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We have known that the Chiefs had early talks about signing CB Bashaud Breeland to another one-year contract. There’s been no completion to that deal. Breeland was apparently testing the market thereafter but his visit Thursday to Minnesota was his first onsite trip. He came away from that visit without a new Contract. It should be noted that the Vikings have two starting outside Corners: Cameron Dantzler (2nd round pick in 2020) whom I thought the Chiefs might target, and 8 time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. So despite the interest from the Vikings, Breeland wants to be a starter, but would be relegated to be the 3rd CB or Slot CB most likely. At the same time, the Vikings have only about $3.5M cap space funds to invest and the Chiefs have $7.875M.
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Coverage by Authors who write about the Chiefs is in abundance this morning. John Dixon of he AP and Charles Goldman of ChiefsWire as well as Nate Taylor of the Athletic ruminated and provided illumination about Breeland’s trip up north. So I am jumping into the fray because I think the Chiefs have a vested interest in having Breeland return for another year.
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First let me observe a few things that I believe are of import.
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- Breeland has provided solid effort as a starting outside CB for the Chiefs
- Breeland gets “Handsy” in coverage resulting in PI’s: 8 penalties in 2020, and 3 in Super Bowl
- Breeland was suspended 4 games in 2020 for using a restricted substance
- Breeland has legal issues pending in South Carolina from an altercation
- Veach has had talks with Breeland about returning in 2021, but no contract was consummated, yet
- Breeland left Minnesota without a signed deal
- Breeland offers veteran experience to a Cornerback room
- Breeland does not have an injury history
- He is from storied Clemson
- I like the youth movement in the secondary, it’s good stuff. Young CB’s include: L’Jarius Sneed, Charvarius Ward, Rashad Fenton, Deandre Baker, Mike Hughes, BoPete Keyes and possibly Dicaprio Bootle (UDFA)
- I like our safeties a bunch too (age before beauty): Tyrann Mathieu, Dan Sorensen, Juan Thornhill, Armani Watts and Will Parks
- We do not know the status of Baker’s recovery from leg surgery, nor his rehab status
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With these factors given consideration, we should be very confident about the direction the secondary is moving, both corners and safeties. The Chiefs do need to iron out an extension for Tyrann Mathieu and though The Landlord tweeted about his doubt in getting this done, I think the obvious thing that will happen is exactly what Brett Veach observed would happen–something before the season gets underway.
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Breeland looks better given the view from PFF (posted Jan 25th).
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When looking at the numbers from PFF it should give us a good feeling should Brett Veach decide to sign him back up. The only question that remains is, will there be any repercussions from the legal entanglement from South Carolina early this year? I can find no charges outstanding though he was arrested at the time of the incident. This is the only thing that might possibly be holding Breeland back and perhaps the reason why he has not had more suitors in Free Agency.
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What the difficulty is with the Chiefs and Breeland is unknown. It has to be something internal, personality, or other unknown factor. We do know this about Breeland:
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In my mind, keeping Bashaud Breeland a Chief for 2021 is essentially a no brainer, especially for a very young CB crew. Sure, we have a lot of very promising talent and the one of the most dynamic corners to appear with the 2020 rookies, L’Jarius Sneed. However, having a veteran in the mix can provide a valuable resource to the younger players. As far as his in-house persona goes, I haven’t heard any negatives emanating from One Arrowhead Way. So, if that box is checked off, I can see that Breeland was testing the waters by visiting Minnesota as he had no suitors. Consequently, he knows what his established value is from the Chiefs and now the Vikings.
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So Bashaud, What’s Next?
Then today, as we are reviewing stories about Breeland, he suddenly tweeted and Ryan Tracy of RGR Football responded:
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It’s true, I have no insider contact with the Chiefs. I do follow people… who do know people… such as Nate Taylor, Ryan Tracy, Seth Keysor, Matt Derrick, Daniel Harms, Craig Stout and BJ Kissel. Seeing that Ryan very likely will give us a Podcast with Breeland, then I want to post a note about how Seth Keysor views Breeland, from Jan 24th:
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If I am reading the “Chiefs Tea Leaves” properly:
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- Bashaud Breeland wants to return to the Chiefs
- The Chiefs will sign him for another season
- This would be a good thing to have happen amongst all of the high positiv moves that Brett Veach & Co. have made in the 2021 off-season
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Brett? Now can we also sign Melvin Ingram. Please?
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David Bell – ArrowheadOne
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