http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article...1-045ee89b8958
Today's featured player is New Orleans Saints left guard Carl Nicks
NFL free agency begins Tuesday, March 13th at 3:00 PM (CST). With the Chiefs looking to improve depth and competition across their roster, KCChiefs.com will preview 30 potential free agents in the 30 days leading up to the start of free agency. Up first is New Orleans Saints guard Carl Nicks (1/30).
NAME: Carl Nicks
POSITION: Offensive Guard
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-5, 343
COLLEGE: Nebraska
GP/GS: 64/61
AGE/EXPEREINCE: 26/4 seasons
BACKGROUND: A two-time Pro Bowler and back-to-back All-Pro performer, Nicks hasn’t missed a game since joining the Saints as a fifth-round draft pick out of Nebraska in 2008. Nicks is known as a powerful run blocker and for his quick feet in pass protection. He’s started every game at left guard since Week 4 of his rookie campaign.
In Nicks’ four seasons as a starter, New Orleans leads the NFL in 1st downs (1,469), offensive touchdowns (231) and yards from scrimmage (27,046).
AVAILABILITY: An unrestricted free agent in 2012, Nicks will be one of the most appealing players to hit the open market. He’s regarded by most as the prime target of this year’s free agent class of offensive linemen.
According to Nicks in an interview last week, the Saints have yet to reach out regarding a contract extension.
"They never talked to me at all about it really, which I thought was kind of weird," Nicks told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "I talked to (GM Mickey Loomis) the last day before exit meetings, and he said they were going to do their best to try to keep me. So that's the gist of contract talks."
Nicks is reportedly seeking a big contract after seeing teammate Jahri Evans haul in a seven-year, $56.7 million contract in 2010. Evans’ contract was the richest deal given to an interior offensive lineman at the time.
From the sounds of it, Nicks wants to stay in New Orleans. Time will tell if that happens or not.
COACHING CONNECTIONS: Chiefs linebackers coach Gary Gibbs and defensive assistant Adam Zimmer know Nicks well. Gibbs served as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator during Nicks’ rookie season and Zimmer paired with Nicks for two seasons, including the Saints Super Bowl XLIV championship squad in 2009.
WHY HE FITS: The Chiefs have keyed an improved offensive line as one of this year’s top off-season priorities. Kansas City is set to return both starters at guard from last season – Jon Asamoahand Ryan Lilja – but it’s hard to argue against Nicks’ accomplishments and his age is appealing as well
Nicks would be a starter for any of the NFL’s 32 teams, which is why he’s one of this year’s marquee names heading into free agency.