Teicher: Chiefs roll out welcome mat - Page 2

tk13 · 03-03-2005, 02:04 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11036799.htm

Chiefs put out the welcome mat

Rolle, Trotter, Hartwell are first players to visit

By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star

Business was anything but usual for the Chiefs on the first day of free agency.

Frequently spectators in the frenzy of the market's opening, the Chiefs entertained cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter of Philadelphia and Ed Hartwell of Baltimore. Their visits were scheduled to conclude today.

One or more of the players could sign with the Chiefs before leaving Kansas City, but no deal was in place as of Wednesday night. The Chiefs were waiting to make any firm financial offer until they gave each player a physical examination.

Club officials expressed some concern about Trotter's ability to pass a physical because of balky knees.

The Chiefs had no other visits scheduled. But they were attempting to invite a group of players that includes linebackers Ian Gold of Tampa Bay and Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh, and cornerbacks Ken Lucas of Seattle and Fred Smoot of Washington.

Trade talks with Miami concerning cornerback Patrick Surtain appear to have stalled. The Chiefs would like to have Surtain for a visit as well, but the Dolphins want a trade agreement in place before allowing the trip.

Miami is asking for the Chiefs' second-round draft pick in return. The Chiefs are already minus their third-round pick, which went to Philadelphia in last year's trade for tackle John Welbourn.

Dealing a second-round pick would make this, in all likelihood, a one-player draft for the Chiefs in terms of rookies they could realistically expect to make an impact. The Chiefs believe they have too many needs to obtain only one impact rookie.

The Chiefs appear ready to sort through all of their free-agent possibilities before resuming talks with Miami. That search started with Rolle.

Rolle was released by the Titans last month in a cost-cutting maneuver, but he is generally considered the top free-agent cornerback. He is favored by defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who worked with Rolle for three seasons as a Titans assistant coach.

In Hartwell and Trotter, the Chiefs met with two of the top available middle linebackers. Hartwell was a starter the last three seasons for Baltimore, playing alongside the more celebrated Ray Lewis, but many NFL scouts believe Hartwell is ready to emerge as a star in his own right.

Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said 16 NFL teams called Wednesday to at least inquire about Hartwell's interest.

“I've got a lot of people around the league mad at me because they wanted to be the first ones to have Ed in for a visit,” Lewis said. “But we wanted to go to Kansas City first to see what they have to offer.

“They indicated linebacker is a major need and concern. He's a guy they considered the best one out there.”

Trotter is a premier run defender. His career appeared over at this time last year when he was released by Washington and searched for a job without success for months. He signed with the Eagles shortly before the start of training camp and played well enough to make the Pro Bowl for the NFC champions.

The Chiefs are looking for a new middle linebacker. One of the internal candidates, Mike Maslowski, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. The other, former No. 2 draft pick Kawika Mitchell, played poorly in Maslowski's absence.

Meanwhile, at least two of the Chiefs' five unrestricted free agents were busy lining up visits of their own. Reserve halfback Derrick Blaylock was scheduled to meet with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. Deep snapper Kendall Gammon should be heading to Buffalo within the next few days.

Sure-Oz · 03-03-2005, 09:27 AM

Sign Hartwell esp if it sounds like he WANTS to be here.

Marty Mac Ver 2.0 · 03-03-2005, 09:35 AM

If Hartwell leaves KC today he'll return home and then fly to Phoenix to visit with the Cardinals. He's a Las Vegas native and playing in PHX is his #2 choice since it would be close to home.

**BigRedChief** · 03-03-2005, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure-Oz

Sign Hartwell esp if it sounds like he WANTS to be here.

Yep, If he wants to be here write the frigging check. We will pay it off later when we rebuild after next year.

03-03-2005, 02:04 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1897500	Teicher: Chiefs roll out welcome mat http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/11036799.htm Chiefs put out the welcome mat Rolle, Trotter, Hartwell are first players to visit By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Business was anything but usual for the Chiefs on the first day of free agency. Frequently spectators in the frenzy of the market's opening, the Chiefs entertained cornerback Samari Rolle of Tennessee and linebackers Jeremiah Trotter of Philadelphia and Ed Hartwell of Baltimore. Their visits were scheduled to conclude today. One or more of the players could sign with the Chiefs before leaving Kansas City, but no deal was in place as of Wednesday night. The Chiefs were waiting to make any firm financial offer until they gave each player a physical examination. Club officials expressed some concern about Trotter's ability to pass a physical because of balky knees. The Chiefs had no other visits scheduled. But they were attempting to invite a group of players that includes linebackers Ian Gold of Tampa Bay and Kendrell Bell of Pittsburgh, and cornerbacks Ken Lucas of Seattle and Fred Smoot of Washington. Trade talks with Miami concerning cornerback Patrick Surtain appear to have stalled. The Chiefs would like to have Surtain for a visit as well, but the Dolphins want a trade agreement in place before allowing the trip. Miami is asking for the Chiefs' second-round draft pick in return. The Chiefs are already minus their third-round pick, which went to Philadelphia in last year's trade for tackle John Welbourn. Dealing a second-round pick would make this, in all likelihood, a one-player draft for the Chiefs in terms of rookies they could realistically expect to make an impact. The Chiefs believe they have too many needs to obtain only one impact rookie. The Chiefs appear ready to sort through all of their free-agent possibilities before resuming talks with Miami. That search started with Rolle. Rolle was released by the Titans last month in a cost-cutting maneuver, but he is generally considered the top free-agent cornerback. He is favored by defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham, who worked with Rolle for three seasons as a Titans assistant coach. In Hartwell and Trotter, the Chiefs met with two of the top available middle linebackers. Hartwell was a starter the last three seasons for Baltimore, playing alongside the more celebrated Ray Lewis, but many NFL scouts believe Hartwell is ready to emerge as a star in his own right. Hartwell's agent, Harold Lewis, said 16 NFL teams called Wednesday to at least inquire about Hartwell's interest. “I've got a lot of people around the league mad at me because they wanted to be the first ones to have Ed in for a visit,” Lewis said. “But we wanted to go to Kansas City first to see what they have to offer. “They indicated linebacker is a major need and concern. He's a guy they considered the best one out there.” Trotter is a premier run defender. His career appeared over at this time last year when he was released by Washington and searched for a job without success for months. He signed with the Eagles shortly before the start of training camp and played well enough to make the Pro Bowl for the NFC champions. The Chiefs are looking for a new middle linebacker. One of the internal candidates, Mike Maslowski, missed all of last season because of a knee injury. The other, former No. 2 draft pick Kawika Mitchell, played poorly in Maslowski's absence. Meanwhile, at least two of the Chiefs' five unrestricted free agents were busy lining up visits of their own. Reserve halfback Derrick Blaylock was scheduled to meet with the New York Jets and Houston Texans. Deep snapper Kendall Gammon should be heading to Buffalo within the next few days.
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03-03-2005, 09:35 AM	#17
Marty Mac Ver 2.0 SaveOurChiefs.com Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $10005625	If Hartwell leaves KC today he'll return home and then fly to Phoenix to visit with the Cardinals. He's a Las Vegas native and playing in PHX is his #2 choice since it would be close to home. __________________ It's not the number of years in your life but the amount of life in your years!
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