It’s that slow period in Free Agency — A Tortoise’s pace is faster than the clock’s hour hand.
The news did Arrive – Chiefs Sign Colts F/A DT Taylor Stallworth
The Chiefs had Taylor Stallworth in for a visit on Tuesday and signed him. I think this is a good signing that could pay off. Stallworth is a traveled vet. His 2021 was his best year statistically, and he has the size, length, and heft which will take the place of last season’s hiring — Jarran Reid. So I am going to applaud this signing. Stallworth is a young 26, 6’2+” 310. He has a decent wingspan and is an aggressive DT. He can play the nose or 3-gap and team up with Derrick Nnadi for the run-stopping role. Stallworth played collegiate ball at SC, was drafted by the Rams, and spent time with the Colts at his last stop. As noted, his best season was 2021 with the Colts. At Indy, he was platooned in the DT Role. His numbers for 2021 were: age 26, has appeared in 50 games spanning across 4 seasons. Taylor is coming off of his best season yet, serving in a rotational role with the Colts in 2021: 332 Defensive snaps, 16 T&Assts, 32 sacks, 22 pressures, and a batted pass. I expect him to platoon with Nnadi. With that fit, you may envision more.
However, I expect Veach to draft the next DT in the upcoming 2022 draft. Stallworth will be a depth player. For that role, he is a good fit. Who knows what unfolds between here and the draft. My DT targets: Jordan, Wyatt, and Leal.
The Bradberry Sweepstakes
Ya. I jumped on that bandwagon but found that trade was likely not an option on the table. Nor is the follow-on salary cost of $13+ Million. Such a contract is a financial commitment and is an untenable option for the Chiefs. See the Chadiha Tweet below:
The Gilmore CB Option
About the same time that the Bradberry information flowed into the public conscience, so to was the fact that Stephon Gilmore had communicated with the Chiefs. What I have found lately about this possibility is that the two sides are at least distant regarding monies. It is anticipated that it is less than the apparent requirements of the Bradberry camp. Even so, the option is not off the table. Should Gilmore lessen his demands, it may be that his acquisition would be possible.
I have no news on this front. What I do know is that at least the talks were enjoined. According to NFL reporter”er” er Jordan Schultz of Ga”e “ay NFL, the Chiefs are expressing interest in and “have actively communicated” with cornerback Stephon Gilmore recently.
| That appears to be solid evidence that the Chiefs have pursued Gilmore. At this point, it is still up in the air. I see no point in signing a CB for too much money from my frame of reference. Far better to draft a high-level player in the 2022 draft. |
Outlook From Here
Having watched the acquisition of Veteran players during the Dorsey and Veach era, I am convinced that if a veteran’s salary requirements begin to be an escalatory factor, it is time to move on. I submit to you two Chiefs contracts that ended up being a problem: Anthony Hitchens(LB) and Frank Clark(DE). We must also add in the cost that would have arisen from retaining Tyreek Hill. We have all witnessed what those three players brought to the table. Hill is a particular case, an entity that rises above all other wide receivers. So did the cost. At this juncture, we can see the high cost paid by Miami and the resultant bounty reaped by the Chiefs.
I envision the Chiefs drafting to the secondary and heavily investing in players who are starter quality players and/or impact players. As I write this, I think that the Chiefs must draft two Defensive Ends, a Defensive tackle and at least a CB and Safety. At the same time, adding a WR should be a required draft pick. As I think today on this last topic, I return to George Pickens as my choice. I don’t want to waste the draft capital required to trade up in the draft to select Jameson Williams(WR). Surely I would like to bring Williams aboard. I have written several times that Pickens would be a great draft pick and fall within the range of a Veach selection. Our GM works to resolve the other needs that must be solved in the 2022 draft.
Of course, this is my outlook.
David Bell – ArrowheadOne