Free Agentpocalypse Now: Day 1

With free agency now upon us, it's time to look at some of the free agents that have been connected to the Chiefs, either by rumor or by scheduling a visit. Here's how the free agent list looks so far:

Eric Winston:
A surprise cut by the Houston Texans the day before free agency opened up, Winston will be a hot commodity. Winston is considered a Pro-Bowl caliber right tackle, and it just so happens that the Chiefs could use a right tackle. He had a visit scheduled with the Dolphins, but if Winston doesn't strike a deal with Miami, he is scheduled to meet with the Chiefs and then Rams.

Mike Tolbert:
The San Diego bowling ball of a running back is being pursued by several teams, including the Chiefs. The Chiefs already have the speed with Jamaal Charles, but they need the bulk complement; that's exactly what Tolbert can offer. The Chiefs are trying to schedule a visit with the FA, and according to a reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune, he's hearing that Tolbert "ends up a Chief."

Peyton Hillis
Speaking of big backs, the current face of the Madden video game franchise is reportedly visiting the Chiefs soon. Although Hillis suffered from injuries and an incredibly negative attitude in 2011, a change of venue might do him good to get himself back to his hit-sticking form from a year ago.

John Carlson
Carlson is a tight end that was released by the Seahawks this offseason. Carlson would offer a good complement to Moeaki, kind of like the Moneyball-esque tight end rotation the Patriots practiced in 2011. Unfortunately, Carlson, much like Moeaki, is coming of a history of injuries. Nevertheless, in his three seasons in Seattle, Carlson has 137 catches, 1,519 yards and 13 TDs.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Analysts have liked to link the Chiefs to Green-Ellis several times since it became clear the Patriots weren't going to try that hard to retain the running back. The back who's never fumbled, although not the pounder Hillis and Tolbert are, would offer a great option as a change of pace to Charles like Thomas Jones did for the first few weeks of 2010. Although no visit is scheduled, look for one in the near future.

Marcus McNeill
It's been rumored that the Chiefs have reached out to Pro Bowl tackle Marcus McNeill, following his release by the San Diego Chargers. He would be absolutely coveted if it wasn't for his injury. Coming off a neck injury that shortened his 2011 season, he has not been medically cleared to return to football. So if a team, including the Chiefs, wants to reach out to McNeill, then buyer beware. I mean, after all, only Manning can have a career-threatening neck injury and return no questions asked.