Hoover’s Free Agent Plan
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.
|