Chiefs OTAs Primer

Source: KCChiefs.com by Josh Looney

A position-by-position preview as OTAs begin

B/R Exclusive Interview with Kansas City Chiefs S Eric Berry

Source: Bleacher Report

Football fans know Kansas City Chiefs' S Eric Berry because of his ability to play football. But they may not know what he does outside of football—giving back to local communities and working with young football players.

Growing up as a kid in Fairburn, Ga., Berry saw himself playing football one day. After having to overcome a lot of obstacles at home while having the desire to one day play in the NFL, the former Tennessee Volunteer and his parents created a foundation where they could devote their time to helping kids play football by upgrading shoddy football fields.

Berry recently held a football camp in Lee's Summit, Mo., I spoke with the Chiefs star as he touched on his foundation and provided some thoughts on the upcoming season.

A 10-minute sit-down with Berry:

FV: It’s been awhile since you played. How does it feel to not only get back on the field and play football but to also see your teammates again?

EB: Just to see my teammates in that atmosphere, to be back out there on the field with them, back in workouts, meetings, that was something special. That is the biggest part I like about the game, the camaraderie. Just seeing how it translates on the field, a lot of those guys helped me out throughout my process and just seeing them and being out there with them is definitely a blessing.

FV: How is rehab going so far?

EB: Everything is good. Everything is 100 [percent]. Right now we are just taking it slow in OTAs just to make sure nothing crazy happens or any freak accidents happen but everything is good. I’m just excited to be back out there.

FV: What are your thoughts on Romeo Crennel as the new Chiefs' head coach for the 2012 season?

EB: I think it’s going to be good. Romeo is a fair guy and he keeps his word. We are going to play hard for him. The passion he brings to the game everyday, day in, day out, we feed off that. We try to bring that energy everyday and try to perform and do better everyday and get better.

FV: How do you think the free safety position has evolved in the last decade and why are teams now coveting the position?

EB: I believe it has changed so much because of the impact you can have from that position. You are so involved in the game from both a pass and a run standpoint. Anyone that can have an impact on a game like that is going to be held to high standards. You have guys like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu who make big-time plays which can change the outcome of the game.

FV: The Chiefs field a new-look secondary loaded with talent. Stanford Routt was acquired in free agency and DeQuan Menzie added through the draft. How do you think this unit stacks up against the rest of the league?

EB: Right now we know there are a lot of good secondaries out there. We are just trying to focus on what we can do to get better. We’ve got some new, young guys coming in and we are trying to catch them up to speed. We are trying to make sure that we have depth, making sure the guys behind us know what is going on. We are going to keep pushing each other to raise the standard for our secondary.

FV: How pleased are you with how well the front office has worked this offseason to help the team excel in 2012?

EB: I trust those guys. They go in and study who they need to pick up and who is going to make us better. I let them do their job and whoever they bring in, it is our job to just make them feel at home. We also help to get them acclimated to the new system and make sure they are comfortable to where they can perform. That is what we try to do.

FV: In the summer of 2010, you began the Eric Berry Foundation. How did that idea come together?

EB: I had a lot of help with that. My team and my agency, A3, helped me out a lot with it—along with my mom and my dad. I know it was something I always wanted to do as well. I had the vision for it but I had a lot of people help me put it together and actually make it a real thing.

FV: Your foundation is committed to networking with partners in Kansas City, Mo. and Knoxville, Tenn—with all parties sharing the common goal of restoring parks and fields. What inspired you to establish it?

EB: Growing up in Fairburn [Ga.], right outside of Atlanta [Ga.],my dad always made sure that the field was good enough to where we could have games and play on it. Just seeing what kind of stress that caused and how much he had to really put into it along with having two jobs and just trying to coach a team as well. And nowadays, with the type of stuff kids can get into with idle time and the type of trouble they can get into, I feel like if they have somewhere where they can have fun, they can stay out of trouble.

FV: You had the opportunity to give back by working with kids here at Lee’s Summit High School. What was the driving force behind putting this football camp together?

EB: It was fun! I wanted to do one in Kansas City [Mo.] because this is where I play now. I feel like this is one of my homes. I do one in Atlanta [Ga.] and I do one in Knoxville [Tenn.]. This is my first one I did here. A lot of people had a lot of hands in putting this together. This is something I want to do for this community. I feel like this community is a part of me so why not do a camp here?

FV: How can Chiefs and NFL fans give back and get involved with your foundation?

EB: My foundation's website is EricBerryFoundation.org. You can go there to get more information. This is just something that I hold dearly to my heart—giving back to the community.

[Special thanks to Eric for this interview! To see him and his foundation in action, watch the video below. And make sure to follow him on Twitter! (@StuntMan1429)]

Read more Kansas City Chiefs news on BleacherReport.com

B/R Exclusive Interview with Kansas City Chiefs FS Eric Berry

Source: Bleacher Report

Football fans know Kansas City Chiefs' FS Eric Berry because of his ability to play football. But they may not know what he does outside of football—giving back to local communities and working with young football players.

Growing up as a kid in Fairburn, Ga., Berry saw himself playing football one day. After having to overcome a lot of obstacles at home while having the desire to one day play in the NFL, the former Tennessee Volunteer and his parents created a foundation where they could devote their time to helping kids play football by upgrading shoddy football fields.

Berry recently held a football camp in Lee's Summit, Mo., I spoke with the Chiefs star as he touched on his foundation and provided some thoughts on the upcoming season.

A 10-minute sit-down with Berry:

FV: It’s been awhile since you played. How does it feel to not only get back on the field and play football but to also see your teammates again?

EB: Just to see my teammates in that atmosphere, to be back out there on the field with them, back in workouts, meetings, that was something special. That is the biggest part I like about the game, the camaraderie. Just seeing how it translates on the field, a lot of those guys helped me out throughout my process and just seeing them and being out there with them is definitely a blessing.

FV: How is rehab going so far?

EB: Everything is good. Everything is 100 [percent]. Right now we are just taking it slow in OTAs just to make sure nothing crazy happens or any freak accidents happen but everything is good. I’m just excited to be back out there.

FV: What are your thoughts on Romeo Crennel as the new Chiefs' head coach for the 2012 season?

EB: I think it’s going to be good. Romeo is a fair guy and he keeps his word. We are going to play hard for him. The passion he brings to the game everyday, day in, day out, we feed off that. We try to bring that energy everyday and try to perform and do better everyday and get better.

FV: How do you think the free safety position has evolved in the last decade and why are teams now coveting the position?

EB: I believe it has changed so much because of the impact you can have from that position. You are so involved in the game from both a pass and a run standpoint. Anyone that can have an impact on a game like that is going to be held to high standards. You have guys like Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu who make big-time plays which can change the outcome of the game.

FV: The Chiefs field a new-look secondary loaded with talent. Stanford Routt was acquired in free agency and DeQuan Menzie added through the draft. How do you think this unit stacks up against the rest of the league?

EB: Right now we know there are a lot of good secondaries out there. We are just trying to focus on what we can do to get better. We’ve got some new, young guys coming in and we are trying to catch them up to speed. We are trying to make sure that we have depth, making sure the guys behind us know what is going on. We are going to keep pushing each other to raise the standard for our secondary.

FV: How pleased are you with how well the front office has worked this offseason to help the team excel in 2012?

EB: I trust those guys. They go in and study who they need to pick up and who is going to make us better. I let them do their job and whoever they bring in, it is our job to just make them feel at home. We also help to get them acclimated to the new system and make sure they are comfortable to where they can perform. That is what we try to do.

FV: In the summer of 2010, you began the Eric Berry Foundation. How did that idea come together?

EB: I had a lot of help with that. My team and my agency, A3, helped me out a lot with it—along with my mom and my dad. I know it was something I always wanted to do as well. I had the vision for it but I had a lot of people help me put it together and actually make it a real thing.

FV: Your foundation is committed to networking with partners in Kansas City, Mo. and Knoxville, Tenn—with all parties sharing the common goal of restoring parks and fields. What inspired you to establish it?

EB: Growing up in Fairburn [Ga.], right outside of Atlanta [Ga.],my dad always made sure that the field was good enough to where we could have games and play on it. Just seeing what kind of stress that caused and how much he had to really put into it along with having two jobs and just trying to coach a team as well. And nowadays, with the type of stuff kids can get into with idle time and the type of trouble they can get into, I feel like if they have somewhere where they can have fun, they can stay out of trouble.

FV: You had the opportunity to give back by working with kids here at Lee’s Summit High School. What was the driving force behind putting this football camp together?

EB: It was fun! I wanted to do one in Kansas City [Mo.] because this is where I play now. I feel like this is one of my homes. I do one in Atlanta [Ga.] and I do one in Knoxville [Tenn.]. This is my first one I did here. A lot of people had a lot of hands in putting this together. This is something I want to do for this community. I feel like this community is a part of me so why not do a camp here?

FV: How can Chiefs and NFL fans give back and get involved with your foundation?

EB: My foundation's website is EricBerryFoundation.org. You can go there to get more information. This is just something that I hold dearly to my heart—giving back to the community.

[Special thanks to Eric for this interview! To see him and his foundation in action, watch the video below. And make sure to follow him on Twitter! (@StuntMan1429)]

Read more Kansas City Chiefs news on BleacherReport.com

Chop Talk tonight at 7pm CT with Joel Thorman, John Gennaro and Levi Damien

Source: Arrowhead Pride by BJ Kissel

Chop Talk tonight at 7pm CT with Joel Thorman, John Gennaro and Levi Damien

BJ Kissel, Matt Conner and Craig Brenner are back for another episode of Chop Talk Sunday night from 7-8:30pm CT.

The show is full of SB Nation editors tonight as Joel Thorman joins us to start the show with John Gennaro, editor of Bolts from the Blue following Joel. Then we're finishing up the show with the editor of Silver and Black Pride, Levi Damien.

Listen to Chargers and Raiders experts share their thoughts on the

Park's closed

Source: AFC West Blog

I will be out until May 29. Our blog editors will post morning headlines and other pertinent news while I’m away. Have a great week.

Drew Brees: Why the Kansas City Chiefs Should Trade for New Orleans Favorite Son

Source: Bleacher Report

Yes, the Kansas City Chiefs trading for "frustrated" New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sounds about as outlandish a concept as they come. But how many people would have believed Peyton Manning would be with the Denver Broncos this time last year?

After Brees' record-setting performance last season, it's been all downhill for the Saints. Their head coach, interim head coach and general manager all start the season on suspension. Defensive stalwarts Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith will likewise spend some time on mandatory leave of absence. All-Pro guard Carl Nicks walked in free agency, as did wide receiver Robert Meachem.

And let's not forget the latest debacle surrounding Brees' contract. Brees wanted a franchise tag exemption as one of the plaintiffs who sued the NFL last summer, but that didn't happen. And Brees' comments about his contract negotiations, or lack thereof, don't appear to have done any good.

So, just how bitter could this thing become?

Brees became more than a starting quarterback in New Orleans; he became an icon who the people of New Orleans rallied around as they recovered from one of the greatest natural disasters in U.S. history. This drawn-out contract situation seems to be poor gratitude for someone who meant this much to a city and committed so much of himself to the community.

This is where the Kansas City Chiefs could come in.

The Chiefs have playmakers at nearly every position except quarterback. Scott Pioli tried to pursue Peyton Manning this offseason. If Pioli was willing to spend serious money on a 36-year-old quarterback with serious injury concerns, what would he do for a younger Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback in much better shape?

Kansas City could pitch an offer to New Orleans, compensating the Saints with a pair of first-round picks and Matt Cassel in exchange for Brees. This trade mirrors the Denver Broncos/Chicago Bears trade for Jay Cutler and Kyle Orton. Kansas City might need to throw in a second-round pick as well to sweeten the deal, but it'd still be a bargain for Brees.

Adding Brees to the lineup would make the Chiefs a certain Super Bowl contender this year. With a revived run game, talented offensive line and numerous receiving threats, Kansas City would easily top their "Greatest Show on Turf" days with Trent Green, Priest Holmes and Tony Gonzalez.

So, what do the Saints get out of this exchange? Tom Benson could expect mounds of hate mail and outrage when he announces the departure of arguably the biggest fan favorite in Saints history. The start of the season would feature the return of brown paper bag faces in the stands and a resurgence in the use of the "Ain'ts" moniker.

However, Cassel isn't without his merits under center. He would help keep the Saints respectable, if not Super Bowl-worthy. Cassel doesn't hurt the pocketbook nearly as much either; the Chiefs front-loaded Cassel's contract, which makes him a much cheaper alternative.

But this season isn't about the Super Bowl; it's about saving face and rebuilding. Without their A-list coaching staff and support, New Orleans should just consider the 2012 season a wash and look forward to the next few years.

In those years, they can enjoy multiple first-round picks on cheap rookie contracts and a capable veteran to hold down the fort while they develop a Matt Barkley or Landry Jones next year. In 2014 or 2015, the Saints could return to prominence with the specter of Bountygate firmly behind them.

And as much as it might seem otherwise, no player is bigger than their team. In the last few months, sports fans have watched Albert Pujols leave St. Louis to join the Angels in Los Angeles and Manning leave Indianapolis for a Rocky Mountain High.

St. Louis built a statue of Pujols, but that didn't stop him from heading west. The city didn't burn to the ground later that night either. The city of New Orleans will be just fine without Brees.

But if the Chiefs can go all in and get the Saints to call on a trade for Brees, Kansas City might just have their own dose of pandemonium next February.

It might just be a pipe dream, but stranger things have happened.

Read more Kansas City Chiefs news on BleacherReport.com

Sunday Afternoon Open Thread

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

It's almost the afternoon here in DC and I hope you have a fun day lined up. The weather appears to be great across the country.

I hope you caught I'll Have Another winning the Preakness Stakes yesterday. That was one hell of a horse race, with I'll Have Another beating Bodemeister literally by a neck.

What plans do you have today?

The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web

Source: Arrowhead Addict by Patrick Allen

Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

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The Morning Fix: Chiefs News From Around The Web - Arrowhead Addict - Arrowhead Addict - A Kansas City Chiefs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more

Tanier’s Team Reviews: The Kansas City Chiefs, via Todd Haley (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Any website can post "offseason grades" for NFL teams, mixing the draft and free agency into transaction soup, then straining it through the mind of some sportswriter who doesn't know who half the players are. Only the Shutdown Corner has the resources to get actual players, coaches, and executives from each team to evaluate their own offseasons! That's right: over the next few weeks, you will get transaction evaluations straight from the horse's mouths: straight talk about who was signed, who was lost, who was drafted, and why. (For the satirically challenged: all player, coach, and executive remarks are made by an impersonator). In this segment, former Chiefs coach Todd Haley breaks down the offseason moves of the team that fired him at the end of last season. We have a bad feeling about this. TODD HALEY: Wash your windshield, mister? I don't scrub windshields for the money. I have a coaching job now as offensive coordinator for the Steelers. I carry this slop bucket because I like it. It's comforting to wash windows while the mad clown stares at me with his dead, gray eyes, whispering razor truths mortals dare not speak aloud, truths that pierce flesh and cut an inky scarlet line against the throat of the he-goat … Sorry, my thoughts meander sometimes. The Chiefs had a productive offseason. At the skill positions, they added Peyton Hillis to a running back committee that already includes Dexter McCluster and Jamaal Charles, who is ahead of schedule rehabbing his knee injury. Kevin Boss joins Tony Moeaki, also on schedule to return from a knee injury, to give the Chiefs two tight ends who can block and catch. Two rookie wide receivers, Devon Wylie and Junior Hemingway, will provide extra depth behind Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, and last year's top pick Jonathan Baldwin, who started to come on late in the season. Matt Cassel, yet another player who missed much of last season with injuries, won't have to worry about throwing to the likes of Keary Colbert or Anthony Becht. That's right, everyone gets to come back to Kansas City but me, the guy who got blamed for not being able to build an offense around Tyler Palko and Terrance Copper, while the dead-eyed clown stares back at me from the mirror and cackles. "You ever played cornhole with the devil, son?" he asks, his raspy voice a rusty hypodermic needle scraping gutter concrete. "He don't use no beanbags, boy." And that he-goat just brays and brays like he sees the end coming and don't know whether to fight it or welcome it. Moving on to the defense, Dontari Poe was one of the most physically gifted specimens in this year's draft class. The Chiefs have a bad habit of striking out with big defensive tackles, from Ryan Sims to Glenn Dorsey, so my former assistant Romeo Crennel will have to be careful about Poe's development and role if he doesn't want Poe to become an overpriced space-eater the greasepaint smears and the sharpened steel glints in the pickup truck headlights behind the barnyard. The loss of Brandon Carr is going to hurt at cornerback, because Stanford Routt is an adequate #2 corner behind Brandon Flowers. But the defense will be better if it is not  on the field as often, and when the muffled brays fade to pitch-black silence, vengeful darkness sated all-too-briefly by the still-quivering sacrifice .

Mailbag: Can Denver make Super Bowl?

Source: AFC West Blog

Weekend mail call: MD Ellis from Marysville, Calif., wants to know if the Oakland Raiders could trade a receiver such as Louis Murphy because of fifth-round pick Juron Criner. Bill Williamson: Perhaps late in the preseason, something could happen since Murphy is a free agent after next season. But I think the most likely situation is Oakland will keep all of their young receivers and see how it develops. It’s a good, solid group. But it needs some players to stand out, so the Raiders may be better off keeping everyone and seeing how it plays out.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 5/20

Source: Arrowhead Pride by NJ Chiefs Fan

Good morning! If you forgot we were in the offseason, today's Arrowheadlines will be a reminder. Next to nothing out there. Here's your Kansas City Chiefs news.

Sometime in the winter of 2010, I got a break on an important find that helped to complete the Hall of Honor which had only recently opened the previous summer.

Of all the cases of Chiefs Hall of Famers only one contained no item of interest. It was Jerrel Wilson's.

HOH: Wilson's

HOH: Wilson's Shrine

Source: KCChiefs.com by Bob Moore

Chiefs Historian Bob Moore tells the story behind punter Jerrel Wilson's shrine in the team's Hall of Honor

Vox Media, parent company of Arrowhead Pride, has been producing all kinds of videos for The Verge...

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

Vox Media, parent company of Arrowhead Pride, has been producing all kinds of videos for The Verge and SB Nation for a few months now. Here is a sizzle reel of our early work. Check out more at youtube.com/sbnation.

Saturday Afternoon Open Thread

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

I don't know about you but I'm getting really excited for this year's Preakness Stakes. Like everyone else, I'm watching to see if Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another will complete the second step in pursuit of the Triple Crown.

What are you up to this afternoon?

It doesn't matter what T.O. wants

Source: AFC West Blog

Terrell Owens is campaigning to get back into the NFL, and his current targets are his first team and the team in which his previous quarterback plays for. Owens went on “The Drive” on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, in an interview that will air Monday, and said he’d like to play for either the 49ers or the Raiders. Let’s get this straight: Owens would like to play for any team. But thus far, there have not been any takers.

Dwayne Bowe Says He’ll Be In Training Camp

Source: Arrowhead Addict by Patrick Allen

Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE

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Dwayne Bowe Says He’ll Be In Training Camp - Arrowhead Addict - Arrowhead Addict - A Kansas City Chiefs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more

HOH: Wilson's Shrine

Source: KCChiefs.com by Bob Moore

Chiefs Historian Bob Moore tells the story behind punter Jerrell Wilson's shrine in the team's Hall of Honor

The Dwayne Bowe Show Is Alive And Well

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Joel Thorman

Kansas City Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe made an appearance at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere here in Los Angeles this weekend and I had a chance to catch up with him on Friday night. Bowe, who has yet to sign his franchise tender, was an honorary captain for one of the teams at the NFLPA Premiere League flag football game on the stunning UCLA campus.
The money line from Bowe was confirming that he will be with the Chiefs in 2012 and that he will be at training camp in St. Joe. I asked the same question about him being a Chief next year in several different ways and there was no question he expects to be a Chief. That, or he's lying to me.
Bowe has been slapped with the

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 5/19

Source: Arrowhead Pride by NJ Chiefs Fan

Good morning! Here is today's Kansas City Chiefs news. Enjoy.

The defense needs to be a top-five unit, preferably No. 1. For the season, I'd expect a takeaway/giveaway differential of plus-8. For the Super Bowl win, I'd need Tamba Hali and Brandon Flowers to cement the turnover battle. I'd like at least four turnovers.

Hey, Ryan Succop! I need no less than three field goals. Charles, Hillis and the defense will handle the rest. And like that, Kansas City can win a Super Bowl!

What, hard to grasp? Who

Eric Berry hosting football camp in Kansas City on Saturday, May 19th

Source: KCChiefs.com by Josh Looney

The camp will be held at Lee’s Summit High School

2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Build Offseason Excitement: A Fan's Giddy Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

It is mid-May and the sports world is not focused on the NFL. But hardcore fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are already getting excited for the 2012-13 season. While I previously lamented how hard this offseason of goodbyes was going to be, I think the Steelers organization is making all the right moves to make the 2012-13 season a great one.

Chop Talk Sunday night with Joel Thorman, John Genarro and Levi Damien

Source: Arrowhead Pride by BJ Kissel

Chop Talk Sunday night with Joel Thorman, John Genarro and Levi Damien

BJ Kissel, Matt Conner and Craig Brenner come to you again Sunday night from 7-8:30pm with an all SB Nation crew as guests for the night.

We all know Primetime, but you'll be introduced to the editor of the San Diego Chargers SB Nation site in John Genarro. Then our final guest will be the editor of the Oakland Raiders site, Levi Damien.

Lot of players have moved around between these teams within the last year. Can you name them all?

Friday Night Open Thread

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

Good evening everyone. I hope this Friday finds you well. The work week is over (for most of you) and a bourbon tasting (!) just started here at SB Nation HQ.

So, needless to say, I gotta go. Make sure you give us your victory of the week in the comments. My victory of the week is hanging in DC with Mr. Clay Wendler right now. He's come in town to chat business and we're having a blast.

What is your victory of the week?

Ryan Clady's sacks-allowed numbers soar

Source: AFC West Blog

Ryan Clady has been considered one of the best young left tackles in the NFL. However, after a stellar rookie season, Clady has had his issues. According to Stats Inc., Clady -- the No. 12 overall pick in the 2008 draft -- has allowed 24.5 sacks in the past three seasons. Clady allowed just a half sack in his rookie season. He allowed a career high nine sacks in 2011, and was penalized 12 times last season. Despite giving up 7.5 sacks in 2010, Clady had a strong season.

Why The Kansas City Chiefs Are Also AFC Favorites

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Flowers24

There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks pertaining to who's the best team coming out of free agency and the NFL Draft. Since Kansas City resides in the AFC, let's stick to that subject for the time being.

Many pundits have given that mantle to Houston, New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and even Denver. One more team belongs in that discussion.

The Kansas City Chiefs have enough talent to arrive at the Super Bowl in February.

The naysayers will make the argument that Romeo Crennel isn't a good head coach and that Matt Cassel can't get the job done. Those are both fair and valid

SB Nation's Amy K. Nelson and Dan Rubenstein travel to Los Angeles for the NFLPA Rookie Premiere to...

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

SB Nation's Amy K. Nelson and Dan Rubenstein travel to Los Angeles for the NFLPA Rookie Premiere to sit down with the newest members of the NFL. Before that, however, they swung by the rookie fitness challenge at Hamilton High School to catch up with a handful of players, including Rueben Randle, Brandon Weeden, A.J. Jenkins, Justin Blackmon, and more.

"My health's great and my hand's healed up now," said Cassel. "This offseason has been a big...

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Matt Conner

"My health's great and my hand's healed up now," said Cassel. "This offseason has been a big offseason for me because I've just been so eager to get back and get going with these guys. I've been working out a lot earlier than I normally would be after a normal season. It's been a good experience for me."

Matt Cassel Speaks About His Offseason

Chiefs And Royals Team Up For Operation Blessing Food Distribution

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Matt Conner

For the tenth consecutive year, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are both teaming up to help with food distribution to those in need through Operation Blessing. You can help out this Saturday morning (May 19) by joining the teams at the OB distribution site (1152 E. 30th Street - Corner of 30th and Troost).

Several players for the Chiefs will be there from 11am to

Dallas Clark Update: Tight End Visited New England Patriots On Tuesday

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Matt Conner

As the Kansas City Chiefs check in on a number of veteran free agents now that the dust from the 2012 NFL Draft has settled, it's interesting to see who else is looking at the same players. In the case of tight end Dallas Clark, a familiar link to Kansas City's Scott Pioli is also working out the former Indianapolis Colt.

Clark apparently spent some time visiting with the New England Patriots on Tuesday of this week. The news is just coming out today, which means that

Yeremiah Bell Reportedly Signs With New York Jets

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Matt Conner

The rumor had Yeremiah Bell down to selecting between the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles after a free agent tour around the NFL. Apparently the rumors were right with Rex Ryan's Jets winning the services for the former Miami Dolphins safety.

Bell's contract is

Clark pays visit to Patriots (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Veteran tight end still job hunting after release by Colts.

Anthony Toribio Has Fun With Ricky Stanzi On Twitter

Source: Arrowhead Addict by Patrick Allen

John Rieger-US PRESSWIRE

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Anthony Toribio Has Fun With Ricky Stanzi On Twitter - Arrowhead Addict - Arrowhead Addict - A Kansas City Chiefs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more

Yeremiah Bell Signs With Jets

Source: Arrowhead Addict by Patrick Allen

Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE

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Yeremiah Bell Signs With Jets - Arrowhead Addict - Arrowhead Addict - A Kansas City Chiefs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more

Bell will not toll in Kansas City

Source: AFC West Blog

Yeremiah Bell will not be the one who provides depth to the Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the safety has signed with the New York Jets. Bell visited the Chiefs on Wednesday, and they were one of four teams he was considering. The Chiefs were interested in Bell as a third safety. The Chiefs also looked at veteran O.J. Atogwe. In other AFC West news: Here is a call for the Raiders to cut troubled middle linebacker Rolando McClain.

If Chiefs Players Were Characters From The Wire

Source: Arrowhead Addict by Patrick Allen

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If Chiefs Players Were Characters From The Wire - Arrowhead Addict - Arrowhead Addict - A Kansas City Chiefs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more

Just How Quickly Are The Draft Picks Signing?

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Joel Thorman

We've mentioned the NFL's rookie wage scale a few times, and how draft picks are signing significantly earlier than previous years. The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, already have seven of their eight draft picks signed (with Dontari Poe still to go).

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tweeted this out, which shows just how quickly these draft picks are signing:

Drafted players signed thru last night: 147. Thru May of 2010? 13. May of 2009? 11. 2008? 7. 2007? 25. 2006? 2. 2005? 4.

Wow.

Kansas City Chiefs: Signing Their Rookies Shows Sense of Urgency for 2012 Season

Source: Bleacher Report

On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs signed their third-round draft pick, offensive tackle Donald Stephenson, to a four-year contract. Stephenson becomes the seventh of their eight selections to be inked to a deal so far this offseason (only first-round pick Dontari Poe remains unsigned).

The Chiefs are making quick work of getting the business side of the game taken care of as it relates to their rookies. By doing so, it eases the external pressures on the young players so that their main priority can be coming into camp and finding their way around the team and the NFL.

In addition to handling rookie contracts with a renewed sense of urgency thus far, general manager Scott Pioli wasted no time in filling positions of need by adding depth via free agency this offseason. After a year derailed in large part by management and the coaching staff's lackluster approach, Pioli seems resolute in not duplicating the steps that led to the outcome of the 2011 season.

Although the new CBA makes it easier to get draft picks signed to contracts by reducing the negotiating power of the players and their agents, being able to quickly unite the entire team with no hurdles gives the Chiefs a jump start to their 2012 season—one that comes with high expectations.

Once Poe and the Chiefs agree on contract terms, expect the organization's focus to shift towards figuring out how to lock up wide receiver Dwayne Bowe to a long-term deal.

With much of everything in place, the Chiefs can spend the majority of their time preparing for the upcoming season with minimal obstacles—something that was made difficult last year by a late start due to the lockout.

Having only missed consecutive AFC West division titles by two blocked field goals during a 16-13 overtime loss to the Oakland Raiders in Week 16 of last season, the Chiefs seem to be making all the right moves to reverse those fortunes in 2012.

 

Contact Jeremy at jeremy@popflyboys.com, on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy and at popflyboys.com.

Read more Kansas City Chiefs news on BleacherReport.com

Is Rod Smith HOF worthy?

Source: AFC West Blog

When he watched his quarterback go into the Pro Football hall of Fame in 2004, Rod Smith wondered if his bust would be bronzed next to John Elway’s someday. Now that he has entered the Denver Broncos’ ring of fame, the rag-to-riches receiver still wonders if he will end up in the Canton, Ohio museum. It’s an interesting question. Will Rod Smith be a Pro Football Hall of Famer? There’s no doubt he the undrafted free agent turned star receiver has a strong resume, however, he played a position which has not been overly valued by hall of fame voters in the recent past.

Comparing Wes Welker's Situation To Dwayne Bowe

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Joel Thorman

Interesting situation developing up in New England. The Patriots slapped the franchise tag on Wes Welker who in recent weeks has been publicly campaigning for a longterm contract. Just this week, after he signed his franchise tender, the Patriots receiver said that negotiations had actually "gotten worse". Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe wrote a story on the situation and reported that the Patriots weren't very pleased with Welker's public comments.

Bedard also

This Week In GIFs: Mostly Just A Bunch Of Terrible Athletes

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Chris Thorman

This Week In GIFs: Mostly Just A Bunch Of Terrible Athletes

Go vote for Dan Majerle catching a foul ball. Just do it.

Kansas City Chiefs: 8 Players Most Responsible for Team's Success in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to put the 2011 season in the rear view mirror, there will be some fresh faces in place—either coming back from injury or new to the franchise—to help the team along the way. There are also holdovers from last year’s squad either looking to build off of a good season, or prove they belong in the NFL.

Scott Pioli has done a fantastic job assembling the Chiefs’ roster via free agency (particularly this offseason) and the draft over the last few years.

There is now quality depth at positions that previously would have seen a major drop-off had an injury occurred. However, no team can survive too many of its front-line starters being unavailable for a significant period of time.

Expectations are high in and around the organization. The 2012 season will be very pivotal for not only the team but for certain players as they help the Chiefs return to prominence in this league.

Here are the eight players most responsible for the Chiefs’ success in 2012.

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Pre-Combine Trainer Praises Dontari Poe

Source: Arrowhead Pride by WesternNEChief

From the FanPosts -Joel

This isn't earth-shattering news or anything, but I thought it was interesting to read what a trainer said about Poe's work ethic in Stack Magazine.

Stack is an athletic fitness and nutrition magazine found a lot in high school weight rooms. The May issue had a combine workout feature on several players. Poe received a glowing report from his trainer from a company called Athletes Performance.

"According to his trainer, Poe was one of the most dedicated, hard-working and coachable athletes he's ever worked with in his career. 'I believe the guys that go to the Combine

Kansas City Chiefs: Who Should Scott Pioli Trade Dwayne Bowe For?

Source: Bleacher Report

Earlier this week, I had mentioned Dwayne Bowe's holdout and whether or not it should be a concern. While holdouts are common among players who receive the franchise tag, teams cannot afford their players to miss OTAs. It would be crucial after not having any OTAs last offseason due to the lockout.

Unfortunately, the Kansas City Chiefs and Bowe have not agreed to terms. Bowe is holding out this offseason in hopes that he will receive a long-term deal. Nothing is certain for Bowe and the Chiefs because the two sides have not come to terms.

Bowe is not the only wide receiver in the league who received the franchise tag this offseason. New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker signed his one-year franchise tender worth $9.5 million earlier this week. Welker, however, wants a long-term deal with the Patriots, and it does not appear that the two sides are close to an agreement.

If Welker and the Patriots can't reach an agreement over a long-term deal while the Chiefs still have Bowe under the franchise tag, how realistic would it be if the two teams became trade partners this offseason?

For New England, they would want more in a trade since Welker is a more accomplished receiver than Bowe. Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli will have to include a draft pick that would satisfy the Patriots' needs.

If a trade went down, both teams and both players can consider themselves winners.

For the Patriots, they would receive a playmaker in Bowe, and he can improve by putting up bigger numbers with Tom Brady as his quarterback.

As for the Chiefs, they would get a dominant receiver. Welker would be happy with a new opportunity in Kansas City. He would also reunite with Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel. As Chiefs fans know, Cassel replaced Brady in 2008 after Brady suffered an injury in Week 1 of the 2008 season. Cassel entered as the Patriots' new quarterback and connected 111 times with Welker for 1,165 yards and three touchdowns.

Another reason why this trade would be realistic is because of the Patriot-connection in Kansas City. As Chiefs fans are aware, Pioli is more than open to the idea of bringing in someone he worked with in New England.

To name a few players and coaches, Pioli has been successful in recruiting Cassel, Mike Vrabel, Matt Gutierrez, Mike Richardson, Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Anthony Pleasant and Brian Daboll. The list of players is certainly not the greatest.

Chiefs fans have not been pleased with the Patriot-recruitment Pioli has done because the former Patriots who joined the Chiefs have mostly been castoffs. However, Chiefs fans won't mind seeing Welker in a Chiefs uniform.

As of now, there are no serious trade talks between the two teams. With both teams not being able to sign their receivers, trade talks could take place soon.

If the Chiefs would like to keep Bowe rather than trade him away, they have until July 16 to sign him. Otherwise, Bowe will play the entire season under the tag.

Read more Kansas City Chiefs news on BleacherReport.com

Yeremiah Bell 'Likely' To Sign With Jets Or Eagles

Source: Arrowhead Pride by Joel Thorman

The Kansas City Chiefs were reportedly one of four finalists for the services of free agent safety Yeremiah Bell. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said yesterday that the Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets were the four finalists and Bell would sign with one of those teams within 24 hours.

It's now been 24 hours and while we don't have a decision, it appears the Chiefs are out of the mix. Philly sports talk radio host

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 5/18

Source: Arrowhead Pride by NJ Chiefs Fan

Good morning! Happy Friday! Here is your Kansas City Chiefs news.

Kansas City Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt seems to be getting it. He can't step out of his father's shadow by being consistently invisible. He can't be the owner he's capable of being if he's always letting others be the face of the franchise. At some point, Hunt had to steal a few moves from the more progressive owners in pro sports. That he's doing so now shows how far he has come in a relatively short time.

5 Undrafted Free Agents Most Likely to Make Kansas City Chiefs' Roster in 2012

Source: Bleacher Report

With every new NFL rookie draft class comes a new batch of undrafted free agents that are dispersed around the league.

Every year, teams are looking to find their own version of Adrian Foster or Victor Cruz that could eventually become a star in each set of undrafted rookies that they sign.

However, many of them are just looking to make an NFL roster and finally see their dreams come true of playing pro football.

Here are five UDFAs that have the best shot at making the Kansas City Chiefs' roster this season.

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The Bar Might be set for Bowe

Source: Scout.com

When news spread late Thursday afternoon that the New England Patriots were only offering a modest two-year deal for wide receiver Wes Welker, it became the blueprint for a new deal for Chiefs receiver, Dwayne Bowe.