Chiefs Undrafted Free Agent Targets? - Page 26

**doomy3** · 06:00 AM

Post your wishlist for who you would like the Chiefs to go after for UDFAs. I'll update the list when someone gets signed, and I will keep a running list of guys the Chiefs sign.

CHIEFS UDFA SIGNINGS:

Jeremy Horne - WR, UMass
Andrew Lewis - OL, Oklahoma State
Austin Signor - K, Eastern Illinois
Rich Gunnell - WR, Boston College
Mike Johnson - ILB, North Alabama
Menelik Holt - WR, Nebraska
Garrett Brown - NT, Minnesota
Justin Cole - LB, San Jose State
T.C. Drake - TE, Kentucky
Tyler Eastman - OT, Maine
Tervaris Johnson - RB, Miami
Nick Landry - OL, Tulane
Lemuel Jeanpierre - OG, South Carolina
Bill Stull - QB, Pittsburgh

POSSIBLE UDFA TARGETS:

Brandon Lang - OLB/DE (CHARGERS)
Tony Washington - OT
Jarrett Brown - QB (PANTHERS)
Jeremy Williams - WR (CHARGERS)
Blaire White -WR (COLTS)
Danario Alexander - WR
Lindsey Witten _ OLB/DE (STEELERS)
Jeff Byers - C/OG (SEAHAWKS)
Ciron Black - OT (STEELERS)
Micah Johnson - ILB
Jay Ross - NT
Freddie Barnes - WR (BEARS)
LeGarrette Blount - (49ers)
Stephan Johnson - RB (TITANS)
John Estes - C (JAGUARS)
Ekom Udofia - NT (SAINTS)
Barry Church - S
Stephen Williams - WR
Clint Gresham - LS (BRONCOS)
Nick McDonald - OT
Joique Bell - RB (BILLS)
Preston Parker - WR (BUCS)
Terrance Johnson - CB
AJ Jackson - WR
Matt Nichols - QB (COWBOYS)

JohnnyV13 · 04-27-2010, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micjones

So did we ever get confirmation that Ivey signed with the Chiefs?

I don't think he did. I got that from a cbssports article, and I think the reporter made a mistake.

dtrain · 04-27-2010, 08:29 AM

I saw somewhere that Ivey signed with Miami

Archie Bunker · 04-27-2010, 09:44 AM

Small article on our ILB hopefull.....

http://www.newsherald.com/sports/joh...nt-panama.html

Chiefs sign Johnson to free-agent contract
Comments 0 | Recommend 0
April 26, 2010 07:23:00 PM
By BRAD MILNER | News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — All Mike Johnson wanted was a chance. On Saturday, it came to the Bay High School graduate.

The former North Alabama linebacker was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Johnson held out hope for a late-round selection on Saturday in the 75th NFL Draft. Instead, the other option opened up almost immediately following the completion of the seven rounds.

Johnson, 23, said the Chiefs contacted him before the draft and said they were interested in obtaining his services. Whether it was through the draft or other means made Johnson optimistic that he would get an opportunity.

“They called me, told me they wanted me and would have a free-agent contract waiting,” Johnson said Monday. “All we had to do was agree to the terms and have my agent sign it.”

Johnson will add his name to the free-agent contract when he reports for the Chiefs’ rookie camp on Thursday. He will be one of 18 rookies, including 11 who were undrafted. The 6-foot-1, 255-pounder is the only inside linebacker in the group.

“They have a need for my position and didn’t draft anybody (or sign anyone) so that tells me a lot,” Johnson said. “They expect me to contribute and they showed they were serious about me.”

Johnson didn’t go into specifics, but said he will sign a standard free-agent contract and will receive “a couple thousand dollars” as a signing bonus. Nothing else is guaranteed, as is the norm with most NFL contracts.

Nor is a position with the team, which eventually will be decided after Organized Team Activities and summer training camp. Johnson said he is taking the approach of many players: let his actions on the field do the talking.

“All I can do is shut my mouth and work hard,” Johnson said. “That’s all I’m planning to do.”

Johnson said he will relish every minute of this lifelong dream, one that he hopes doesn’t end anytime soon.

“This means everything to me, this is my hard work paying off,” Johnson said. “This is basically a paid tryout.

“I can’t ask for a better situation. A chance was all I could have asked for. Anything beyond that is great.”

cdirty · 04-27-2010, 09:51 AM

so when these UFDAs sign with us... does that mean they are getting paid? at least through training camp? how much do they get paid?

**The Franchise** · 04-27-2010, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdirty

so when these UFDAs sign with us... does that mean they are getting paid? at least through training camp? how much do they get paid?

They usually get small contracts with a couple of thousand dollars as a signing bonus.

And yes....it's usually up through training camp and preseason......until the first waive of cuts has to be made.

Bill Lundberg · 04-27-2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdirty

so when these UFDAs sign with us... does that mean they are getting paid? at least through training camp? how much do they get paid?

I know a guy who signed a free agent contract with the Bengals. He didn't get a signing bonus but got a one year $195,000 contract. He shredded his hamstring on kickoff of the first preseason game and that was it, never played again and never saw the rest of that contract. This was back in 1998-99 so I'm sure they are getting a little more now.

Wilson8 · 04-27-2010, 11:41 AM

This is a story from 2008 but it still has some relevance to college free agents, bonus money, and the process of making an NFL team. The story is written by Ross Tucker for SI.

Undrafted, not unwanted: How passed-over players make teams

What do Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and Jeff Saturday have in common? Along with being significant contributors on playoff teams last season, the trio also went undrafted, which provides hope for hundreds of undrafted free agents arriving at NFL mini-camps this week.

With the length of the draft steadily decreasing -- from 30 rounds in the 1950s to 12, then eight, and finally seven in recent years -- the importance placed on securing the best of the worst has grown. Player evaluation is an inexact science, so teams are well aware that a competent starter or role player may be available among each year's undrafted free agents.

Case in point: Me.

• The Process

Most teams have a pretty good feel, even before the draft, which players they would like to sign, based upon the recommendations of their scouts and coaches. Naturally, some get drafted and become unavailable, but the others start getting calls as early as the first round and agreeing to a deal by the seventh round.

Even though I suspected no team was going to select me when I came out of Princeton in 2001, I still had a virtual conniption when a coach from the Cincinnati Bengals called me during the first round. He was simply laying groundwork by letting me know that they were interested in potentially signing me should I not get drafted.

The process is somewhat inefficient. Players and/or their agents often end up fielding multiple calls at the same time. For an agent with multiple undrafted players, it becomes a juggling act. He must balance the signing bonus money being offered with the potential opportunity available, and make split-second decisions due to the time constraints dictated by the clubs.

• The Feeling

Just like drafted players, undrafted free agents run the gamut of emotions during the seventh round and the melee that follows. Players who were projected to get drafted but did not can even feel a sense of embarrassment. For them, signing as a free agent is a nightmare.

I was the exact opposite. I knew I wasn't likely to get drafted and, in fact, was just hoping I would get a chance as a free agent to pursue my dream. Words can do no justice to the feeling I had when my agent, Joe Linta, called an hour after the draft to let me know I was a member of the Washington Redskins and needed to report to mini-camp on Thursday. My college roommates and I jumped up and down at the news. I was getting my shot to put on an NFL helmet and go against the best of the best.

As I mentioned in last week's article, attitude can be everything when it comes to how you approach your first NFL experience.

• Show me the opportunity

Players and agents must weigh two important factors when making the decision on which team to sign with: money and opportunity. Every undrafted free agent signs a contract for minimum salaries, so the only negotiation revolves around a signing bonus that ranges from zero to $25,000. I have always felt it is critical to sign with a team that will offer the best opportunity to make the team, not necessarily the team that will offer a couple thousand dollars more up front. The serious money comes from making a 53-man roster or even a practice squad. However, turning down more money can be easier said than done.

Though the difference between $5,000 and $10,000 may not seem like a lot given the current salary cap climate and huge dollars given to top draft choices, $5,000 is lot of money when you don't have any. For your typical college kid with $58.37 in a bank account and some credit card bills to pay, it is often difficult to see the big picture. Still, players and agents must weigh the bonus money vs. the potential opportunity that they deem available.

• What have you done for others lately

An agent who correctly tracks the positional situations of the teams interested in his client is golden. How many open roster spots are likely for a given team at his client's position? Did the team draft anyone at that position? If it did, how high was he taken and would there truly be an open competition in which the best player made the team?

The other critical ingredient is the history that a certain franchise and/or coaching staff has in regard to undrafted rookies making the opening day roster. Buffalo frequently retains undrafted players, and many of them go on to make significant contributions, such as Jason Peters and Jabari Greer. Even a veteran-laden team such as New England has found a way to keep undrafted free agents on the roster, like Mike Wright and Pierre Woods. History shows that the Dolphins, under the watchful eye of Bill Parcells, will have one or two undrafted rookies on the roster, even at the expense of some of his draft picks.

One of Marty Schottenheimer's greatest qualities was his ability to offer every player a fair shot, no matter his pedigree. My undrafted free-agent class with the Schottenheimer-coached Washington Redskins in 2001 featured several players who made the roster and went on to successful careers -- including me, Antonio Pierce (now a stalwart with the New York Giants) and Kenny Watson (now with the Bengals). This was in stark contrast with the following season, when new coach Steve Spurrier gave undrafted rookies very little opportunity to make the roster.

• Time to make a first impression

Once a player and his agent decide on a team, it's time to move forward and never look back. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. The faster an undrafted free agent can put the post-draft frenzy behind him and focus on the task at hand in mini-camp, the greater chance he has at making an NFL roster.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...#ixzz0mK5M3nzg

Wilson8 · 04-27-2010, 01:43 PM

The story has now been amended on cbssports and Travis Ivey's name has been removed.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...make-an-impact

Interesting that the author thought Ivey would make an impact for the Chiefs but removed him from the story since he actually signed with Miami.

So still waiting for a good NT for the Chiefs. NT Brown from Minnesota doesn't have the size and strength to dominate in the middle. We waited for possible FAs like Wilfork, Pickett, Hampton, and Franklin. Their teams knew the importance of keeping the big man in the middle so that did not work out. We went into the 2nd tier of free agents and signed Shaun Smith. That should help some. The Chiefs had opportunities in the draft with Cody, Troup, Thomas, and Joseph. We drafted for other positions which is good if the Chiefs think they are better players. We signed several OL players in the college free agency. I don't understand why not go after NTs here like Ivey, Granger, Ross, and Mullins. I guess no team captains in that group.

I'd still haven't seen any news on Ot Tony Washington. I'd like the Chiefs to make an effort to sign him plus WR Denario Alexander and ILB Micah Johnson.

Archie Bunker · 04-27-2010, 02:53 PM

more tryouts.....

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/

Chiefs Bringing In Former K-State DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald

According to a report, K-State DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald will be joining the Chiefs this weekend at the club's rookie minicamp. The report indicates he signed a free agent contract.

Fitzgerald visited the Bears and Eagles leading up to the draft but wasn't selected. He stands 6'4" and 270 pounds and had a solid senior season with 40 tackles and seven sacks.

The Chiefs have some familiarity with him. He played in the East-West shrine game with Romeo Crennel, according to a Scout.com profile.

At Kansas State's Pro Day on March 3rd, Fitzgerald showcased his athleticism and strength to NFL scouts in attendance by running a 4.83 in the 40, generating a 35-inch vertical and benching 225 pounds 21 times.

Anyone ever seen him play?

Chiefs Bringing Another Punter To Rookie Minicamp

Chiefs Bringing Another Punter To Rookie Minicamp
by Joel Thorman on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM PDT in 2010 NFL Draft 19 comments

The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the top punters in the league yet are still bringing another one to minicamp. The official Eastern Michigan website reports that P Zach Johnson has signed a free-agent contract with the Chiefs.

The Chiefs worked Johnson out back in March. They also attended at least one Eastern Michigan game this season.

He's got some pretty impressive numbers.

Johnson was on the Ray Guy Award Watch list, which goes to the top punter in the nation, in both 2006 and 2007, and was one of the semifinalists for the award in 2006. He was also a 2006 honorable mention Freshman All-American as chosen by The Sporting News.

For his career Johnson played in 42 games, earning 39 starts while averaging 40.2 yards per punt. He had an amazing 69 punts inside the 20-yard line. His 40.2 career punting average is the third-best in school history.

It's unclear if he is a rookie tryout or an undrafted free agent that has actually signed. The report said he had actually signed a UDFA deal with the Chiefs. If that's the case, that'd make 12 UDFAs.

As we've said before, the Chiefs working specialists is likely more just insurance in the instance Dustin Colquitt or Ryan Succop are out for a game (or more). I don't see them being replaced.

Share Chiefs May Be Adding Another Inside Linebacker
by Joel Thorman on Apr 25, 2010 4:31 PM PDT in 2010 NFL Draft 32 comments, 32 new

More photos » Dave Martin - AP .
Browse more photos »
Greg Rossino of the Troy Messenger tweets he's "hearing" Troy ILB Boris Lee will sign with the Chiefs. The Chiefs just announced the signing of 11 undrafted free agents and Lee was not one of them.

They can sign more undrafted free agents if they want (and they will).

I can see the connection with Lee. The Chiefs drafted Cameron Sheffield in the fifth round of the draft. Sheffield comes from Troy. So it makes sense that the Chiefs would have spent some time with him.

Remember, UDFAs can choose who they want to sign with (assuming there are options) so Lee might feel he has a shot. We've talked about the Chiefs inside linebacker situation. I think it might need some help.

We don't really have much information on the 6'1", 238 pound Lee. He isn't on any of our draft interests chart. Although the Chiefs did scout at least one Troy game this year.

The only Boris Lee talk we've had on AP comes from user troy145, who is obviously a Troy fan.

As of now, we're filing this one under unconfirmed. I do feel good about this happening because it makes sense the sports editor of the Troy, AL paper would know about Troy University players.

Here is a link to the 11 UDFAs the Chiefs signed and here are some other rumors and other unconfirmed reports.

[Update: Looks like it's just an invite to the Chiefs rookie mini camp. Thanks KcChiefsfan506]

KevB · 04-27-2010, 03:12 PM

When Fitzgerald transferred from Virginia, many projected him as a future high draft choice. He wasn't as productive as you'd hope at KSU, but he was a solid player. Definitely worth bringing him in to see what he can bring to the table. I would have expected him to go to a 4-3 team as a DE....not sure where he fits with the Chiefs.

Frankie · 04-27-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrockaholic4life

I'd rather not be Dallas and use a roster spot on a kicker when Succop is very capable of having great kickoffs.

Use that extra spot on the DL or OL IMO.

I really don't believe we will have two kickers. There are kickers brought in every year to provide competition for your kicker. Occasionally one beats out the incumbent.

LaChapelle · 04-27-2010, 06:53 PM

When is the time cut off to pick the 2010 Printers/Scanlon/Trampoline Champion/white reciever canidate
do we get until training camp

Wilson8 · 04-29-2010, 10:27 AM

News from Abilene, Texas on Tony Washington.

No teams have even called him.

It seems with all of the "good citizens" that KC has signed they could afford to risk bringing in Washington on a college free agent contract.

Ex-ACU lineman still waiting for call from pros

Tony Washington watched the NFL draft for three days, waiting for his name to be called.

It never happened.

The two-time NCAA Division II All-American at Abilene Christian offensive tackle at least expected the phone to ring soon after the draft, with an NFL team ready to offer him a free-agent deal. As of Tuesday, that call had yet to come.

Washington was diplomatic about the lack of interest. Well, at least at first.

"I understand, though," he said. "Some things people can't let go, you know?"

Those things that people can't let go involve his past. In May 2003, when he was 16, Washington was convicted of having sex with his 15-year-old biological sister. He said the sex was consensual. Washington, who grew up in New Orleans, didn't serve any jail time but he received five years probation.

He has to register as a sex offender wherever he lives for the rest of his life.

Washington believes that decision as a 16-year-old is the only reason NFL teams shied away from him

"Yeah, I do believe that's what it's all about," he said. "But I can't do anything about it. I'm just sitting around waiting on a phone call."

It seems hard to believe the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Washington still is waiting for that phone to ring. He did well enough at the NFL combine that some folks were talking about him being a second-round pick. Now, nothing.

West Texas A&M offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb didn't even get invited to the combine but he was taken in the seventh and final round by the Chicago Bears. By most accounts, Washington was considered the better prospect. But the 6-8, 328-pound Webb had less baggage.

Ironically, had Washington beaten somebody up, well, that would probably be OK. There are plenty of NFL athletes who had past histories of violence and questionable behavior. Yet they got a chance to play in the NFL.

Even Washington's former teammate at ACU, Bernard Scott, had minor run-ins with the law and once even got in an off-campus fight that led to his suspension from athletics at Vernon High School. Another fight got him kicked off the team at Central Arkansas.

But he made the most of a second chance at ACU, and his past didn't scare away the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him last season.

And yet what Washington did when he was 16 scared away 32 NFL teams? That is not to say what Washington did was OK, but he was just a kid at the time, and he hasn't shown any pattern of violence or bad behavior since. So what gives?

ACU coach Chris Thomsen believes it's all about appearances. He said NFL teams don't want to undergo the media scrutiny they'd get drafting or signing a convicted sex offender. Never mind that Washington isn't what most people would consider your typical sex offender.

"It's just purely a public relations issue," he said. "It had nothing to do with his ability. The teams don't want to have to deal with the scrutiny that comes with that from the media. We're living in a time where the media has to be in every facet of a public figure's life. Teams don't want to deal with that. They don't want to have to answer to why they have a registered sex offender on the team."

That's not to say NFL teams weren't interested in Washington. He said Buffalo had shown interest before the draft. The Bills, though, haven't called since. They ended up signing Texas A&M-Kingsville offensive lineman Jorge Guerra to a free-agent deal.

Midwestern State offensive lineman Mark Hanson also signed as a free agent deal with Minnesota. Neither Guerra nor Hanson were invited to the combine or were even mentioned as possible draft picks by reliable sources.

In fact, NFL scouting guru Gil Brandt listed 14 offensive linemen on his list of the best available players not drafted -- only three of them weren't offered free-agent deals, including Washington. And one of those guys was offered a tryout.

So you can understand why Washington feels like he was yanked around by the NFL.

"My whole thing was if you knew you weren't going to draft me, then don't bring me to the combine, don't invite me to all these all-star games, don't put so much into me," he said. "Now, all of a sudden all 32 teams aren't interested?"

Washington was certain he would be drafted -- or at least offered a free-agent deal. He couldn't believe that call hasn't come.

"I'm a whole lot surprised," he said. "I'm disappointed. God's going to take care of whatever He's going to take care. I believe he's going to take care of me. I have faith in him, and that's it. So I'm just sitting around, really. I can't feel anything right now. I just have to work hard and keep going."

Thomsen believes Washington will be playing football somewhere next season, though not likely in the NFL.

"It's unfortunate for him," he said. "But there's time for him to get an opportunity. There's other leagues in football. He's worked hard, and hopefully he'll get an opportunity to keep playing."

Washington's dream is to play in the NFL. He even has a NFL tattoo on one of his arms. But if the NFL doesn't come calling, he expects to get offers from both the United Football League and the Canadian Football League. And he's willing to go that route if that's what it takes to eventually get into the NFL.

"The NFL is my dream," he said. "If I have to take another long road to get there, then I have to take another long road to get there."

Sure-Oz · 04-29-2010, 10:37 AM

Do you blame them Tony?

KCChiefsMan · 04-29-2010, 10:42 AM

If you could go 5 years into the future and you could see that Tony Washington is a 5 time pro bowler and the next Willie Roaf, would you sign him?

I don't have an answer to that, honestly. The abuse from faider and bronco fans would be unprecedented and he fucked his sister man, damn that's some fucked up shit.

04-24-2010, 02:00 PM
doomy3 Supporter Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $3223539	Undrafted Free Agent Targets? Post your wishlist for who you would like the Chiefs to go after for UDFAs. I'll update the list when someone gets signed, and I will keep a running list of guys the Chiefs sign. CHIEFS UDFA SIGNINGS: Jeremy Horne - WR, UMass Andrew Lewis - OL, Oklahoma State Austin Signor - K, Eastern Illinois Rich Gunnell - WR, Boston College Mike Johnson - ILB, North Alabama Menelik Holt - WR, Nebraska Garrett Brown - NT, Minnesota Justin Cole - LB, San Jose State T.C. Drake - TE, Kentucky Tyler Eastman - OT, Maine Tervaris Johnson - RB, Miami Nick Landry - OL, Tulane Lemuel Jeanpierre - OG, South Carolina Bill Stull - QB, Pittsburgh POSSIBLE UDFA TARGETS: Brandon Lang - OLB/DE (CHARGERS) Tony Washington - OT Jarrett Brown - QB (PANTHERS) Jeremy Williams - WR (CHARGERS) Blaire White -WR (COLTS) Danario Alexander - WR Lindsey Witten _ OLB/DE (STEELERS) Jeff Byers - C/OG (SEAHAWKS) Ciron Black - OT (STEELERS) Micah Johnson - ILB Jay Ross - NT Freddie Barnes - WR (BEARS) LeGarrette Blount - (49ers) Stephan Johnson - RB (TITANS) John Estes - C (JAGUARS) Ekom Udofia - NT (SAINTS) Barry Church - S Stephen Williams - WR Clint Gresham - LS (BRONCOS) Nick McDonald - OT Joique Bell - RB (BILLS) Preston Parker - WR (BUCS) Terrance Johnson - CB AJ Jackson - WR Matt Nichols - QB (COWBOYS) Last edited by doomy3; 04-27-2010 at 06:00 AM.. Reason: updated
Posts: 12,878

04-27-2010, 08:29 AM	#377
dtrain Who's your daddy? Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Junction City Casino cash: $-1276694	I saw somewhere that Ivey signed with Miami __________________ To bad more of the team doesn't have this mentality!!!
Posts: 2,144

04-27-2010, 09:44 AM	#378
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	Small article on our ILB hopefull..... http://www.newsherald.com/sports/joh...nt-panama.html Chiefs sign Johnson to free-agent contract Comments 0 \| Recommend 0 April 26, 2010 07:23:00 PM By BRAD MILNER \| News Herald Writer PANAMA CITY — All Mike Johnson wanted was a chance. On Saturday, it came to the Bay High School graduate. The former North Alabama linebacker was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Johnson held out hope for a late-round selection on Saturday in the 75th NFL Draft. Instead, the other option opened up almost immediately following the completion of the seven rounds. Johnson, 23, said the Chiefs contacted him before the draft and said they were interested in obtaining his services. Whether it was through the draft or other means made Johnson optimistic that he would get an opportunity. “They called me, told me they wanted me and would have a free-agent contract waiting,” Johnson said Monday. “All we had to do was agree to the terms and have my agent sign it.” Johnson will add his name to the free-agent contract when he reports for the Chiefs’ rookie camp on Thursday. He will be one of 18 rookies, including 11 who were undrafted. The 6-foot-1, 255-pounder is the only inside linebacker in the group. “They have a need for my position and didn’t draft anybody (or sign anyone) so that tells me a lot,” Johnson said. “They expect me to contribute and they showed they were serious about me.” Johnson didn’t go into specifics, but said he will sign a standard free-agent contract and will receive “a couple thousand dollars” as a signing bonus. Nothing else is guaranteed, as is the norm with most NFL contracts. Nor is a position with the team, which eventually will be decided after Organized Team Activities and summer training camp. Johnson said he is taking the approach of many players: let his actions on the field do the talking. “All I can do is shut my mouth and work hard,” Johnson said. “That’s all I’m planning to do.” Johnson said he will relish every minute of this lifelong dream, one that he hopes doesn’t end anytime soon. “This means everything to me, this is my hard work paying off,” Johnson said. “This is basically a paid tryout. “I can’t ask for a better situation. A chance was all I could have asked for. Anything beyond that is great.”
Posts: 6,219

04-27-2010, 09:51 AM	#379
cdirty Starter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: wichita Casino cash: $10004900	so when these UFDAs sign with us... does that mean they are getting paid? at least through training camp? how much do they get paid?
Posts: 495

04-27-2010, 11:41 AM	#382
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2847557	This is a story from 2008 but it still has some relevance to college free agents, bonus money, and the process of making an NFL team. The story is written by Ross Tucker for SI. Undrafted, not unwanted: How passed-over players make teams What do Antonio Gates, Tony Romo and Jeff Saturday have in common? Along with being significant contributors on playoff teams last season, the trio also went undrafted, which provides hope for hundreds of undrafted free agents arriving at NFL mini-camps this week. With the length of the draft steadily decreasing -- from 30 rounds in the 1950s to 12, then eight, and finally seven in recent years -- the importance placed on securing the best of the worst has grown. Player evaluation is an inexact science, so teams are well aware that a competent starter or role player may be available among each year's undrafted free agents. Case in point: Me. • The Process Most teams have a pretty good feel, even before the draft, which players they would like to sign, based upon the recommendations of their scouts and coaches. Naturally, some get drafted and become unavailable, but the others start getting calls as early as the first round and agreeing to a deal by the seventh round. Even though I suspected no team was going to select me when I came out of Princeton in 2001, I still had a virtual conniption when a coach from the Cincinnati Bengals called me during the first round. He was simply laying groundwork by letting me know that they were interested in potentially signing me should I not get drafted. The process is somewhat inefficient. Players and/or their agents often end up fielding multiple calls at the same time. For an agent with multiple undrafted players, it becomes a juggling act. He must balance the signing bonus money being offered with the potential opportunity available, and make split-second decisions due to the time constraints dictated by the clubs. • The Feeling Just like drafted players, undrafted free agents run the gamut of emotions during the seventh round and the melee that follows. Players who were projected to get drafted but did not can even feel a sense of embarrassment. For them, signing as a free agent is a nightmare. I was the exact opposite. I knew I wasn't likely to get drafted and, in fact, was just hoping I would get a chance as a free agent to pursue my dream. Words can do no justice to the feeling I had when my agent, Joe Linta, called an hour after the draft to let me know I was a member of the Washington Redskins and needed to report to mini-camp on Thursday. My college roommates and I jumped up and down at the news. I was getting my shot to put on an NFL helmet and go against the best of the best. As I mentioned in last week's article, attitude can be everything when it comes to how you approach your first NFL experience. • Show me the opportunity Players and agents must weigh two important factors when making the decision on which team to sign with: money and opportunity. Every undrafted free agent signs a contract for minimum salaries, so the only negotiation revolves around a signing bonus that ranges from zero to $25,000. I have always felt it is critical to sign with a team that will offer the best opportunity to make the team, not necessarily the team that will offer a couple thousand dollars more up front. The serious money comes from making a 53-man roster or even a practice squad. However, turning down more money can be easier said than done. Though the difference between $5,000 and $10,000 may not seem like a lot given the current salary cap climate and huge dollars given to top draft choices, $5,000 is lot of money when you don't have any. For your typical college kid with $58.37 in a bank account and some credit card bills to pay, it is often difficult to see the big picture. Still, players and agents must weigh the bonus money vs. the potential opportunity that they deem available. • What have you done for others lately An agent who correctly tracks the positional situations of the teams interested in his client is golden. How many open roster spots are likely for a given team at his client's position? Did the team draft anyone at that position? If it did, how high was he taken and would there truly be an open competition in which the best player made the team? The other critical ingredient is the history that a certain franchise and/or coaching staff has in regard to undrafted rookies making the opening day roster. Buffalo frequently retains undrafted players, and many of them go on to make significant contributions, such as Jason Peters and Jabari Greer. Even a veteran-laden team such as New England has found a way to keep undrafted free agents on the roster, like Mike Wright and Pierre Woods. History shows that the Dolphins, under the watchful eye of Bill Parcells, will have one or two undrafted rookies on the roster, even at the expense of some of his draft picks. One of Marty Schottenheimer's greatest qualities was his ability to offer every player a fair shot, no matter his pedigree. My undrafted free-agent class with the Schottenheimer-coached Washington Redskins in 2001 featured several players who made the roster and went on to successful careers -- including me, Antonio Pierce (now a stalwart with the New York Giants) and Kenny Watson (now with the Bengals). This was in stark contrast with the following season, when new coach Steve Spurrier gave undrafted rookies very little opportunity to make the roster. • Time to make a first impression Once a player and his agent decide on a team, it's time to move forward and never look back. As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. The faster an undrafted free agent can put the post-draft frenzy behind him and focus on the task at hand in mini-camp, the greater chance he has at making an NFL roster. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...#ixzz0mK5M3nzg
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04-27-2010, 01:43 PM	#383
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2847557	The story has now been amended on cbssports and Travis Ivey's name has been removed. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/s...make-an-impact Interesting that the author thought Ivey would make an impact for the Chiefs but removed him from the story since he actually signed with Miami. So still waiting for a good NT for the Chiefs. NT Brown from Minnesota doesn't have the size and strength to dominate in the middle. We waited for possible FAs like Wilfork, Pickett, Hampton, and Franklin. Their teams knew the importance of keeping the big man in the middle so that did not work out. We went into the 2nd tier of free agents and signed Shaun Smith. That should help some. The Chiefs had opportunities in the draft with Cody, Troup, Thomas, and Joseph. We drafted for other positions which is good if the Chiefs think they are better players. We signed several OL players in the college free agency. I don't understand why not go after NTs here like Ivey, Granger, Ross, and Mullins. I guess no team captains in that group. I'd still haven't seen any news on Ot Tony Washington. I'd like the Chiefs to make an effort to sign him plus WR Denario Alexander and ILB Micah Johnson.
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04-27-2010, 02:53 PM	#384
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $-701022	more tryouts..... http://www.arrowheadpride.com/ Chiefs Bringing In Former K-State DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald According to a report, K-State DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald will be joining the Chiefs this weekend at the club's rookie minicamp. The report indicates he signed a free agent contract. Fitzgerald visited the Bears and Eagles leading up to the draft but wasn't selected. He stands 6'4" and 270 pounds and had a solid senior season with 40 tackles and seven sacks. The Chiefs have some familiarity with him. He played in the East-West shrine game with Romeo Crennel, according to a Scout.com profile. At Kansas State's Pro Day on March 3rd, Fitzgerald showcased his athleticism and strength to NFL scouts in attendance by running a 4.83 in the 40, generating a 35-inch vertical and benching 225 pounds 21 times. Anyone ever seen him play? Chiefs Bringing Another Punter To Rookie Minicamp Chiefs Bringing Another Punter To Rookie Minicamp by Joel Thorman on Apr 27, 2010 11:22 AM PDT in 2010 NFL Draft 19 comments The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the top punters in the league yet are still bringing another one to minicamp. The official Eastern Michigan website reports that P Zach Johnson has signed a free-agent contract with the Chiefs. The Chiefs worked Johnson out back in March. They also attended at least one Eastern Michigan game this season. He's got some pretty impressive numbers. Johnson was on the Ray Guy Award Watch list, which goes to the top punter in the nation, in both 2006 and 2007, and was one of the semifinalists for the award in 2006. He was also a 2006 honorable mention Freshman All-American as chosen by The Sporting News. For his career Johnson played in 42 games, earning 39 starts while averaging 40.2 yards per punt. He had an amazing 69 punts inside the 20-yard line. His 40.2 career punting average is the third-best in school history. It's unclear if he is a rookie tryout or an undrafted free agent that has actually signed. The report said he had actually signed a UDFA deal with the Chiefs. If that's the case, that'd make 12 UDFAs. As we've said before, the Chiefs working specialists is likely more just insurance in the instance Dustin Colquitt or Ryan Succop are out for a game (or more). I don't see them being replaced. Share Chiefs May Be Adding Another Inside Linebacker by Joel Thorman on Apr 25, 2010 4:31 PM PDT in 2010 NFL Draft 32 comments, 32 new More photos » Dave Martin - AP . Browse more photos » Greg Rossino of the Troy Messenger tweets he's "hearing" Troy ILB Boris Lee will sign with the Chiefs. The Chiefs just announced the signing of 11 undrafted free agents and Lee was not one of them. They can sign more undrafted free agents if they want (and they will). I can see the connection with Lee. The Chiefs drafted Cameron Sheffield in the fifth round of the draft. Sheffield comes from Troy. So it makes sense that the Chiefs would have spent some time with him. Remember, UDFAs can choose who they want to sign with (assuming there are options) so Lee might feel he has a shot. We've talked about the Chiefs inside linebacker situation. I think it might need some help. We don't really have much information on the 6'1", 238 pound Lee. He isn't on any of our draft interests chart. Although the Chiefs did scout at least one Troy game this year. The only Boris Lee talk we've had on AP comes from user troy145, who is obviously a Troy fan. As of now, we're filing this one under unconfirmed. I do feel good about this happening because it makes sense the sports editor of the Troy, AL paper would know about Troy University players. Here is a link to the 11 UDFAs the Chiefs signed and here are some other rumors and other unconfirmed reports. [Update: Looks like it's just an invite to the Chiefs rookie mini camp. Thanks KcChiefsfan506]
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04-27-2010, 03:12 PM	#385
KevB Agree to Disagree Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $10026612	When Fitzgerald transferred from Virginia, many projected him as a future high draft choice. He wasn't as productive as you'd hope at KSU, but he was a solid player. Definitely worth bringing him in to see what he can bring to the table. I would have expected him to go to a 4-3 team as a DE....not sure where he fits with the Chiefs.
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04-27-2010, 06:53 PM	#387
LaChapelle Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	When is the time cut off to pick the 2010 Printers/Scanlon/Trampoline Champion/white reciever canidate do we get until training camp
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04-29-2010, 10:27 AM	#388
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $2847557	News from Abilene, Texas on Tony Washington. No teams have even called him. It seems with all of the "good citizens" that KC has signed they could afford to risk bringing in Washington on a college free agent contract. Ex-ACU lineman still waiting for call from pros Tony Washington watched the NFL draft for three days, waiting for his name to be called. It never happened. The two-time NCAA Division II All-American at Abilene Christian offensive tackle at least expected the phone to ring soon after the draft, with an NFL team ready to offer him a free-agent deal. As of Tuesday, that call had yet to come. Washington was diplomatic about the lack of interest. Well, at least at first. "I understand, though," he said. "Some things people can't let go, you know?" Those things that people can't let go involve his past. In May 2003, when he was 16, Washington was convicted of having sex with his 15-year-old biological sister. He said the sex was consensual. Washington, who grew up in New Orleans, didn't serve any jail time but he received five years probation. He has to register as a sex offender wherever he lives for the rest of his life. Washington believes that decision as a 16-year-old is the only reason NFL teams shied away from him "Yeah, I do believe that's what it's all about," he said. "But I can't do anything about it. I'm just sitting around waiting on a phone call." It seems hard to believe the 6-foot-7, 305-pound Washington still is waiting for that phone to ring. He did well enough at the NFL combine that some folks were talking about him being a second-round pick. Now, nothing. West Texas A&M offensive tackle J'Marcus Webb didn't even get invited to the combine but he was taken in the seventh and final round by the Chicago Bears. By most accounts, Washington was considered the better prospect. But the 6-8, 328-pound Webb had less baggage. Ironically, had Washington beaten somebody up, well, that would probably be OK. There are plenty of NFL athletes who had past histories of violence and questionable behavior. Yet they got a chance to play in the NFL. Even Washington's former teammate at ACU, Bernard Scott, had minor run-ins with the law and once even got in an off-campus fight that led to his suspension from athletics at Vernon High School. Another fight got him kicked off the team at Central Arkansas. But he made the most of a second chance at ACU, and his past didn't scare away the Cincinnati Bengals, who drafted him last season. And yet what Washington did when he was 16 scared away 32 NFL teams? That is not to say what Washington did was OK, but he was just a kid at the time, and he hasn't shown any pattern of violence or bad behavior since. So what gives? ACU coach Chris Thomsen believes it's all about appearances. He said NFL teams don't want to undergo the media scrutiny they'd get drafting or signing a convicted sex offender. Never mind that Washington isn't what most people would consider your typical sex offender. "It's just purely a public relations issue," he said. "It had nothing to do with his ability. The teams don't want to have to deal with the scrutiny that comes with that from the media. We're living in a time where the media has to be in every facet of a public figure's life. Teams don't want to deal with that. They don't want to have to answer to why they have a registered sex offender on the team." That's not to say NFL teams weren't interested in Washington. He said Buffalo had shown interest before the draft. The Bills, though, haven't called since. They ended up signing Texas A&M-Kingsville offensive lineman Jorge Guerra to a free-agent deal. Midwestern State offensive lineman Mark Hanson also signed as a free agent deal with Minnesota. Neither Guerra nor Hanson were invited to the combine or were even mentioned as possible draft picks by reliable sources. In fact, NFL scouting guru Gil Brandt listed 14 offensive linemen on his list of the best available players not drafted -- only three of them weren't offered free-agent deals, including Washington. And one of those guys was offered a tryout. So you can understand why Washington feels like he was yanked around by the NFL. "My whole thing was if you knew you weren't going to draft me, then don't bring me to the combine, don't invite me to all these all-star games, don't put so much into me," he said. "Now, all of a sudden all 32 teams aren't interested?" Washington was certain he would be drafted -- or at least offered a free-agent deal. He couldn't believe that call hasn't come. "I'm a whole lot surprised," he said. "I'm disappointed. God's going to take care of whatever He's going to take care. I believe he's going to take care of me. I have faith in him, and that's it. So I'm just sitting around, really. I can't feel anything right now. I just have to work hard and keep going." Thomsen believes Washington will be playing football somewhere next season, though not likely in the NFL. "It's unfortunate for him," he said. "But there's time for him to get an opportunity. There's other leagues in football. He's worked hard, and hopefully he'll get an opportunity to keep playing." Washington's dream is to play in the NFL. He even has a NFL tattoo on one of his arms. But if the NFL doesn't come calling, he expects to get offers from both the United Football League and the Canadian Football League. And he's willing to go that route if that's what it takes to eventually get into the NFL. "The NFL is my dream," he said. "If I have to take another long road to get there, then I have to take another long road to get there."
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04-29-2010, 10:42 AM	#390
KCChiefsMan AIC Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Roxbury, MA Casino cash: $10004900	If you could go 5 years into the future and you could see that Tony Washington is a 5 time pro bowler and the next Willie Roaf, would you sign him? I don't have an answer to that, honestly. The abuse from faider and bronco fans would be unprecedented and he fucked his sister man, damn that's some fucked up shit.
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