Another day in free agency culminates in two more signings for the Kansas City Chiefs. The first being possibly the most important signing of the offseason for the Chiefs.
Eric Winston, who was released by the Texans before the start of free agency, has spent the last three days in Kansas City visiting with Scott Pioli and the Chiefs. If Winston left town without a deal, there was no way one was going to happen. The Chiefs made sure that didn't happen.
Right tackle was the most glaring need for the Chiefs this offseason, having put up with the mediocrity that is Barry Richardson. And mediocrity is probably the kindest word I could think of. According to Pro Football Focus, Barry Richardson was one of the worst right tackles in the NFL. In their unique style of statistical analysis, Richardson came in at -39.1. In comparison, Branden Albert was a +4.4.
Eric Winston, on the other hand, is regarded as one of the best right tackles currently in the NFL, and has helped sure up the Texans offensive line since his rookie season; an offensive line that has lead the way for Arian Foster as he made mince meat of defenses. On Pro Football Focus, Winston graded out at a +11.1. So in addition to being one of the most sought after free agents of 2012, Winston also offers a +50 statistical difference over Richardson.
And although the terms of the deal haven't been revealed, one has to believe that no matter what the Chiefs agreed to pay Winston, it was well worth it. Why?
Jamaal Charles just got a lot more dangerous.
The other signing the Chiefs accomplished today was Brady Quinn. Once the 22nd overall selection by the Cleveland Browns, Quinn struggled in his first few seasons and was eventually traded to Denver in exchange for Peyton Hillis (and yes, they are now both on the Chiefs. Ironic).
Most people are going to see this move as just signing a backup quarterback. And while that is the most likely outcome, I see this as more. Not only does Quinn become the best backup the Chiefs have had under the Pioli regime, but Quinn also becomes competition for Cassel.
Yes, I know this sounds crazy, but I believe Quinn has starter potential. Granted, he didn't start a game in his two seasons in Denver, but his potential should not go unnoticed. He had enough potential to be drafted in the first round of 2007, and that potential just doesn't go away. Sure, Quinn was bad in Cleveland at Quarterback, but who hasn't been? Cleveland is the place QBs go to die, and I believe Quinn was just a victim of circumstance. Let's not forget a couple of other failed Browns personnel we currently have with the Chiefs (Romeo Crennel, Brian Daboll).
Time will tell for Quinn, but it's almost a certainty Winston will be an immediate impact when the season starts. I really like both signings, actually, all the Chiefs signings this offseason. The next priority: Nose tackle.
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