Thursday, July 28, 2011

Free Agentpocolypse Now

Holy crap, there's a lot of free agent signings and trades happening. My last post was simply getting way too long so I'm just going to start a new one.

Concerning the Chiefs:


Kansas City has released cornerback Jackie Bates and wide receiver Chris Chambers. Jackie Bates was expendable but Chambers was useless. I was a fan of Chambers' ability following the 2009 season, but whether it was old age, a new contract, or lack of want, Chambers was completely disappointing last season.

The Chiefs have signed all but two of their draft picks now. C Rodney Hudson, DL Allen Bailey, DB Jalil Brown, QB Ricky Stanzi, LB Gabe Miller, DL Jerrell Powe and FB Shane Bannon. The only two remaining to not reach contracts are 1st round pick Jon Baldwin and 3rd round pick Justin Houston. Hopefully they can get this wrapped up soon so they can start training camp on time.

Josh Looney from the Kansas City Chiefs announced that the team had released veteran guard Brian Waters. I wondered if the Chiefs were going to do this. According to Looney, Clark Hunt had this to say about the release of Waters: "My family and I have tremendous amount of respect for Brian both as a player and a person, and we wish him the best in the future." Pioli says: "Brian has played a key role in our progress and I am personally grateful for his contributions to the team." Finally, Waters says, "I'd like to thank the entire Chiefs org., especially for giving me an opportunity as a young player when other teams wouldn't." Doesn't sound like Waters is coming back next season.

Defensive lineman and, some would say, fan favorite Shaun Smith turned down an offer from the Chiefs to return to KC next year. Instead, he is heading to the Titans. As much as he was fun to watch and hear about, according to Bill Barnwell, he shouldn't be missed.



Saturday morning, it was reported that Kelly Gregg, who was recently released from the Baltimore Ravens, will become a Chief. It will be on a one year deal. I had suggested it could possibly be either Gregg or Franklin. Now, for those saying that we made a mistake taking Gregg over Franklin (which isn't necessarily true because there's still the possibility we get both), let me tell you this: Gregg is coming off his worst season as a 16 game starter, a season in which he had 38 tackles and no sacks. Aubrayo is coming off one of his best seasons in which he had 39 tackles and no sacks. So we got the cheaper player who is apparently just as good.

Around the League:


Chad Ochocinco is going to the New England Patriots. First Albert Haynesworth and now Chad; the Patriots are really making a splash in free agency. By the way, Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is already number 85 in New England. So I wonder if Hernandez changes numbers or Ochocinco switches grammatically incorrect Spanish names.

Kevin Kolb has been dealt to the Arizona Cardinals. It looks like Larry Fitzgerald got the man he told the Cardinals he wanted. Too bad that man has more career interceptions than touchdowns. Oh well, he should fit in with the NFC West just fine.

Greg Olson, a tight end for the Chicago Bears, was traded to the Panthers. I am a big fan of Olson and think he was about to break out as a perennial pro-bowler in Chicago, so I have no idea why the Bears would make such a dumb move.

Willis McGahee is becoming a Bronco. I hope that one of the times we play Denver this season, Derrick Johnson explodes this guy (he tomahawked after scoring a touchdown in the playoff game in the 4th quarter against KC).

Darren Sproles is leaving the Chargers and heading to the Saints, where he will seemingly replace the Reggie Bush void.

Nnamdi Asomugha is now an Eagle. Early rumors had him going to the Jets or the Cowboys, but in the end, he chose Philly. Philly had already got Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from their trade with the Cardinals, and already have Assante Samuel. And, they picked up estranged QB Vince Young on a one-year deal. So it looks like Philly is looking to win now.

Todd Heap, who was released from the Ravens the same time as Kelly Gregg, was picked up by the Cardinals.

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