will seriously pursue adding Daniels to the roster. Buffalo is also expected to be players if Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin becomes available via trade. Regardless of the likelihood of these acquisitions, pursuing these names is smart - if the chips fall the right way, these players will be more beneficial to Buffalo's potential next season than any other player.

Step Two: Fortify two of four critical needs
When this community put together the team's extensive needs list, four positions received a grade of 'critical' - tight end, center, defensive end and linebacker.

At tight end, obviously the addition of Daniels would kill two birds with one stone. Beyond him, there are only project players (like Arizona's Leonard Pope, as an example) or lumbering vets available on the market. If the Bills miss on Daniels and aren't thrilled with the idea of a veteran project, this need will undoubtedly be addressed in the draft. Luckily for Buffalo, the draft is loaded with quality tight ends this year.

At center, there are several quality veterans that would instantly solidify a solid (on paper) offensive front in Buffalo. Baltimore's Jason Brown is the cream of the crop, and he's closely followed by veterans like Minnesota's Matt Birk (who may re-sign with the Vikings before Friday), Indianapolis' Jeff Saturday and Jacksonville's Brad Meester. Another option would be signing an unheralded reserve, such as Carolina's Geoff Hangartner, to start at center. However, considering the depth of this year's center class in the draft, it's not absolutely imperative that a center be added.

At defensive end, there's little impact to be found in the veteran pool. Kalimba Edwards has played under Dick Jauron before, but isn't exactly a spring chicken at age 29. Bertrand Berry is even older, though he's still considered a solid edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has already made plain his desire for a speed rusher; if the decision-makers listen, that player will likely be a draft pick.

At linebacker, Buffalo is expected to pursue a veteran to start on the strong side - and it's not expected to be Angelo Crowell. Players such as Channing Crowder, Michael Boley and Morlon Greenwood are most often mentioned, but Indianapolis' Tyjuan Hagler should garner consideration as well. However, bringing in a veteran isn't a done deal, as the team also left the door open on potentially moving middle linebacker Paul Posluszny outside and adding a middle linebacker as well.

Ultimately, the Bills have options at each position, but they should look to address at least two of these areas via free agency. Leaving any more than two unchecked for the draft is extremely risky, as it's unlikely the Bills will be able to fill three or more critical needs with impact players in the draft unless they can find a way to trade down.

Step Three: Find a backup quarterback
Five-year veteran J.P. Losman's Bills career is finally (and mercifully) at an end. With starting quarterback Trent Edwards still developing and still frail, the Bills will look to add a veteran backup. Rex Grossman is likely on his way out of Chicago and has ties to Jauron, but he himself is an injury risk as well. Kyle Boller is believed to be a strong candidate. Other veterans like Jon Kitna (who is expected to be released by Detroit) are possibilities, and younger guys like Ryan Fitzpatrick and possibly Dan Orlovsky will be considered as well. There aren't many appealing options, but names like Boller, Grossman and Kitna have experience and can win games in a pinch. That's all we need out of this position.

Step Four: Add some spot contributors/depth players
These needs aren't critical, but the Bills should look to address them if they can.

Running back: Marshawn Lynch is facing a league suspension, and the Bills are in a tight spot and will likely address the running back position in some capacity. Fred Taylor is visiting the Bills today, but it's unclear how Taylor would fit into a rotation that includes Fred Jackson as well.

Wide Receiver: If the team misses on Houshmandzadeh, it's still highly likely that a receiver will be added simply because of James Hardy's knee injury. Luckily, there are several solid receiving depth options available this year, with Amani Toomer probably the most coveted. Possible releases such as Torry Holt will be intriguing as well, but this player is expected to be a veteran, not a rookie.

Offensive Line: Pending the re-signing of tackle Kirk Chambers, Buffalo's tackle depth is solid. The interior is another story. The team may wait until the draft to address this area, but a veteran like Adrian Jones might be appealing as well.

Defensive tackle: John McCargo can't be relied on as the fourth member of the rotation, so the Bills would be smart to look for an active player that competes well against the run. I've heard Mike Wright's name mentioned so many times it's ridiculous - the Patriot is an underrated name. This might be addressed via the draft as well.

***

Buffalo needs to be as flexible as possible with this plan, because having a rigid attack to free agency often leads to breakdowns and missing out on targets. There are a lot of players available, and there are a lot of under-the-radar talents that would really bolster Buffalo's depth. Ultimately, however, this strategy is the best way to go about adding true impact to the roster. Beyond that, Buffalo's main goal should be paring down its critical needs in such a fashion that they can enter draft preparations with only one or two major need areas. That will make their goal of drafting the best player available much more feasible.

Free Agent of Interest: Adrian Jones

John Morgan — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:27:29 -0000

Name: Adrian Jones

Birthdate: June 10, 1981.

Height/Weight: 6'4", 296

Position: Guard/Tackle

College: Kansas, two seasons as a reserve tight end, played tackle his senior season

Pros: Drafted by Jets, cut, signed by Kansas City in 2007, started 10 games in 2008

Pre-draft measurables:

Height: 6042

Weight: 296

40 Yrd Dash: 4.97

20 Yrd Dash: 2.87

10 Yrd Dash: 1.71

225 Lb. Bench Reps: 27

Vertical Jump: 31

Broad Jump: 09'06"

20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.60

3-Cone Drill: 7.81

My interest: An underreported element of Super Bowl champions and one exemplified by James Harrison is the ability of great teams to find freely available talent. Harrison was cut twice, including once by the Steelers, before becoming an All-Pro linebacker. He didn't start regularly until after he turned 29. Without spending a draft pick or substantially impacting their payroll, Pittsburgh added the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year. Harrison excelled in Pittsburgh because he was A) given a chance and B) fit a system in which his abilities are maximized.

Mike Solari is a proponent of a zone-blocking system. After flirting with it in 2008, new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp will make it the foundation of Seattle's offense. The face of zone blocking and perhaps its most famous proponent, Alex Gibbs, used it to great effect in Denver and Atlanta. Gibbs valued speed, agility and knowledge over size and power. I'm not sure Tim Ruskell is of like mind. While Ruskell certainly values athleticism, his offensive line picks are large and raw. It's an interesting mishmash of styles that could push zone blocking into the future or become a fantastic mess.

Jones fits the Gibbs school of zone blocking. He's athletic, quick, has good feet, but is a bit thin, doesn't overpower and though not a freeway against the bull rush, doesn't get much push himself. He's also fairly new at playing offensive line and entering an age where his athleticism and size could reach equilibrium. Most importantly though, he's essentially free.

Where We Stand: The Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Line

Chris Thorman — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:58:47 -0000

via NFL.com

Somehow, after the lowest of the lows in 2007, the Kansas City Chiefs rushing offense actually produced some yards this past season. The team ended up ranked 16th in the league in rushing, after ending 2007 ranked dead last.

A big part of that success was the addition of fullback Mike Cox and Branden Albert on the left side of the line. Those two players in particular helped take the sorest spot on the team and turn it into a squad that was rarely mentioned on game day. And that's a good thing.

One important thing to point out in regards to the success of this year's offensive line is continuity. Brian Waters and Damion McIntosh started all 16 games. Rudy Niswanger and Branden Albert started 15 games. Good things happen when a unit can play that many games together.

Hopefully, 2009 brings even better things for the Chiefs offensive line. Let's take a look at where we stand with our offensive line heading into the 2009 off season.

LT Branden Albert

Games: 15 (15 starts)

Penalties: 1

Sacks allowed: 4.5

Chiefs fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief that the most important position on the offensive line has been filled with a talented young player. Albert handled opposing defensive ends and linebackers with relative ease for a rookie. His greenness showed up now and again but most would agree that he is the definition of an anchor of an offensive line.

Impact in 2009: Starting left tackle for the foreseeable future.

RT Damion McIntosh

Games: 16 (16 starts)

Penalties: 3

Sacks allowed: 7

Even though McIntosh didn't play as poorly as his 2007 season, I still have to immediately knock a right tackle for giving up 7 sacks. Opposing teams knew where our line's weak spot was and that was Damion McIntosh on the right side of the line. McIntosh, like the rest of the line, seems to have benefited from continuous play with Albert, Niswanger, Waters and the Smith/Jones duo.

Impact in 2009: Probably the starting right tackle. The Chiefs have nobody up and coming who is worthy of overtaking McIntosh at right tackle.

G Brian Waters

Games: 16 (16 starts)

Penalties: 2

Sacks allowed: 2

In nine seasons with the Chiefs, Brian Waters has started every game six times. Waters heads to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in his career. Never flashy and never screws anything up.

Impact in 2009: Waters will be the Chiefs starting left guard until he physically can't do it anymore. Waters has shown no signs of slowing down at age 31.

G Wade Smith

Games: 15 (7 starts)

Penalties: 0

Sacks allowed: 2

Despite being labeled a guard, Wade Smith is really more of a utility player. He plays both guard sides and center if needed. He's an average but essential utility man. Others could play his role on the Chiefs but there isn't a reason to change now.

Impact in 2009: Will continue to rotate to areas of need. No real chance of becoming a starter.

G Adrian Jones

Games: 11 (10 starts)

Penalties: 2

Sacks allowed: 1

Jones filled in a lot more at right guard in his second season with the Chiefs. He missed a few games towards the end of the season with an injury. He split time with Wade Smith at this position, making him expendable.

Impact in 2009: A 2nd or even a 3rd round pick on a guard eliminates Jones' starting gig. Wade Smith would get the nod over Jones if it came down to it, because of Smith's utility.

T Herb Taylor

Games: 16 (1 start)

Penalties: 4

Sacks allowed: 1

Taylor still has the look and feel of a rookie out there. Taylor committed four false starts in very limited action in 2008. The 6th round pick is playing like a 6th round pick.

Impact in 2009: It's getting close to put up or shut up time for Herb Taylor if he wants to play any significant portion of time in his career. The Chiefs could easily replace him in the draft or free agency if they don't see him progressing.

C Rudy Niswanger

Games: 15 (15 starts)

Penalties: 3

Sacks allowed: 4.5

I'll be the first to admit I'm no expert in judging offensive linemen but it seems like Rudy Niswanger leaves a bit to be desired for a center. The fact that he started in 15 games for the Chiefs shows us how much the coaching staff liked him. But this is a new staff that won't necessarily see things the same way Herm did.

Impact in 2009: No lock to be the starting center next year, Niswanger may end up the stater by default. It really depends how hard the Chiefs want to pursue a center in free agency or the draft.

Beyond these guys, the pickens are pretty slim. Barry Richardson, Tavares Washington and Andrew Carnahan round out the offensive linemen who didn't play. They're suspect roster members at best right now.

Poll

Are you satisfied with the talent level on the offensive line?

It's not bad but we definitely need to improve by quite a bit.

528 votes

We're looking pretty good.

53 votes

Albert and Waters are the only two worth keeping. Get rid of the rest.

482 votes

1063 votes | Poll has closed