Chiefs Pursuit Begins

Archie Bunker · 03-02-2007, 09:33 AM

Chiefs’ pursuit begins

Four KC starters become unrestricted free agents as the signing deadline passes.

By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

The Chiefs planned to head into free agency with four of their starters out looking for new places to play.

They were pessimistic about their chances of reaching a contract agreement by the Thursday night deadline with any of the four: linebacker Kawika Mitchell, offensive tackle Jordan Black and defensive tackles Ron Edwards and James Reed

Four other players — deep snapper Kendall Gammon, defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson, cornerback Lenny Walls and running back Dee Brown — were also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents when the signing period begins today.

The Chiefs also planned to make minimum one-year contract offers to defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Samie Parker, kicker Lawrence Tynes and four other players, making them restricted free agents.

The others are linebackers Keyaron Fox and Rich Scanlon, offensive lineman Kevin Sampson and cornerback Benny Sapp.

The Chiefs have the right to match any offer sheet any of the restricted free agents might sign with another team. In the case of Allen, who was offered $2.35 million, the Chiefs would receive first- and third-round draft picks if they decline to match his offer sheet.

The Chiefs can begin negotiating with other free agents as soon as today. President/general manager Carl Peterson declined an interview request but said last month he didn’t expect the Chiefs to be players in the early days of free agency, when many of the premium players sign and most of the high-dollar contracts are issued.

Mitchell would be one of the premier defensive players on the free agent market. The Chiefs’ second-round draft pick in 2003, Mitchell is 27 and played well the last two seasons after starting his NFL career slowly.

He said Thursday night his preference was to remain with the Chiefs but added, “I’m not married to anybody except my wife.”

The Chiefs have no viable safety net at left tackle if Black signs with another club. Kyle Turley began last season playing the position but chronic back problems forced him from the lineup and make his future less than certain.

The Chiefs would like to improve at defensive tackle, but their depth would suffer greatly if Edwards, Reed and Wilkerson depart. Wilkerson was the top reserve last season.

Their only other experienced defensive tackle is former No. 1 draft pick Ryan Sims, who quickly fell from favor with coach Herm Edwards and will likely be released in the spring.

In other news:

•The agent for quarterback Trent Green said neither he nor Green has spoken with the Chiefs since they re-signed Damon Huard early in the week. Peterson said at the start of the offseason he would ask Green to take a cut in his scheduled $7.2 million salary.

He has yet to make that request and the Chiefs have offered Green in a trade to other teams.

•The Chiefs failed to make a qualifying offer to injured fullback Ronnie Cruz, leaving him eligible to sign with other teams.

Cruz tore ligaments in his right knee in the middle of last season and may not be ready to participate when next season begins

Mecca · 03-02-2007, 09:36 AM

If Kawika Mitchell is a premier FA this market is even worse than I thought......let him walk he's not worth it.

Hell most all of those guys who are FA's aren't worth bringing back.

Frazod · 03-02-2007, 09:38 AM

Hey Shanahan - Jordan Black is a great offensive tackle. Truly, he's something special. I think you should sign him to a big money multi-year contract immediately.

Chiefs Pantalones · 03-02-2007, 09:38 AM

This reads like a high school article.

Arrowhead Pride · 03-02-2007, 09:38 AM

Trent seems to be getting the run around a bit. We haven't talked with him yet but we've already offered him in trades?

Arrowhead Pride

el borracho · 03-02-2007, 10:24 AM

Mitchell, Black, Edwards, Reed, Gammon, Wilkerson, Walls, Brown, Allen, Parker, Tynes, Fox, Scanlon, Sampson, Sapp.

What a bunch of garbage. Of those 15, only Allen and Wilkerson would be missed. I wouldn't mind seeing Mitchell, Tynes and Fox return for cheap competition, but I also wouldn't cry if they left.

Frankie · 03-02-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Hey Shanahan - Jordan Black is a great offensive tackle. Truly, he's something special. I think you should sign him to a big money multi-year contract immediately.

Reply from Shanahan:

"Can he chop block?"

Frankie · 03-02-2007, 10:31 AM

WHY IS WILKERSON BEING IGNORED?!!

kepp · 03-02-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frazod

Hey Shanahan - Jordan Black is a great offensive tackle. Truly, he's something special. I think you should sign him to a big money multi-year contract immediately.

You may be right, actually. All he has to do to cut block is fall down.

TrickyNicky · 03-02-2007, 10:33 AM

Are you saying you won't miss Kendall Gammon? The greatest LS to ever put on a KC uniform?

Archie Bunker · 03-02-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie

WHY IS WILKERSON BEING IGNORED?!!

I'm not sure. He is the best DT the Chiefs have plus he could fill in for Allen the 1st 4 games.

I hope he comes back.

**dirk digler** · 03-02-2007, 10:37 AM

Damn we better sign Kendall

el borracho · 03-02-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrickyNicky

Are you saying you won't miss Kendall Gammon? The greatest LS to ever put on a KC uniform?

I won't miss Gammon one bit.

tyton75 · 03-02-2007, 10:51 AM

I'm excited.. one way or another this team is going to look a LOT different next year

Archie Bunker · 03-02-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Damn we better sign Kendall

I think Adam Johnson will take over this year.

03-02-2007, 09:33 AM
Archie Bunker The Wait Is Over Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Random Small Town Casino cash: $1868978	Chiefs Pursuit Begins Chiefs’ pursuit begins Four KC starters become unrestricted free agents as the signing deadline passes. By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs planned to head into free agency with four of their starters out looking for new places to play. They were pessimistic about their chances of reaching a contract agreement by the Thursday night deadline with any of the four: linebacker Kawika Mitchell, offensive tackle Jordan Black and defensive tackles Ron Edwards and James Reed Four other players — deep snapper Kendall Gammon, defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson, cornerback Lenny Walls and running back Dee Brown — were also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents when the signing period begins today. The Chiefs also planned to make minimum one-year contract offers to defensive end Jared Allen, wide receiver Samie Parker, kicker Lawrence Tynes and four other players, making them restricted free agents. The others are linebackers Keyaron Fox and Rich Scanlon, offensive lineman Kevin Sampson and cornerback Benny Sapp. The Chiefs have the right to match any offer sheet any of the restricted free agents might sign with another team. In the case of Allen, who was offered $2.35 million, the Chiefs would receive first- and third-round draft picks if they decline to match his offer sheet. The Chiefs can begin negotiating with other free agents as soon as today. President/general manager Carl Peterson declined an interview request but said last month he didn’t expect the Chiefs to be players in the early days of free agency, when many of the premium players sign and most of the high-dollar contracts are issued. Mitchell would be one of the premier defensive players on the free agent market. The Chiefs’ second-round draft pick in 2003, Mitchell is 27 and played well the last two seasons after starting his NFL career slowly. He said Thursday night his preference was to remain with the Chiefs but added, “I’m not married to anybody except my wife.” The Chiefs have no viable safety net at left tackle if Black signs with another club. Kyle Turley began last season playing the position but chronic back problems forced him from the lineup and make his future less than certain. The Chiefs would like to improve at defensive tackle, but their depth would suffer greatly if Edwards, Reed and Wilkerson depart. Wilkerson was the top reserve last season. Their only other experienced defensive tackle is former No. 1 draft pick Ryan Sims, who quickly fell from favor with coach Herm Edwards and will likely be released in the spring. In other news: •The agent for quarterback Trent Green said neither he nor Green has spoken with the Chiefs since they re-signed Damon Huard early in the week. Peterson said at the start of the offseason he would ask Green to take a cut in his scheduled $7.2 million salary. He has yet to make that request and the Chiefs have offered Green in a trade to other teams. •The Chiefs failed to make a qualifying offer to injured fullback Ronnie Cruz, leaving him eligible to sign with other teams. Cruz tore ligaments in his right knee in the middle of last season and may not be ready to participate when next season begins
Posts: 6,194

03-02-2007, 09:36 AM	#2
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $2467050	If Kawika Mitchell is a premier FA this market is even worse than I thought......let him walk he's not worth it. Hell most all of those guys who are FA's aren't worth bringing back.
Posts: 111,021

03-02-2007, 09:38 AM	#3
Frazod WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $2975085	Hey Shanahan - Jordan Black is a great offensive tackle. Truly, he's something special. I think you should sign him to a big money multi-year contract immediately.
Posts: 119,515

03-02-2007, 09:38 AM	#4
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	This reads like a high school article. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,630

03-02-2007, 09:38 AM	#5
Arrowhead Pride Starter Join Date: Aug 2006 Casino cash: $10004900	Trent seems to be getting the run around a bit. We haven't talked with him yet but we've already offered him in trades? Arrowhead Pride
Posts: 319

03-02-2007, 10:24 AM	#6
el borracho In Pat We Trust Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Albuquerque, NM Casino cash: $6229148	Mitchell, Black, Edwards, Reed, Gammon, Wilkerson, Walls, Brown, Allen, Parker, Tynes, Fox, Scanlon, Sampson, Sapp. What a bunch of garbage. Of those 15, only Allen and Wilkerson would be missed. I wouldn't mind seeing Mitchell, Tynes and Fox return for cheap competition, but I also wouldn't cry if they left.
Posts: 11,838

03-02-2007, 10:31 AM	#8
Frankie Banned Join Date: Jul 2001 Casino cash: $10004900	WHY IS WILKERSON BEING IGNORED?!!
Posts: 26,959

03-02-2007, 10:33 AM	#10
TrickyNicky My Black Friend, Alan Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Manhattan Casino cash: $10007047	Are you saying you won't miss Kendall Gammon? The greatest LS to ever put on a KC uniform?
Posts: 3,648

03-02-2007, 10:37 AM	#12
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $3134644	Damn we better sign Kendall
Posts: 66,354

03-02-2007, 10:51 AM	#14
tyton75 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: KC North Casino cash: $5878386	I'm excited.. one way or another this team is going to look a LOT different next year __________________
Posts: 3,276