Report: Chiefs open to new deal with Albert
May, 1, 2013
May 1
10:05
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
NFL.com reports that the Kansas City Chiefs have interest in signing left tackle Branden Albert to a new deal now that trade talks with the Miami Dolphins have died.
AlbertI am sure Albert would be interested in a long-term contract, but the Chiefs need to figure out if they are comfortable with No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher playing right tackle for the long term. He is expected to play there during Albert’s free-agent year, then return to left tackle, where he played in college. Albert has made it clear he does not want to play right tackle.
If the Chiefs eventually want Fisher to play left tackle, it could make it difficult to re-sign Albert. What does it all mean? Everything is still on the table. This news doesn’t change much.
In other AFC West notes:
The Raiders are no longer interested in free-agent quarterback Vince Young, NFL.com notes. That became obvious when Oakland drafted Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson in the fourth round. Young recently worked out the Raiders.
The Broncos are not renewing the contract of director of pro personnel Keith Kidd. He was a holdover of the Josh McDaniels era and didn’t have a ton of power.
San Diego general manager Tom Telesco held a conference call with several season-ticket holders Wednesday.

If the Chiefs eventually want Fisher to play left tackle, it could make it difficult to re-sign Albert. What does it all mean? Everything is still on the table. This news doesn’t change much.
In other AFC West notes:
The Raiders are no longer interested in free-agent quarterback Vince Young, NFL.com notes. That became obvious when Oakland drafted Arkansas’ Tyler Wilson in the fourth round. Young recently worked out the Raiders.
The Broncos are not renewing the contract of director of pro personnel Keith Kidd. He was a holdover of the Josh McDaniels era and didn’t have a ton of power.
San Diego general manager Tom Telesco held a conference call with several season-ticket holders Wednesday.
Tebow to Chargers? No, they like their QBs
May, 1, 2013
May 1
6:18
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
San Diego general manager Tom Telesco told a San Diego radio station that he is happy with his group of quarterbacks when asked if he’d ever have interest in signing free-agent quarterback Tim Tebow.
Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver was new San Diego coach Mike McCoy. Telesco’s position doesn’t surprise me. I just don’t see the Tebow fit in San Diego.
Meanwhile, for what it is worth, the Chargers’ addition of former Green Bay inside linebacker D.J. Smith last week was a waiver claim and not a free-agent signing. He is recovering from a knee injury, but he is expected to be able to help early in the season. He will probably play special teams and be a key backup now that Manti Te'o has been drafted to start.
In other AFC West notes:
The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders signed long-snapper Nick Guess. He is being brought in for camp. He was with Oakland for a brief time last year when Jon Condo was hurt.
In an Insider piece: Mel Kiper thinks tight end Mychal Rivera, a sixth-round pick, can help the Raiders
. Rivera will get a chance to play because the Raiders have a need at the position.
Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver was new San Diego coach Mike McCoy. Telesco’s position doesn’t surprise me. I just don’t see the Tebow fit in San Diego.
Meanwhile, for what it is worth, the Chargers’ addition of former Green Bay inside linebacker D.J. Smith last week was a waiver claim and not a free-agent signing. He is recovering from a knee injury, but he is expected to be able to help early in the season. He will probably play special teams and be a key backup now that Manti Te'o has been drafted to start.
In other AFC West notes:
The Baltimore Sun reports the Raiders signed long-snapper Nick Guess. He is being brought in for camp. He was with Oakland for a brief time last year when Jon Condo was hurt.
In an Insider piece: Mel Kiper thinks tight end Mychal Rivera, a sixth-round pick, can help the Raiders
For those Kansas City Chiefs fans who are still looking for a reason to bang on the Scott Pioli era, here is your chance.
Javier Arenas is a former Chief.
The new Kansas City regime -- Pioli was fired after four years in January -- sent Arenas to Arizona for fullback Anthony Sherman on Wednesday. Arenas will always be remembered in Kansas City for being the compensation the Chiefs received for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is one of the most decorated players in Kansas City history. Arenas is a player who barely made an impact in three seasons in Kansas City. Pioli traded Gonzalez to Atlanta in 2009 for a second-round pick in 2010. Pioli took Arenas, a cornerback/returner out of Alabama, with the 50th overall pick in 2010.
Arenas had his moments but never became a huge part of the plan in Kansas City. The Chiefs have continued to upgrade at spots Arenas played and there was no chance he’d make the roster this year. If so, he wouldn’t have had a huge role. The Chiefs are set at cornerback with the free-agent additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith. Along with Brandon Flowers, they are considered the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks.
With Arenas now expendable, the Chiefs used him as a piece to help their offense with the Sherman addition.
Javier Arenas is a former Chief.
The new Kansas City regime -- Pioli was fired after four years in January -- sent Arenas to Arizona for fullback Anthony Sherman on Wednesday. Arenas will always be remembered in Kansas City for being the compensation the Chiefs received for tight end Tony Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is one of the most decorated players in Kansas City history. Arenas is a player who barely made an impact in three seasons in Kansas City. Pioli traded Gonzalez to Atlanta in 2009 for a second-round pick in 2010. Pioli took Arenas, a cornerback/returner out of Alabama, with the 50th overall pick in 2010.
Arenas had his moments but never became a huge part of the plan in Kansas City. The Chiefs have continued to upgrade at spots Arenas played and there was no chance he’d make the roster this year. If so, he wouldn’t have had a huge role. The Chiefs are set at cornerback with the free-agent additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Smith. Along with Brandon Flowers, they are considered the NFL's best trio of cornerbacks.
With Arenas now expendable, the Chiefs used him as a piece to help their offense with the Sherman addition.
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their undrafted rookie class. Here it is.
Andy Reid likes using the fullback. Bruce Arians doesn’t use it.
The importance? The Kansas City Chiefs just got a potentially valuable player.
It has been widely reported that the Chiefs have acquired fullback Anthony Sherman from Arizona on Wednesday morning. The trade terms have yet to be reported and the Chiefs have not confirmed the deal.
Sherman will fit in with Reid’s version of the West Coast offense. He will use the fullback in several sets. Sherman, a fifth-round pick out of Connecticut in 2011, becomes the most accomplished fullback on Kansas City’s roster. He had 243 snaps with the Cardinals last season.
He is considered a good player. He is tough and a strong blocker. He also can help on special teams. Don’t expect Sherman to be a offensive weapon, though. He has one career carry and 13 catches. He is in Kansas City to block and to bring toughness.
This is an important addition for Reid. The fullback is a dying breed, but Reid still uses it and Sherman has a lot to offer.
UPDATE: Cornerback Javier Arenas is reportedly being sent to Arizona in Sherman trade. I will have another post upcoming.
The importance? The Kansas City Chiefs just got a potentially valuable player.
It has been widely reported that the Chiefs have acquired fullback Anthony Sherman from Arizona on Wednesday morning. The trade terms have yet to be reported and the Chiefs have not confirmed the deal.
Sherman will fit in with Reid’s version of the West Coast offense. He will use the fullback in several sets. Sherman, a fifth-round pick out of Connecticut in 2011, becomes the most accomplished fullback on Kansas City’s roster. He had 243 snaps with the Cardinals last season.
He is considered a good player. He is tough and a strong blocker. He also can help on special teams. Don’t expect Sherman to be a offensive weapon, though. He has one career carry and 13 catches. He is in Kansas City to block and to bring toughness.
This is an important addition for Reid. The fullback is a dying breed, but Reid still uses it and Sherman has a lot to offer.
UPDATE: Cornerback Javier Arenas is reportedly being sent to Arizona in Sherman trade. I will have another post upcoming.
Bill Polian likes Manti Te'o fit in San Diego
May, 1, 2013
May 1
10:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Tom Telesco worked under Bill Polian for years.
Polian, now an ESPN analyst, kept close tabs on Telesco’s first draft as the general manager of the San Diego Chargers.
Te'oPolian applauded the most talked about choice of Telesco’s -- the selection of Notre Dame inside linebacker Manti Te'o.
Polian was a big fan of Te’o before details of the hoax involving a fake dead girlfriend emerged in January. After the hoax, Polian has supported Te’o as a player and as a person. Polian said if he were still running an NFL team, he would have done the same thing Telesco did. He moved up from No. 45 in a trade with Arizona (the Chargers surrendered a fourth-round pick to move up seven slots) and took Te’o.
“Yes, I would have done the same thing,” Polian said. “He’s a good player.”
Te’o said he thinks the San Diego-Te’o pairing is a good fit in all aspects. Most importantly, he thinks the team will put Te’o in the right spot scheme-wise to succeed. The Chargers plan on using Te’o as a weakside inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Polian said Te’o’s weakness heading into the NFL is taking on blocks. In his position he will not have to take on huge guards.
“Manti will be put in position to do what he does best and that's diagnosing plays, which he is very good and using his quickness,” Polian said. “If I were the Chargers I wouldn’t have any qualms about this pick.”
Polian, now an ESPN analyst, kept close tabs on Telesco’s first draft as the general manager of the San Diego Chargers.

Polian was a big fan of Te’o before details of the hoax involving a fake dead girlfriend emerged in January. After the hoax, Polian has supported Te’o as a player and as a person. Polian said if he were still running an NFL team, he would have done the same thing Telesco did. He moved up from No. 45 in a trade with Arizona (the Chargers surrendered a fourth-round pick to move up seven slots) and took Te’o.
“Yes, I would have done the same thing,” Polian said. “He’s a good player.”
Te’o said he thinks the San Diego-Te’o pairing is a good fit in all aspects. Most importantly, he thinks the team will put Te’o in the right spot scheme-wise to succeed. The Chargers plan on using Te’o as a weakside inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
Polian said Te’o’s weakness heading into the NFL is taking on blocks. In his position he will not have to take on huge guards.
“Manti will be put in position to do what he does best and that's diagnosing plays, which he is very good and using his quickness,” Polian said. “If I were the Chargers I wouldn’t have any qualms about this pick.”
Mid-week mail call:
Eric from San Jose wants to know if I think Oakland linebacker Miles Burris has a strong future.
Bill Williamson: Sure, Burris did a nice job as a rookie last year. A lot of scouts I talk to think he will be an average linebacker, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Oakland brought in some veteran linebackers on short-term deals and drafted Sio Moore, but I think Burris will have a role in Oakland for the foreseeable future.
Josh Edwards from Manhattan, Kan., wants to know if I think the Chiefs can sign Brian Urlacher.
BW: Anything can happen and the Chiefs could use a veteran at inside linebacker, but I just don’t see it at this point and time. But, I guess things can always change.
Rich Mahler from New York wants to know if the Broncos have plans for Ben Garland.
BW: The former Air Force player is a team favorite. They like him so much they are giving him another chance. He is being moved from defensive tackle to offensive tackle. He has been developed on the practice squad. Coaches and players really like him. He has some skills and he works hard. But he will have to show he has a future on offense or his NFL dream may end.
Eric from San Jose wants to know if I think Oakland linebacker Miles Burris has a strong future.
Bill Williamson: Sure, Burris did a nice job as a rookie last year. A lot of scouts I talk to think he will be an average linebacker, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Oakland brought in some veteran linebackers on short-term deals and drafted Sio Moore, but I think Burris will have a role in Oakland for the foreseeable future.
Josh Edwards from Manhattan, Kan., wants to know if I think the Chiefs can sign Brian Urlacher.
BW: Anything can happen and the Chiefs could use a veteran at inside linebacker, but I just don’t see it at this point and time. But, I guess things can always change.
Rich Mahler from New York wants to know if the Broncos have plans for Ben Garland.
BW: The former Air Force player is a team favorite. They like him so much they are giving him another chance. He is being moved from defensive tackle to offensive tackle. He has been developed on the practice squad. Coaches and players really like him. He has some skills and he works hard. But he will have to show he has a future on offense or his NFL dream may end.
ESPN’s John Clayton does an incredible job of keeping up on the NFL salary cap and was kind enough to pass along the latest cap numbers for each AFC West team.
There isn’t much money left, but at this point, that is to be expected. For the most part, the rosters each team will bring to training camp are set. Yes, each team may add a few affordable players, but for the most part, the remaining salary cap money will set aside to sign the rookie class and to save for a potential emergency during the season.
Here are Clayton’s latest numbers for each team in the AFC West:
Denver: $8.4 million
Kansas City: $3.9 million
Oakland: $3.1 million
San Diego: $5.5 million
There isn’t much money left, but at this point, that is to be expected. For the most part, the rosters each team will bring to training camp are set. Yes, each team may add a few affordable players, but for the most part, the remaining salary cap money will set aside to sign the rookie class and to save for a potential emergency during the season.
Here are Clayton’s latest numbers for each team in the AFC West:
Denver: $8.4 million
Kansas City: $3.9 million
Oakland: $3.1 million
San Diego: $5.5 million
Tebow not returning to AFC West -- for now
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
5:40
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Monday, we wondered if San Diego Chargers coach Mike McCoy would be interested in a reunion with Tim Tebow.
It turns out our instincts were right. Neither the Chargers nor any other team in the NFL put a waiver claim on Tebow, who was cut by the New York Jets. I am not surprised AFC West teams passed on the former Denver quarterback.
Of course, that could change. Tebow is now a free agent. Could the Chargers and McCoy, who was Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver, or another AFC West team make a play for Tebow? I wouldn’t count on it.
In other AFC West notes:
Meet No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher -- Everyman.
The Broncos signed Brigham Young defensive tackle Romney Fuga. Denver previously added 15 undrafted free agents.
The Raiders signed kicker Eddy Carmona. He was with the team last summer. Teams have a backup kicker in the preseason.
Jacksonville receiver Justin Blackmon has been suspended for the first four games of the season. The Jaguars play against the Chiefs and Raiders in the first two weeks of the season.
It turns out our instincts were right. Neither the Chargers nor any other team in the NFL put a waiver claim on Tebow, who was cut by the New York Jets. I am not surprised AFC West teams passed on the former Denver quarterback.
Of course, that could change. Tebow is now a free agent. Could the Chargers and McCoy, who was Tebow’s offensive coordinator in Denver, or another AFC West team make a play for Tebow? I wouldn’t count on it.
In other AFC West notes:
Meet No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher -- Everyman.
The Broncos signed Brigham Young defensive tackle Romney Fuga. Denver previously added 15 undrafted free agents.
The Raiders signed kicker Eddy Carmona. He was with the team last summer. Teams have a backup kicker in the preseason.
Jacksonville receiver Justin Blackmon has been suspended for the first four games of the season. The Jaguars play against the Chiefs and Raiders in the first two weeks of the season.
Post-draft Power Rankings, AFC West style
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
2:10
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Here's a look at how the AFC West teams fared in our post-draft power rankings. I do not have a vote, but I do have an opinion:
Denver Broncos
Rank: 3. Comment: Denver had a good free agency period, and followed it up with a strong draft. The Broncos are a good team that is getting better.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rank: 22. Comment: It’s not often the team that had the No. 1 pick is ranked this high three days after the draft. It was a great offseason for the Chiefs.
San Diego Chargers
Rank: 23. Comment: The Chargers arguably had the best draft in the NFL. Yet, they did not move up in the rankings.
Oakland Raiders
Rank: 29. Comment: The Raiders had a storng draft as they work on reconstructing their roster.
Denver Broncos
Rank: 3. Comment: Denver had a good free agency period, and followed it up with a strong draft. The Broncos are a good team that is getting better.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rank: 22. Comment: It’s not often the team that had the No. 1 pick is ranked this high three days after the draft. It was a great offseason for the Chiefs.
San Diego Chargers
Rank: 23. Comment: The Chargers arguably had the best draft in the NFL. Yet, they did not move up in the rankings.
Oakland Raiders
Rank: 29. Comment: The Raiders had a storng draft as they work on reconstructing their roster.
A cartoonist at the U-T San Diego is having a little fun in welcoming Manti Te’o to town.
The San Diego Chargers took the polarizing Notre Dame linebacker in the second round of the draft. Te’o was involved in a bizarre hoax that centered on a dead girlfriend who never existed.
My advice to Te’o: Grin and bear it. It will go away at some point.
In other AFC West notes:
In an Insider piece, ESPN analyst Bill Polian likes the addition of running back Montee Ball in Denver. He was the team’s second-round pick.
Former Oakland assistant coach Randy Hanson was convicted of felony battery stemming from a assault last summer. Hanson is most remembered for accusing former Oakland coach Tom Cable of choking him during a training camp meeting four years ago. Charges were never field against Cable.
In an Insider piece, Todd McShay looks at his favorite and least favorite drafts picks for AFC West team.
The San Diego Chargers took the polarizing Notre Dame linebacker in the second round of the draft. Te’o was involved in a bizarre hoax that centered on a dead girlfriend who never existed.
My advice to Te’o: Grin and bear it. It will go away at some point.
In other AFC West notes:
In an Insider piece, ESPN analyst Bill Polian likes the addition of running back Montee Ball in Denver. He was the team’s second-round pick.
Former Oakland assistant coach Randy Hanson was convicted of felony battery stemming from a assault last summer. Hanson is most remembered for accusing former Oakland coach Tom Cable of choking him during a training camp meeting four years ago. Charges were never field against Cable.
In an Insider piece, Todd McShay looks at his favorite and least favorite drafts picks for AFC West team.
Don't expect Holmgren to join Raiders
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
10:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
While anything can change, don’t expect Mike Holmgren to join the Oakland Raiders’ front office at this point.
Raiders owner Mark Davis a few months ago spoke with the former coach and executive about a leadership role within the organization. And while such a role could be revisited down the road, the word around the NFL is that the pairing likely won't happen. Davis has said he is looking for more leadership in the front office, and has considered hiring a business leader with the intent of helping the team secure a new stadium.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing if the Raiders don't bring Holmgren in. He is a football man, not a businessman. If he were brought in, it could undercut general manager Reggie McKenzie, and I don’t think Holmgren would be interested in doing that. The two go back to their Green Bay days together in the 1990s.
Having someone like Holmgren in the building could put undue pressure on McKenzie and could create acrimony in the front office. The Raiders are rebuilding, and McKenzie needs to build the team his own way. Having Holmgren looming over him could potentially be counterproductive.
Davis wants to win, and he should be applauded for considering someone like Holmgren. But as this pairing seems unlikely, I think the Raiders can continue to focus on getting better under the guidance of McKenzie.
AFC West players most affected by draft
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
8:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
While the draft signifies new beginnings in the NFL, it also means the end of the road for some veterans who will be replaced by the newly-selected player. Let’s take a look at one player from each AFC West team who could see his job in jeopardy this summer.
Denver Broncos: Willis McGahee, running back. The Broncos selected Montee Ball in the second round and would like him to become a primary back. They also want him to have a big role along with 2012 third-round pick Ronnie Hillman, who is more of a change of pace back. McGahee is coming off a knee injury and he is 31. While he may be in Denver’s short-term plans, I’d think this will be his final season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Tony Moeaki, tight end. I’m a big Moeaki fan and I think he could be outstanding. He was terrific as a rookie in 2010 but had problems staying healthy. I think the Chiefs are open to having Moeaki in their plans, even though they drafted Travis Kelce in the third round. The NFL is a two tight end league now. While the Chiefs did sign Anthony Fasano, he is 29 and he won’t be around forever. There can be a place for Moeaki, but I also think the Chiefs’ new brass doesn’t think it can count on him. He must stay healthy and produce right away.
Oakland Raiders: Khalif Barnes, right tackle. The Raiders took offensive tackle Menelik Watson in the second round. He will likely push Barnes right away at right tackle. Barnes re-signed this offseason, but he is the type of player teams try to upgrade from. Watson has big potential and if he performs quickly, I can see him replacing Barnes early in his career.
San Diego Chargers: Jeromey Clary, right tackle. The Chargers drafted D.J. Fluker with the No. 11 pick and he will be the new right tackle. Clary will be moved to guard and he will be given a chance to fight for a job. I’m not sure what his chances are but Clary’s days as the Chargers’ right tackle are over.
Denver Broncos: Willis McGahee, running back. The Broncos selected Montee Ball in the second round and would like him to become a primary back. They also want him to have a big role along with 2012 third-round pick Ronnie Hillman, who is more of a change of pace back. McGahee is coming off a knee injury and he is 31. While he may be in Denver’s short-term plans, I’d think this will be his final season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Tony Moeaki, tight end. I’m a big Moeaki fan and I think he could be outstanding. He was terrific as a rookie in 2010 but had problems staying healthy. I think the Chiefs are open to having Moeaki in their plans, even though they drafted Travis Kelce in the third round. The NFL is a two tight end league now. While the Chiefs did sign Anthony Fasano, he is 29 and he won’t be around forever. There can be a place for Moeaki, but I also think the Chiefs’ new brass doesn’t think it can count on him. He must stay healthy and produce right away.
Oakland Raiders: Khalif Barnes, right tackle. The Raiders took offensive tackle Menelik Watson in the second round. He will likely push Barnes right away at right tackle. Barnes re-signed this offseason, but he is the type of player teams try to upgrade from. Watson has big potential and if he performs quickly, I can see him replacing Barnes early in his career.
San Diego Chargers: Jeromey Clary, right tackle. The Chargers drafted D.J. Fluker with the No. 11 pick and he will be the new right tackle. Clary will be moved to guard and he will be given a chance to fight for a job. I’m not sure what his chances are but Clary’s days as the Chargers’ right tackle are over.
The Oakland Raiders have announced their undrafted free agent class. You can check it out here.
AFC WEST SCOREBOARD
Thursday, 9/5
Sunday, 9/8
1:00 PM ET Oakland Indianapolis 1:00 PM ET Kansas City Jacksonville
Monday, 9/9
10:15 PM ET Houston San Diego - ESPN/WatchESPN
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