Each day I am checking my rotation of online Chiefs sources, hoping to see a familiar face that has re-signed with the club. Or perhaps there is a new acquisition that will fill holes in the starting lineup. So far, it seems the Chiefs have been reluctant to sign linemen.
The Chiefs front office has been looking around the market, getting a little taste here and there. What I've been waiting for is a big bite into a solid offensive or defensive lineman. This is the first off-season I've wanted to see an offensive lineman under contract. Seems like I got accustomed to seeing Dave Szott, Tim Grunhard, and Will Shields penciled in as the anchors. This year, the Chiefs have holes at the tackle and guard positions. I thought signing Willie Roaf or re-signing Victor Riley would be something done by the end of March. Roaf has said he would rather retire than return as a Saint, but has not worked out a deal with the Chiefs. I suspect Roaf may slip to Denver to be near his six- year old daughter…
As it looks right now, neither Roaf nor Riley is close to striking a deal. This is a huge concern, because we will have to address depth as well. Last year's O-line was jumbled up due to injuries, so it would be ideal to have backups in order without shuffling the starters. A possible backup we could re-sign is Marcus Spears.
Depth is also a concern at the defensive line positions. We need a solid run stuffer, which we could address in the draft. Signing former Charger John Parella would have been huge. Parella, a native of Grand Island, NE, indicated that he would move back to the Midwest. He decided to stay on the west coast and remain in the AFC West when he signed with Oakland. We also missed out on signing DT Lional Dalton, who moved from Baltimore to Denver.
I'm not ignoring the brighter side in free agency. No need to hit the panic button just yet. The Chiefs have not ignored receivers or linebackers. Vermeil has resurrected Eddie Kennison's career and brought in Marc Boerigter at WR. Some experts suggest we go and grab New England's Terry Glenn. Not a good idea, if you ask me.
On the defensive side the loss of Donnie Edwards stings, but we re-signed 'backers Marvcus Patton and Mike Mazlowski and cornerback Eric Warfield.
I only ponder when the Chiefs will take a more active role in free agency. I look at New York Jets General Manager Terry Bradway making progress with the cash-strapped Jets and wonder why we can't be as aggressive.
