SB Nation - Brian Johnston

Friday Notes: Lions Claim a Former Chief, Release a Linebacker

Sean Yuille — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:29:09 -0000

FILE - In this Nov. 6, 1963 file photo, Detroits Lions football player Terry Barr is shown in Detroit. Barr, a rookie on the Lion's last championship team in 1957, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, after an extended illness the team said.. He was 73. (AP Photo/File)

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As mentioned in a FanShot, former Lions great Terry Barr passed away yesterday at the age of 73. Barr was a rookie on the 1957 championship team and returned an interception for a touchdown in the title game. He later switched from defensive back to wide receiver and was a Pro-Bowler in 1963 and 1964.
The Lions claimed defensive end Brian Johnston off waivers. Johnston is a former Chief who was drafted last year in the seventh round. Gunther Cunningham obviously was the defensive coordinator for that draft, so it's no surprise that Johnston is now a Lion. I wouldn't expect him to be anything more than someone that is on the team for depth reasons, but he did play in nine games last year, so he will compete for a roster spot at the very least.
John Niyo has a list of the six players the Lions have claimed off waivers since February, three of whom are former Chiefs. I know comparisons to Rod Marinelli and his love affair for former Bucs probably popped into some of your heads after reading that, but think of it this way: Marinelli was bringing in his former players to be starters most of the time; the Chiefs players (only two are even still on the roster, by the way) are being brought in primarily for depth purposes and may not even make the team. I would say that alone shows that the roster is in much better shape than it ever was in the Marinelli era.
The Lions also released linebacker Andrew Downey, an undrafted free agent from Maine.
Jim Schwartz, Matthew Stafford, Casey FitzSimmons, and Jared DeVries went to the Motor City Casino yesterday to give a Lions helmet to Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR driver who made an appearance for autoworkers and members of the National Guard. Schwartz hopes to make it out to Michigan International Speedway for the NASCAR race there on June 14.
Kevin Smith is one of five running backs who could have a Steve Slaton-like breakout season for fantasy football owners, according to ESPN's Christopher Harris.

Lions Pick Up Another Former Chief

Joel Thorman — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:36:15 -0000

The Kansas City Chiefs waived 2008 draft pick LB/DE Brian Johnston on Wednesday. He didn't make it far on the waiver list as the Detroit Lions claimed him yesterday. He was drafted under the Gunther Cunningham defensive regime so it makes sense that that the Lions defensive coordinator is going with what he's familiar with.

This marks the second 2008 draft pick Cunningham and the Lions have picked up from the Chiefs on the waiver wire.

On April 13th, the Chiefs released 2008 4th round pick WR Will Franklin. Just one day later, the Lions picked him up, only to then release him a month later.

Cunningham also raided a former Chief when he opted to pick up defensive Eric Hicks on May 4th. Hicks played for the Chiefs from 1998-2006.

Who will be the next ex-Chief to become a Lion?

H/T to ChiefsNotChefs in the FanShots

Kansas City Chiefs Waive Linebacker Brian Johnston

Joel Thorman — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:08:36 -0000

via www1.pictures.gi.zimbio.com

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed linebacker Brian Johnston on waivers according to Bob Gretz. (Here's a good definition of waivers. For our purposes, waiving means he's been cut.)

Johnston was a seventh round draft pick by GM Carl Peterson in 2008. He was labeled a 4-3 defensive end when drafted, but was forced to outside linebacker in Todd Haley's 3-4 scheme.

Since Johnston is not a four year veteran, he will enter waivers. As Gretz points out, don't be surprised if the Detroit Lions make a claim on him. They're first in line and new defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham comes from the Chiefs.

His career totals include three tackles on defense and one on special teams. His season ended on November 12th when he was placed on injured reserve for a calf injury.

According to NFLPA records, Johnston was due a base salary of $385,000 in 2009 and $470,000 in 2010.

As excited as we were for the Chiefs 12 man 2008 draft class, only eight remain. Joining Johnston in the Pioli purge is KR Kevin Robinson, TE Michael Merritt and WR Will Franklin.

33% of the Chiefs 2008 draft class is gone. That's a fourth rounder, sixth rounder and two seventh rounders.

H/T KansasCityShuffle in the FanShots

Rounding out the Chiefs OTAs

Joel Thorman — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:30:13 -0000

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle continues the rehab work on his knee injury during Friday's OTA team practice at the Arrowhead practice facility. Photo by DAVID EULITT/The Kansas City Star.

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I've collected a few of the stories making the rounds on the Kansas City Chiefs OTAs this past week. The Chiefs practiced on Thursday and Friday with the final session being open to the media.

The Chiefs concluded this round of practice with no major injuries. The next round will take place on June 1st and 2nd. Click here for the full schedule of OTAs.

81 players attended

According to Bob Gretz, 81 players attended practice and 74 of those participated. There were also five players missing from practice including Brian Waters, Mike Vrabel, Larry Johnson, Tamba Hali and Donald Washington.

Waters is still missing camp due to a reported tiff with management. I get into Vrabel, Johnson and Hali's absence below. Washington can't attend camp until Ohio State graduates per NFL rules.

The injured players who attended but didn't participate include Glenn Dorsey, Tank Tyler, Turk McBride, Maurice Leggett, Brian Johnston, Brodie Croyle and Kolby Smith.

Todd Haley says Mike Vrabel is "excited" to be here

Just a few days ago, I took a closer look at why new Chief Mike Vrabel wasn't attending the voluntary OTAs. I suggested money, age and the fact that they are supposed to be voluntary as possible reasons for his absence. Since he hasn't responded to calls about his absence, Haley finally addressed his situation.

“I would say that Mike is excited to get here and I’m excited to see him in action and see where he is at. We have been giving him the information and he has been working, calling and checking in. We will see when he gets here where we stand just like any of the guys who haven’t been here."

Of course, you gotta take this with a grain of salt. It's not like Haley would talk about any divisive issues anyway. But this does appear to be good news for the 2009 Chiefs season.

Haley said he expects him to attend the mandatory sessions.

Add two more to those missing camp

On Friday, Tamba Hali and Larry Johnson were absent from camp. Like the Waters and Vrabel situations, Haley said he was aware of their absences. We're not sure why either of them missed but it doesn't appear to be an issue.

Hali has had no reported issues with management so his absence isn't worrying.

Johnson's absence is curious considering his history with Chiefs management. However, I don't see this as a foreshadow to any more problems because Johnson knows his best chance at getting anywhere near the $4.55 million he's due in 2009 is with the Chiefs. His value has plummeted with the off-the-field issues and since he's apparently interested in getting paid, I imagine his absence was "cleared" with Haley.

Haley also talked a little bit about Johnson following Friday's practice. He seemed to be overall pleased with the direction he's going.

“I think Larry is working hard. He has made some runs in the last few practices that I thought were pretty special and showed signs of somebody who can run the football. I was very encouraged and a couple of those flashed at me and the coaches to where you say, ‘that was pretty good.’ If Larry continues to work, stay on point and do the things asked of him, I think he will definitely have a chance to help us.”

I'm changing my tune on Johnson. I've been on the fence about whether he should be part of this team or not. To me, he should be given an opportunity to run with the offense.

He's the best running back on the roster and will be a good complement to Jamaal Charles.

3-4, 4-3, whatever

The biggest topic of conversation around here has been the reported transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 defense. Who fits where, who doesn't fit, what else is needed, etc. We've gone over all of it ad nauseum.

According to Bob Gretz, there's no reason to restrict the Chiefs defense to a 3-4 or a 4-3 or a 4-3 under. It'll be all of them given the situation.

Even in its most basic form it’s obvious that everyone needs to quit trying to put this defense into a 3-4 hole or 4-3 hole. It’s going to be a lot of things, and it’s going to change from game to game, heck from down to down based on what they showed on Thursday. One defensive set in the dime had six defensive backs and five guys standing at the line of scrimmage.

Like the management staff has been saying, the Chiefs don't appear to be forcing square pegs into a round hole. They're going to play the defense that A) fits the personnel and B) is best for that down.

3rd and 1, they could put two big defensive tackles in the middle to stuff the run. 1st and 10, they could run a 3-4. I think this is the best move for the team but it won't stop us from speculating on the future of the defense.

Interesting quote of the week (Bob Gretz)

The difference in speed between Bowe and Lawrence was striking.

Don't look too far into this. Bowe is still the best receiver on the team (by a large margin) until proven otherwise.

***

Here are a few links to coverage of the Chiefs OTAs on Thursday and Friday

Bob Gretz: Voluntary camps aren't so voluntary

Bob Gretz: Friday practice open to the public

Bob Gretz: On the Mike Vrabel absence

Mothership: Friday Q&A with Todd Haley

KC Star: Photos from camp

KC Star: On the Mike Vrabel absence

KC Star: Video of Derrick Johnson after OTAs

Red Zone: Predicting the training camp schedule

Red Zone: On Hali and LJ absence

Bill Williamson: On Mike Vrabel absence

After the jump we've got video of Todd Haley's Friday Q&A along with highlights of the media session.

Another round of OTAs next week:

"Next week we will just go back to regular lifting and running for three days and pick the OTAs up the following week leading into the mandatory mini-camp.”

On the passing game:

“It is going to take some time, there is no doubt. That is what’s good about this time of year and the fact that we have these OTAs. They are getting to know each other and the receivers, tight ends, backs or whoever is running the route is understanding the coverage."

Progress is encouraging:

“Yeah, I think you get into that rhythm and mode. Again, we let them know what we expect and as time goes on, you improve. If it looked worse than on Monday that I would be concerned but that is part of the encouraging bit to me.”

A win is a win

“I think that is an obvious question. If there are a lot of Ls (losses). I don’t really care what it looks like or what the statistics are even though I came from an offensive background that was pretty prolific at times in Arizona. It’s was what we felt gave us the best chance to win. If it doesn’t look pretty, it is not going to matter to me if it’s a W (win). We are going to do what we have to, to give us the best chance to win. If that is three yards and a cloud of dust, we don’t turn the football over and we play great defense, I’ll be the happiest guy sitting here after games.”

Read the entire transcript here.

VIDEO: The First Day of the Kansas City Chiefs Off Season Training Activities

Chris Thorman — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:45:13 -0000

Todd Haley had a few words this afternoon about the start of the Kansas City Chiefs voluntary off season training activities (OTAs). Here are the quick hits from the mothership and BobGretz.com:

Three players were not in attendance - Brian Waters, Mike Vrabel and Donald Washington. Waters and Vrabel have not attended any of the mini-camps and Donald Washington can't participate until after he graduates from Ohio St. in June.
Practice was preceded by a 75 minutes strength and conditioning session and a 75 minute position tape session.
More from Bob Gretz: "There were a handful of players who did not take part as they rehab from injury: QB Brodie Croyle, CB Maurice Leggett, TE Tony Curtis, LB Turk McBride, DT Tank Tyler, DE Glenn Dorsey, OLB Brian Johnston and RB Kolby Smith."

Here are some highlights from head coach Todd Haley:

On the absentees...

“As I said earlier, I’m not going to talk about who’s here and who’s not here. You guys are out there and you have a good view and you can figure most of that out. Again, this is all voluntary and 83 guys were here, so let’s try and focus on those that are here and working hard.”

On class work...

“We’re about an hour and 15 minutes. One group lifts; one group meets and then they switch. We try to make it pretty fast-paced and, like I said, stressing that we’re still trying to get stronger, not getting into that maintenance mode, if there ever is that mode.”

On new Chief G Mike Goff...

“Mike’s another one of those guys. As everybody we’ve brought in here, we’re looking for a certain type of character along with the ability to play. He’s been with a good team that’s had some success. He knows what winning is about and how to prepare to win. That’s what I was touching on: you watch a guy like Mike come in every day. He’s in here every day in the early group ready to work. I think there are some guys watching him and learning from him. That’s one of the big things that Mike brings along with his ability.”

On Glenn Dorsey...

“He’s alright. He’s got a little issue right now that we’ve been working on. He’s been working to get himself ready. But he should be going before too long. I think he made it through today pretty good and that’s what we were looking for.”

Read it all at the mothership. The offensive and defensive lineups for the training activities is after the jump.

OFFENSE

Dwayne Bowe	Branden Albert	Wade Smith	Rudy Niswanger	Mike Goff	Damion McIntosh	Brad Cottam	Mark Bradley
			Matt Cassel
			Mike Cox
			Larry Johnson

DEFENSE

	Tyson Jackson		Ron Edwards		Alex Magee
Monty Beisel		Zach Thomas		Derrick Johnson		Tamba Hali
Brandon Flowers						Brandon Carr
Jarrad Page						Bernard Pollard

Chiefs Select DT Alex Magee From Purdue with Third Round Pick

Joel Thorman — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:35:22 -0000

via www2.indystar.com

The Kansas City Chiefs have dipped into the Big Ten to find another piece of the puzzle on the defensive line. Alex Magee, defensive tackle out of Purdue, was the 67th player taken in the 2009 NFL Draft.

6'3", 295 pounds

Mel Kiper called him the "best defensive player at Purdue in the last two years." He's projected by many to be a defensive end in a 3-4 defensive scheme. I'm not sure about the player, but I understand why the Chiefs snagged a defensive end.

Taking a look at the Chiefs recent offseason program, all the defensive ends in the Herm Edwards era (Tamba Hali, Turk McBride, Brian Johnston) were practicing with the linebackers.

In Scott Pioli first three years in New England, he and Bill Belichick picked their defensive ends early. Richard Seymour went #6 overall in 2001 and Ty Warren went #13 in 2003.

Here's what Mocking the Draft has to say on Magee, who they projected as a round four pick:

Strengths: At Purdue, Magee played both end and tackle and would be an ideal tackle in a pressure scheme. He uses his quickness at tackle to beat linemen off the snap and get good positioning. Moves laterally really well and has the body control to change direction without losing speed. Long-limbed and has a frame to carry more weight. Team player who switched positions as a senior.

Weaknesses: To make it in the pros, Magee needs to add a lot more power to his frame. Otherwise, when he misses a beat off the snap he can be pushed around. Will sometimes allow blockers into his chest. Gets completely immobilized by double teams. Inconsistent effort and will go long stretches without making an impact.

So we've got our two defensive ends in round one and round three. Tank Tyler will reportedly play nose tackle. Where is Glenn Dorsey going to play?

Welcome Alex Magee!

Current Picks:

Round 1, #3 LSU DE Tyson Jackson

Round 2, #34 Traded to New England for QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel

Round 2, #67 Purdue DT Alex Magee

Remaining Picks:

Round 4, Pick 2 (102)
Round 5, Pick 3 (139)
Round 6, Pick 2 (175)
Round 7, Pick 3 (212)
Round 7, Pick 47 (256)

Poll

Do you agree with the selection?

Yes

321 votes

No

243 votes

Not sure yet

232 votes

796 votes | Poll has closed

Some News on the Chiefs Defensive Scheme, Personnel

Joel Thorman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:00:10 -0000

Yesterday we told you about some rumors floating around that the Kansas City Chiefs were ready to tentatively pencil in Tank Tyler as the nose tackle in the new 3-4 defense. Those rumors were confirmed by DeMarcus "Tank" Tyler in an interview on Sirius Satellite Radio yesterday.

The Chiefs are holding a meeting today where they'll discuss schemes and personnel so stay tuned for more information. Here are a few things Tank talked about in his interview.

Tank as the Nose and Dorsey in a Three Technique

Tyler said the Chiefs were indeed looking at him to be the nose tackle. However, in a sign that a hybrid 3-4/4-3 will be utilized he also mentioned that Glenn Dorsey will continue to play the three technique on the defensive line. This means that Dorsey wouldn't be lining up straight over center like Tank would.

This isn't necessarily set in stone either. But remember, just a few short weeks ago Todd Haley said he sees Dorsey in an "attacking" role (ala three technique).

A three technique is expected to be more athletic and get into the backfield whereas a nose tackle is expected to take on the center and the strong side guard and essentially clog the middle.

(Note: Maybe some of you better versed in the technical aspects of the defensive line can help explain how Tyler and Dorsey would coexist in a scheme like this)

Defensive Ends Moving to Linebacker

In a move that we expected, he also said the defensive ends would be moving to linebacker. The question is, however, which defensive ends?

Todd Haley has already said Tamba Hali (6'2", 265 pounds) would likely be utilized exclusively as a rusher on passing downs meaning he'll be an outside linebacker.

Brian Johnston (6'5", 276 pounds) can provide depth on the line as well. His 40-yard dash time (4.66) would have been 4th best for ends over 260 pounds had he been invited to the NFL Combine so the athleticism is there to give him a look see as an outside linebacker. In my view, however, he's an end in the 3-4 defense.

The future of Turk McBride is unclear. He played end and tackle while at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) but has played end in his brief, injury riddled career in the pros. At 6'4" and 285 pounds he seems to have the size to be an end in the 3-4 but not necessarily the speed as an outside 'backer (though these numbers are from the NFL Combine two years ago). He'll be an interesting project this offseason.

***

Not much in the way of new news with Tyler's interview. More of a vague reference by a player on things we've been speculating on for some time now.

The Chiefs will have meetings to discuss personnel and scheme today so make sure you check back today.

Recent Draft History: Kansas City Chiefs

Jeremy Bolander — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:00:10 -0000

2008 Draft:

1 (5) Glenn Dorsey, DT STARTER

With the Chiefs' move to a 3-4 in the works, and not a lot to go on with Dorsey, the big question is whether he might be a bust waiting to happen...I'll save you the suspense: Dorsey will be just fine. He quietly led the rookie class of defensive linemen with the most tackles, and as a penetrating, one gap 3-4 DE he should be able to take advantage of mismatches and make his LBs better. He may not "break out" in 2009, but the Chiefs should get a boost in production from a palyer who is already on track.

1 (15) Branden Albert, OG STARTER

Albert played well and outside of a few hitches in his gitalong, managed to give the Chiefs a nice, complete season. He should be a solid guard they can build around for a long time.

2 (35) Brandon Flowers, CB STARTER

My favorite player on the Chiefs, and quite possibly their best rookie performer, Flowers was a bright spot on a team with ZERO pass rush. How he did it is beyond me, but if the new coaching staff focuses on using him correctly, he will be on his way to being one of the stars in this league.

3 (73) Jamaal Charles, RB Backup

The Chiefs were hoping for a reason to devalue the vitriolic LJ, but Charles wasn't quite up to the task. In Herm's predictable offense he was hamstrung, and despite decent numbers, he couldn't quite "take over" when LJ was missing games. The potential is still there, and he needs to take advantage of any opportunities he gets this year.

3 (76) Brad Cottam, TE Backup

A non-blocking TE who is heir apparent to Tony-G, Cottam surprisingly was a useful blocker, and stepped in when asked. He has the right attitude, and a great mentor, so his future looks promising.

3 (82) DaJuan Morgan, FS Backup

Despite the pre-draft hype, Morgan was fairly a know-show for the Chiefs, with no significant defensive time and an underwhelming effort on STs. Under a new regime he will need to prove he can step and step out onto the field, or his "upside" won't get him to hsi next Chiefs' contract.

4 (105) Will Franklin, WR Backup

Didn't really make an impact in limited time. The Chiefs' will definitley be looking for him to step up and help out whoever wins the starting QB job.

5 (140) Brandon Carr, CB STARTER

Not too many teams can start two rookies at CB and not be burned, but Carr held his own, and fed off of Flowers' success on the opposite side. Carr looks to have a spot tied up, but will need to show that he can do this consistently. A better overall tackler, he can suffer some letdown in his coverage game if the Chiefs can get even better safety play behind him in 2009.

6 (170) Barry Richardson, OT Backup

Not a lot to go on here, but they haven't cut him yet... Spent most of the season inactive and the Chiefs are expected to have competition for the Tackle spots in camp.

6 (181) Kevin Robinson, WR/KR STARTER

Robinson looks to be the #1 kick returner going into 2009, and though he didn't wow to many people at the position, he was alert, shifty, and didn't make mistakes, which should earn him the right to keep the job. He will have a terrific opportunity in 2009 to try and work his way into the starting offense if he can stay consistent in the return game.

7 (210) Brian Johnston,DE Backup

A late season calf injury sent him to IR, but the switch to a 3-4 could reinvigorate him for 2009. As a possible OLB candidate, he could defintiely make an impact.

7 (239) Mike Merritt, TE Out of NFL

Merritt is a free agent, after being waived by the Chiefs after the season ended, and not seeing any playing time.

2007 Draft:

1 (23) Dwayne Bowe, WR STARTER

Bowe continued his second solid season for the Chiefs, and is likely to be their #1 for the indefinite future. A big, physical WR, he gets himself into great matchups all over the field and mangaes to produce.

2 (54) Turk McBride, DE STARTER

McBride will likely benefit greatly from being moved to a 3-4 DE position, as long as it is a one-gap, and not 2-gap responsibility. He has been solid for the Chiefs, but not a star. His flashes of quickness and his relentless motor should help him bring penetration to the end of the ends of the chiefs' defense.

3 (83) Tank Tyler, DT STARTER

A rotational starter on the Dline, Tyler has been adequate, and will need to get back to being an explosive, powerful block-shedder in a 3-4. If he can do that, he might hold up at NT, otherwise, he gets entered into the DE sweepstakes.

5 (148) Kolby Smith, RB Backup

Another young player who got hurt before finishing the 2008 season, Colby has been a long work in progress. He'll need a solid 2009 season to maintain his grip on the roster.

5 (160) Justin Medlock, K Out of NFL

After flaming out in KC, Medlock went to the Rams, where he looked to be able to take advantage of his talents on turf, in a dome, but in the end he was waived from there as well, and remains unsigned.

6 (196) Herb taylor, G/T Backup

At this point Taylor is little more than a replaceable part. He never looks prepared, and plays the same as he did when he was a green rookie. The Chiefs will want to see progress, or they will find some upside to take his place on the roster.

7 (231) Michael Allen, TE Out of NFL

Allen failed to stick at either TE or on the oline, and was waived early in 08.

2006 Draft:

1 (20) Tamba Hali, DE STARTER

Despite his starter status, Hali is anything but safe during roster turnover time. He will probably get a chance to prove himself as a 34DE, but so far he hasn't been even close to the pre-draft hype. He will probably be looking at trying to ressurect his career elsewhere in the next year or two.

2 (53) Bernard Pollard, S STARTER

Pollard has been playing well and may have finally earned the right to call the SS spot his own. While he still needs to work on the tackling, his efforts as an intimidator across the middle are going to start getting noticed.

3 (85) Brodie Croyle, QB Backup

It is hard to tell if a QB is any good when they play for Herm Edwards, so Croyle seems to have bought himself a little time, but with Cassel and Thigpen set for a roomba deathbot match, chances are Croyle's future is holding a clipboard. At best.

5 (154) Marcus Maxey, CB Out of NFL

After being cut byt eh Chiefs, spending 2 games with the Bears before being cut again, and later resigned by the Chiefs, Maxey was later cut for good a the beginning of 2007.

6 (186) Tre Stallings, G backup/Baltimore

After being waived from KC, he spent a year out of football, and was recently signed to a practice squad futures contract with the Ravens.

6 (190) Jeff Webb, WR Backup

A favorite of Herm Edwards, Herm's departure spelled the end for Webb. He will probably be let go before the 53-man roster is set, after two season of lackluster production.

7 (228) Jarrad Page, S STARTER

Page has been working his way into this role for a while now, and with the RFA tender being given to him, the Chiefs no doubt wouldn't mind trying to keep him around. He was a playmaker in 2008, and should keep on improving.

Chiefs Injury Situation is Ridiculous

Chris Thorman — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:48:44 -0000

via NFL.com

Bob Gretz breaks down just how ridiculous the Kansas City Chiefs injury situation has gotten in Week 11.

DE Brian Johnston is out with a calf injury. He’s a candidate for the Injured Reserve List.
DE Tamba Hali questionable with an ankle injury.
LB Derrick Johnson is out with his sore hamstring.
CB Pat Surtain is questionable with his quad injury.
LB Pat Thomas out with a hamstring injury.
RG Adrian Jones is out with a right ankle injury.
CB Brandon Flowers is questionable with a hamstring.
S DaJuan Morgan is questionable with a hamstring.
DE Turk McBride is questionable with a shoulder injury. He could also be a candidate for the IR list.
RB Jamaal Charles is questionable with his sprained ankle.

Undoubtedly, some of these guy's health will improve over the week and they'll take the field on Sunday. It's been a bad year to be a Chiefs quarterback, running back, linebacker or defensive end. And quite frankly, to see any improvement in the midst of all of these injuries adds to the hard work the Chiefs are doing during the week.

Chiefs to Sign Defensive End Jason Babin

Chris Thorman — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:01:55 -0000

via www.billycalzada.com

In addition to LB Kyle Shotwell, it appears that the Kansas City Chiefs are also replenishing their supply of defensive linemen with the signing of DE Jason Babin.

News 3 has learned that former Western Michigan All-American Jason Babin will sign a one-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs today. The Paw Paw native was released by the Seattle Seahawks September 17th, just over a year after being acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans.

A number of teams showed interest in Babin, including the 9-0 Tennessee Titans, but ultimately the Kansas City deal gives him an opportunity to play right away and hopefully secure a long term deal for 2009. The former first round draft pick registered a career high five sacks in 2006, but never saw significant playing time with Seattle and was deemed expendable.

Like Shotwell, Babin has a chance to get on the active roster for the rest of the season because of injuries at the defensive end position. DE Brian Johnston will be on injured reserve and DE Tamba Hali is having a knee issue.

Babin is a former 2004 27th overall pick by the Texans.