The Kansas City Chiefs are one of many NFL teams looking to add the pieces necessary to become a contender. With a coaching change and the hiring of Andy Reid, the acquisition of Alex Smith, the signing of Dunta Robinson, and the re-signing of Brandon Albert and Dwayne Bowe all before free agency and the NFL Draft, the Chiefs have the looks of a playoff team.
As the NFL prepares for free agency beginning Tuesday, some rumors are flying and moves are being made that could change the dynamic of the league:
- Many felt that Atlanta Falcons future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez would retire following the season, and Gonzalez even said the likelihood of that was as high as 97%. Now, rumor has it that Gonzalez is more likely to return than not which is good news for Matt Ryan and also good news for running back, cornerback, and defensive end prospects as the Falcons may look to replace released Michael Turner, Dunta Robinson, or John Abraham rather than Gonzalez in the first round.
- While the free agent market is lacking in headliners, the wide receiver position has more “star” players than any other in this free agent class. It is possible that one less top receiver may be on the move, however, as some are speculating that Wes Welker is highly likely to remain with New England.
- As receivers are a hot commodity in the NFL these days, Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks just got richer with the acquisition of Percy Harvin from the Minnesota Vikings. The wide receiver has proven he can be a dynamic playmaker, but he has also shown how migraine headaches, injuries, and mal-contentment can hurt his team. The Seahawks paid a steep price to get him, giving up a first and seventh round pick this year and a third round pick in next year’s draft. This gives the Vikings the #23 and #25 overall picks. Though this trade makes sense for the Vikings (getting rid of a disgruntled and oft-injured star in exchange for draft picks), Adrian Peterson has taken to Twitter to express his displeasure.
- In a move designed to create the cap space needed to bring back linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and safety Ed Reed, the Baltimore Ravens have traded #1 wide receiver Anquan Boldin to the 49ers for a sixth round pick. While it is hard to believe the Ravens could not have gotten more, the extra room created by the deal will allow Baltimore to address key needs and still bring in a younger, less costly receiver. San Francisco, meanwhile, really benefits from this trade as Boldin should be a great addition to Colin Kaepernick’s receiving corps.
- The Arizona Cardinals released 2009 first round pick Beanie Wells who has shown why he was worth the investment from a talent perspective but has failed to remain healthy, playing only one full season in his four years in the league. Wells could be a good, low-cost pickup for a team looking for a #2 back.
- Talented, versatile, but troubled linebacker D.J. Williams of the Denver Broncos was also released today. He was limited this season due to mandatory suspensions, and his release was expected. However, the Broncos may be preparing to also release popular and productive pass rusher Elvis Dumervil in the coming days if he stands by his commitment to refuse to take a pay cut. The former Louisville standout had 11 sacks and six forced fumbles this last season for the AFC West champions.
- Aging Steelers linebacker James Harrison was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers after his production dropped off last season. The former Defensive Player of the Year has been linked to the Saints as well as the Ravens and the Eagles.
Want to know what moves your team will make or is making? We all know how crucial adding the right pieces in free agency and in the draft can be. Make sure to stay tuned to Breitbart Sports for NFL chatter, news, and notes.