30 FAs in 30 Days: Visanthe Shiancoe

[Mr_Tomahawk]

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...1-13bd336a1ccb

NAME: Visanthe Shiancoe
POSITION: Tight End

HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-4, 250

COLLEGE: Morgan State

GP/GS: 144/90

AGE/EXPERIENCE: 31/9 seasons

BACKGROUND: Whether it’s through the draft or free agency, the Chiefs will be looking to bolster the tight end position alongside Tony Moeaki. If free agency is the route the club chooses to take, Minnesota’s Visanthe Shiancoe is a player who brings starting experience and success as a receiver.

Originally a third-round pick of the Giants in 2003, Shiancoe played behind All-Pro Jeremy Shockey for his first four NFL seasons. Despite playing in 16 games all four year with New York, it wasn’t until Shiancoe hit unrestricted free agency and signed with the Vikings that he received an opportunity to be a regular starter.

Shiancoe caught just 35 passes with the Giants from 2003-06, but has averaged 41.6 catches per season in his five years with the Vikings. His best season came in 2009 when he led the Vikings with 11 touchdown receptions as a Red Zone favorite of quarterback Brett Favre.

Shiancoe also led Minnesota with seven touchdown catches in 2008, tying for the team lead with wide receiver Bernard Berrian. Outside the Red zone, Shiancoe has done a nice job stretching the interior seams throughout his career.

Chiefs fans witnessed Shiancoe’s best game of the season last year when he finished with a season-high six catches at Arrowhead Stadium.

AVAILABILITY: Shiancoe was reportedly unhappy with his role in the Vikings offense last year and isn’t expected to re-sign with the team. Plus, Minnesota used a second-round pick on tight end Kyle Rudolph in 2011.

With Green Bay’s Jermichael Finley recently signing a contract extension and Washington’s Fred Davis likely to be tagged, Shiancoe and Seattle’s John Carlson will be two of the most notable free agents at their position this off-season.

COACHING CONNECTIONS: Shiancoe has no direct ties to the Chiefs coaching staff.

WHY HE FITS: Shiancoe brings durability, which is something the team could use with Tony Moeaki’s injury history. Not only is Shiancoe a battle-test veteran, he’s never missed a regular season game in his career. It’s now 144 consecutive games and counting for the nine-year pro.

In addition to his reliability, Shiancoe is a viable Red Zone threat opposing defenses must account for.

Though he’s caught just five touchdowns the past two seasons while the Vikings have struggled to find passing consistency, Shiancoe owns 27 career touchdown receptions and could help a Chiefs team that finished 32nd in Red Zone scoring last season.

Paired with Moeaki, Shiancoe would bring another receiving threat to the position without making a significant sacrifice in the run game.

[griZZly64]

Lets sign him off his name alone. It sounds super cool. Who cares if he can help our tm or not.

[BossChief]

He and Moeaki are very similar receivers, I'd sign him if the cost is reasonable.

[suds79]

I like the idea of drafting a TE better but I wouldn't gripe with this.

TE is a big need this off-season. Can't count on Moeaki to stay healthy. Hope he does. But can't count on it.

[ChiefGator]

We can't fill the entire team with rookies, this isn't Madden. Shiancoe would be a good vet to bring in for several years, despite his age.