Teicher: Chiefs roll out welcome mat

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.

royr17 · 03-03-2005, 02:09 AM

Damn tk do you live on the kcstar page ???????

beer bacon · 03-03-2005, 02:11 AM

I assume this article is implying we are giving them physicals and making an offer before they leave?

SweChief · 03-03-2005, 02:29 AM

That was the first I've heard of Edgerton being there!!

How do you all think Law and the Postons would feel about a physical?

_____________________

Hoping to catch up on old times sometime soon Phillip?

booger · 03-03-2005, 05:27 AM

Looks like they want to make sure on Trotter's knees before they sign him. Good deal.

If Hartwell leaves town, that is a bunch of teams to compete with. Tuesday night I saw Clayton say he might get the best FA deal out there. I can see them leary of spending to big on a MLB as far as a bonus without having a CB signed yet.

They do have the Antonio Pierce contract with the Giants to compare to now.

**HemiEd** · 03-03-2005, 05:47 AM

Ah some facts as it would appear

htismaqe · 03-03-2005, 06:17 AM

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.”

Wow.

I don't know which is bigger - the fact that 16 teams called, or that it sounds like he might actually WANT to come here.

nmt1 · 03-03-2005, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Wow.

I don't know which is bigger - the fact that 16 teams called, or that it sounds like he might actually WANT to come here.

This wouldn't even be an issue if Carl hadn't low balled him and Vermiel hadn't offended him by telling him he'd have to compete for a starting spot.

DaWolf · 03-03-2005, 07:01 AM

The Star really messed up with the headline. It should have been "Chiefs Rolle Out the Welcome Mat."

tomahawk kid · 03-03-2005, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

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.”

Wow.

I don't know which is bigger - the fact that 16 teams called, or that it sounds like he might actually WANT to come here.

According to 810 this moring, Hartwell's agent said yesterday that Eddie wants to be a Chief and his agent also wants him to sign here. That's why they came to KC first.

Bob Fescoe said that he spoke to Hartwell's agent directly yesterday.

They also mentioned that their "inside sources" in Arrowhead have said the ESPN report regarding the Chiefs signing Trotter are premature. Looks like the reports from the Philly Inquirer this morning would back that info up.

**the Talking Can** · 03-03-2005, 07:36 AM

We shouldn't let Hartwell leave....but Trotters wrecked knees are cheaper so....(sorry, I just had a nightmare last night where CP announces that "the numbers aren't right" for every player we [I] want).

Thig Lyfe · 03-03-2005, 07:52 AM

Good article, but what's all this about Gammon going to Buffalo?

jynni · 03-03-2005, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArrowheadWolf

Good article, but what's all this about Gammon going to Buffalo?

That's what I was thinking. That could be a problem.

Didn't Jared Allen show some promise at long snapper? If Gammon goes he may have to step it up a bit.

**CosmicPal** · 03-03-2005, 08:20 AM

I expect Rolle to be signed.

Here's something for you: If Gunther is HIGH on this guy- take him! Geez....

whoman69 · 03-03-2005, 09:27 AM

To me its a no brainer that given approximately the same amount of talent, that you sign the guy who does not have the injury problem. Additionally if you can get there without giving up picks, all the better. Rolle seems the best fit for this team and he's a player that our staff is familiar with.

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, 02:09 AM	#2
royr17 MVP Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Lovin my kids Casino cash: $-1641324	Damn tk do you live on the kcstar page ???????
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03-03-2005, 02:11 AM	#3
beer bacon WHAT Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10019545	I assume this article is implying we are giving them physicals and making an offer before they leave?
Posts: 9,301

03-03-2005, 02:29 AM	#4
SweChief Rookie Join Date: Mar 2005 Casino cash: $10004900	That was the first I've heard of Edgerton being there!! How do you all think Law and the Postons would feel about a physical? _____________________ Hoping to catch up on old times sometime soon Phillip?
Posts: 20

03-03-2005, 05:27 AM	#5
booger Don't Tug on Superman's Cape Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: clear out in the sticks Casino cash: $-2401450	Looks like they want to make sure on Trotter's knees before they sign him. Good deal. If Hartwell leaves town, that is a bunch of teams to compete with. Tuesday night I saw Clayton say he might get the best FA deal out there. I can see them leary of spending to big on a MLB as far as a bonus without having a CB signed yet. They do have the Antonio Pierce contract with the Giants to compare to now. __________________ 1 Thessalonians 5:3 “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” KJV
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03-03-2005, 05:47 AM	#6
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $-509436	Ah some facts as it would appear
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03-03-2005, 06:17 AM	#7
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $8099900	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.” Wow. I don't know which is bigger - the fact that 16 teams called, or that it sounds like he might actually WANT to come here.
Posts: 104,421

03-03-2005, 07:01 AM	#9
DaWolf Cry havoc... Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $10007725	The Star really messed up with the headline. It should have been "Chiefs Rolle Out the Welcome Mat."
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03-03-2005, 07:36 AM	#11
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $9162208	We shouldn't let Hartwell leave....but Trotters wrecked knees are cheaper so....(sorry, I just had a nightmare last night where CP announces that "the numbers aren't right" for every player we [I] want). __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
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03-03-2005, 07:52 AM	#12
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	Good article, but what's all this about Gammon going to Buffalo?
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03-03-2005, 08:20 AM	#14
CosmicPal Learn it. Know it. Live it. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Casino cash: $10004900	I expect Rolle to be signed. Here's something for you: If Gunther is HIGH on this guy- take him! Geez.... __________________ - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - Four blessings upon my fellow planeteers: Older whiskey, younger women, faster horses, and more money.
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