Hoover’s Free Agent Plan

[Hoover]

I find it amazing how many people on this board are upset with how the Chiefs are approaching Free Agency. It seems to me they just want them to sign someone, anyone. While there are some moves this team must make, I think it’s more important to sign the right people. So below is my plan, which puts an emphasis on the offensive line, and fill the remaining holes with older vets and/or draft picks.

Offensive Line

While the Chiefs have plenty on needs along the line, they also have a lot of young drafted talent that that are solid back ups and potential starters in Svitek, Stallings, Niswanger and Taylor. I believe that at least one of these guys will be an opening day starter in 2008. That said with the amount of cap space the Chiefs currently have, and their needs along the line I would sign a right guard and right tackle.

At guard I think the best option is Jake Scott of the Colts. Scott is a young proven player who could be a fixture on the line for years to come. I also like the fact that he is actually a right guard so he can play the same position he did in Indy. As we have seen Scott will cost the Chiefs a pretty penny. I imagine he will demand a similar contract to the one Jacob Bell signed in St. Louis. Bell signed a 6 year, 36 million dollar deal that includes a $7 million signing bonus, plus guaranteed base salaries of $2 million in 2008 and $4 million in 2009.

The other player I would go after is tight tackle Max Starks. The Steelers have placed the transition tag on Starks which means the Steelers have the right to match any offer given to him. We would not have to give the Steelers any picks if we signed him. Now it is said that both the Steelers and Starks want to agree to a long term contract, but the Chiefs have something the Steelers don’t, a ton of cap space. Like Scott, Starks is a young proven right tackle who could step right in and hold down the position for years. With the kind of money that free agents are receiving, I don’t see any reason why we should not explore this option.

Wide Receiver

While I would love to land Bryant Johnson, as seen above I chose to make the offensive line a priority over other positions. That said I think the Chiefs will need to look at players like Brandon Lloyd (who’s from KC) to fill the number 2 spot opposite of Dwayne Bowe. Lloyd is 26 years old and has played for some bad offensive teams. I don’t think this move would cost much, but we could also look at players like D. J. Hackett who is also 26. I also think the Chiefs might need to look at resigning Samie Parker, and will also need to find someone to return kicks.

Full Back

The Chiefs may already have their guy in Oliver Hoyte, but it would probably be wise to bring in some competition, I’d give the older guys like Neal and T-Rich a look for a one year fix, but if Hoyte can win the job, I’m fine with it.

Tight End

The Chiefs might need to find a blocking Tight End to replace Jason Dunn. This should not be a big problem or cost much.

Overall I think the focus needs to be at RG and RT, and fill in the other spots with some cheap vets. By investing in the offensive line we can see what we have in Croyle. In the draft we should be set to look at DT, CB, WR, and OL.

There is no reason to freak out; in fact these teams that just busted the bank on these guys now are not going to be competing with us for people like Jake Scott. I think we are in good shape.

[bsp4444]

I like it, but are you comfortable at kicker?

[DaKCMan AP]

I'd rather bring in Jabar Gaffney than Lloyd or Hackett.

[Hoover]

Not really but I don't think its something that we can do much about. I say have a camp competition. I'm not going to lose much sleep over it. If we can sign someone good do it, if not John Carney and Cundiff get the call.

[Brock]

Max Starks isn't good.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

I'd rather bring in Jabar Gaffney than Lloyd or Hackett.

Thats fine, I guess I was talking more about the type of player and the cost associated with it rather than specific names.

[Micjones]

For the record, my plan consisted of specific player signings...
Signing the right players is paramount in Free Agency.

At this point I would sign:

(G) Jake Scott, 5 year answer at Guard
(WR) DJ Hackett or (WR) Jabar Gaffney, 2-3 year answer at Wide Receiver
(CB) Travis Fisher, give him a 1 year deal like the Lions did last season

Tight End isn't as pressing a need in my mind because we have Gonzalez and I don't think we'll have to rely upon two Tight End sets. I would give Allan an opportunity to establish himself as a blocking TE like Gonzalez did.

At FB I think I shy away from older declining veterans. We should be able to find a quality player at that position in April. There's a chance that Schmitt's still around in the 5th Round. I believe we have two picks there... One of them would go for him or one of the other FB's in the draft class.

I also think we can pass on Max Starks...
If we land Jake Long we can move McIntosh over.
If we don't there are other Tackles available at Left and Right Tackle.

[evolve27]

Jake Scott would be an excellent signing, I just have a feeling some team will try to offer more, furthermore what will make this guy even want to come to KC in the first place? Good Post.

[Rooster]

Good post Hoover.

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by Micjones

For the record, my plan consisted of specific player signings...
Signing the right players is paramount in Free Agency.

At this point I would sign:

(G) Jake Scott, 5 year answer at Guard
(WR) DJ Hackett or (WR) Jabar Gaffney, 2-3 year answer at Wide Receiver
(CB) Travis Fisher, give him a 1 year deal like the Lions did last season

Tight End isn't as pressing a need in my mind because we have Gonzalez and I don't think we'll have to rely upon two Tight End sets. I would give Allan an opportunity to establish himself as a blocking TE like Gonzalez did.

At FB I think I shy away from older declining veterans. We should be able to find a quality player at that position in April. There's a chance that Schmitt's still around in the 5th Round. I believe we have two picks there... One of them would go for him or one of the other FB's in the draft class.

I also think we can pass on Max Starks...
If we land Jake Long we can move McIntosh over.
If we don't there are other Tackles available at Left and Right Tackle.

1. You can't count on Jake Long being there. Plus I think nabbing a top DT is more important this year than a OT. If we land Dorsey or Ellis our front 7 will be stacked for years to come, this also helps up with our Surtain and the other corner spot.

I think fro the most part we agree except for Starks. I actually don't think Starks would cost us any more than a comparable UFA would. I'd go after him but if the Steelers match then so be it. As for TE and FB I'm with ya, my point is it will not cost anything to fill those gaps.

In the end I think we are looking at two big FA signings at the most with Jared Allen getting PAID. the rest of our needs will be signed on the cheap or draft picks which I'm on board with.

[Hoover]

Also drafting a DT at the number 5 spot makes sense financially as they bring a ton of money in free agency market. I’d rather spend 36 million on a guard or tackle than 50 million on Tommy Kelly

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

I'd rather bring in Jabar Gaffney than Lloyd or Hackett.

Jabbar Gaffney signs a one year two million dollar contract according to NFL Network and on boston.com

[MIAdragon]

yesterday.

[MIAdragon]

Mar. 5 - 10:46 am et

Colts free agent G Jake Scott will visit with the Titans today.>>
After losing Jacob Bell to the Rams, the Titans are looking at other options at guard. Scott has also received interest from the Broncos and Texans.>>
Source: Nashville Tennessean

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...aspx?sport=NFL

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Hoover

1. You can't count on Jake Long being there.

You can never be reliant on any one player being on the board once you go on the clock. There must always be a contigency plan.

Long would be my priority though if he's there.

I think fro the most part we agree except for Starks. I actually don't think Starks would cost us any more than a comparable UFA would. I'd go after him but if the Steelers match then so be it. As for TE and FB I'm with ya, my point is it will not cost anything to fill those gaps.

I'm not a big fan of Starks anyway...
What happened with Jordan Gross? Did he resign in Carolina?
I might also take a stab at signing Olivea. He'll be more affordable than Starks I think... And will give us some extra room in case another FA catches our eye later in the off-season.