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Mid-week mail call:

Danny from Kansas City wants to know if I think the Chiefs could sign Miami quarterback Chad Henne in free agency.

Bill Williamson: I think he has to be considered one of the possibilities. The Chiefs have said Matt Cassel will get some competition. Among the possibilities mentioned have been re-signing Kyle Orton or signing former Oakland starter Jason Campbell. Henne is younger than those players, but he is less accomplished. Perhaps the Chiefs could like Henne as a backup to Cassel. He played for new Kansas City offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in Miami last year. However the Dolphins’ offense improved once Matt Moore took over for the injured Henne.

Adam N. from Topeka wants to know if I think the Broncos could sign Albert Haynesworth.

BW: I think Haynesworth is cooked. Yes, he’d potentially a fill a need in Denver but this is a guy who has been on four teams in the past four years and two teams in the past season. His skills are declining and he has been a character problem. I don’t think he’s worth signing.

John-Allen from San Diego wants to know if I think the Chargers could be a fit for Hines Ward if the Steelers cut the receiver.

BW: I’m usually not one for aging veterans (see above), but I kind of like this fit. Ward, who’ll turn 36 next month, doesn’t have much time left, but he is a wily veteran and he is a winner. He’d be a perfect one-season option for a team like San Diego. I think Philip Rivers would find a way to use Ward. If he becomes available, I think the Chargers could consider signing him.

In an interview with the team’s website, San Diego Chargers owner Dean Spanos said he believes the offensive line is the team’s biggest area that needs to be addressed in the offseason.

“I think the offensive line would probably be my first concern right now,” Spanos told the site. “The left side of the line with and coming off major injuries, that would be my first concern. And secondly, I really think we need to go look at a potentially big-time pass-rusher/outside linebacker.”

Kris Dielman reportedly wants to return and the Chargers will surely want to keep him. Marcus McNeill will reportedly be released next month. Retaining his replacement, free agent Jared Gaither, may be a priority.

I found it interesting that Spanos mentioned the term “big-time” when talking about pass-rushers. That means he may recognize the team needs to go out and spend in free agency. “Big-time" players don’t come cheaply. Among the best pass-rushers potentially who may be available in free agency are be Mario Williams, Cliff Avril and Robert Mathis.

In other AFC West news:

Former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt stayed a second day in Kansas City during his visit. It could be significant or it could just be part of the itinerary. Either way, it's clear Kansas City is considering signing Routt and letting Brandon Carr leave as a free agent.

Tampa Bay just cut defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. I do not see him being a priority signing for any team in the division. He has been on four teams in the past four seasons and he played on two teams last season. A lack of production on the field and off-field concerns make him an unattractive option.

Eleven Oakland Raiders did not practice Tuesday in the only real practice day of the week prior to their game at San Diego on Thursday.

Among the players who didn’t practice were running back Darren McFadden (foot), offensive linemen Samson Satele (knee) and Khalif Barnes (shoulder), defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ankle), cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (hamstring) and Chris Johnson (hamstring), safeties Michael Huff (ankle) and Mike Mitchell (ankle) and kicker Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring).

Some of these players will likely play. McFadden, who hasn’t played since Week 7, isn't expected to be one of them, though. Each team will release their injury report Wednesday.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports receiver Malcom Floyd (hip), guard Kris Dielman (concussion) and linebacker Shaun Phillips (foot) will not play. They have been out. Running back Ryan Mathews, who missed the last week’s game with a groin injury, is expected to play Thursday.

In other AFC West news:

• The NFL has honored Denver Broncos’ receiver/returner Eddie Royal as its AFC special teams player of the week for his efforts in the Broncos’ upset win at Oakland on Sunday. Royal had an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown to give Denver the lead with 5:53 remaining in the game.
• I don’t see defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth being a fit in the AFC West. His reputation for being a troublemaker will likely preclude any interest from the team in the division, although Denver could likely use him. He was cut by the Patriots on Tuesday. He is now available through waivers.

OAKLAND –- The Raiders will be without three key players Sunday against New England.

Safety Michael Huff (concussion), defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (shoulder) and fullback Marcel Reece (ankle) are all inactive. They were all listed as questionable on the injury report Friday.

Trevor Scott and Jarvis Moss will likely help spell Shaughnessy. Mike Mitchell could play for Huff as the Raiders try to slow down New England quarterback Tom Brady.

As expected, receiver/returner Jacoby Ford is active. He ha missed the past two games with a hamstring injury.

New England is also dealing with injuries. Tight end Araron Hernandez (knee), defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (back) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) are all out.

The NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi dropped an interesting nugget via Twitter on Saturday.

He reported that the Washington Redskins (and Mike Shanahan) almost traded defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to the Denver Broncos before dealing him to the New England Patriots.

It makes sense because Denver’s greatest need is at defensive tackle. Lombardi didn’t expand upon why the Redskins sent Haynesworth to New England rather than Denver. It could have been money issues for Denver.

I’m sure Haynesworth is pleased with the way it worked out. He will likely give it his all in New England because it is a winning program. He likely would have had difficulty getting motivated going to a rebuilding team, so Denver might have saved itself some headaches.

Haynesworth is the second big fish Denver almost traded for at the position this offseason. The Broncos considered trading up for a falling Nick Fairley during the draft, but it would have basically cost the Broncos their entire remaining draft selections, meaning the Broncos (who think they got five starters in the draft) would have only gotten linebacker Von Miller and Fairley in the draft.

The Broncos are talking to lower-level defensive tackles in free agency and will likely sign a couple. Jeremy Jarmon, acquired from the Redskins for receiver Jabar Gaffney, will also be in the mix.

Weekend mail call:

Matt Scrivener from Spanghahlem AFB, Germany wants to know if I think the Kansas City Chiefs made a mistake by passing up on Alabama running back Mark Ingram in the first round.

Bill Williamson: Actually, not at all Matt. I wasn’t expecting the Chiefs to take Ingram. I know Thomas Jones will be 33 and this will likely be his last year in Kansas City. But the Chiefs are in good shape in the running game, starting with Jamaal Charles. I think the Charles-Jones tandem will be fine in 2011. Perhaps the Chiefs could look for a running back next year. I think that the fact that the Chiefs took Pitt receiver Jon Baldwin at No. 26 will help the entire offense and it takes pressure off the running game.

Landon from San Luis Obispo, Calif., wants to know what the chances are of Denver trading quarterback Kyle Orton to the Washington Redskins for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

BW: That proposed trade was filling the Denver radio airwaves during the draft and I know why it was talked about. Denver didn’t take a defensive tackle and Washington didn’t take a quarterback despite great need at the position for both teams. Consider that both Orton and Haynesworth could easily be traded, it’s easy to connect the dots. Still, Haynesworth has character issues and he’d be plenty expensive. I don’t know if Denver would jump on this deal.

Josh from Redding, Calif. wants to know if I think Seattle could pursue Oakland free-agent quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

BW: It could happen. New Seattle offensive line coach Tom Cable liked Gradkowski when he was the head coach in Oakland. I don’t see Gradkowski competing as the starter in Oakland. But he could be a decent backup option there. I don’t see Oakland going out of its way to keep Gradkowski from leaving as a free agent.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Denver plans to bring back veteran safety Brian Dawkins at this point. He may need to take a pay cut. New Denver coach John Fox loves veterans and Dawkins’ presence should help rookie safeties Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter.

• Denver never took a defensive tackle, despite it being its greatest need. It’s no surprise Denver didn’t take a defensive tackle on Saturday. Once the second round passed, there weren’t many quality prospects available.

• The rumor mill in Denver is already spinning a Kyle Orton-Albert Haynesworth trade. Washington needs a quarterback and Denver needs defensive tackle. Makes senses, would Denver want to pay Haynesworth?

• Expect Denver’s starting linebacker crew to look this way: Von Miller at strongside linebacker, third-round pick Nate Irving in the middle and veteran D.J. Williams on the weakside.

• Denver second-year quarterback Tim Tebow said he was pleased to hear Denver leader John Elway is behind him. Elway said Saturday that Denver will look at the top quarterbacks in every draft. Denver looked at the top eight quarterbacks this year without taking one. Fox, once again, said Orton is the starter as of now. Still, I expect Tebow to get the chance to play in 2011.

• The Raiders took two receivers who played for former Oakland coach Lane Kiffin. They took Tennessee receiver Denarius Moore in the fifth round and USC receiver David Ausberry in the seventh round. Moore is fast, but he has issues with his hands. Ausberry is very big and he is an interesting prospect. Oakland has a lot of young receivers so these two players will have to work to make the team.

• In his first draft, Elway took a player from Cal -- linebacker Mike Mohamed -- without taking a player from his alma mater. Mohamed, a candidate to play right away on special teams, said Elway noted that fact in a phone conversation Saturday.

• Denver entered the draft wanting four immediate starters. It may have gotten five in Miller, Moore, Carter, Irving and right tackle Orlando Franklin.

• Elway said the team thinks defensive linemen Marcus Thomas and Kevin Vickerson will be better off in a 4-3 scheme than the 3-4.

• Fox noted that Denver tight ends coach Clancy Barone was part of Antonio Gates’ development in San Diego. Barone is in charge of making fourth-round pick Julius Thomas an NFL player. He played one year of college football after playing college basketball. Gates played college basketball but not college football.

• The Chiefs made an intriguing pick in the sixth round in defensive tackle Jerrell Powe of Mississippi. He fills a need for the Chiefs. He is the massive run plugger that the team has been seeking. He was considered a first-round possibility a year ago. He has stamina issues, but he could help in a limited role as a rookie.

• Denver took Oklahoma defensive end Jeremy Beal, who was productive in college even though he didn’t test well at the combine. He had 28.5 sacks and 53.5 tackles for losses in college. That’s a steal in the final round.

Mid-week mail call:

David from San Diego wants to know I think the Chargers should draft an offensive lineman in the first round.

Bill Williamson: I think it is a possibility. The only place where immediate competition could occur is at right tackle. Jeromey Clary is decent, but if there was a stud right tackle available, such as Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi or Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo, I could see it. Other areas San Diego could look at is receiver, defensive end and linebacker.

Kevin from San Jose wants to know I think the Oakland Raiders will get a Monday Night Football game in 2011.

BW: I would think so. I know the league always likes giving Oakland the Monday night spotlight. Now that the Raiders are competitive again, I could imagine seeing them on Monday night this season -- maybe an Oakland-Kansas City. Remember, there are double headers on the first Monday night of the season. An Oakland approach for the West Coast showing has happened three times since 2006 and it could conceivably happen again.

Tyler from Hamilton, Ontario wants to know if I think Denver can trade Kyle Orton to Washington for defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth.

BW: Very interesting Tyler. Washington may need a quarterback and Denver is likely going back to a 4-3 defense, so it would be a fit for Haynesworth, who is likely out of Washington. This might be another one of those trade proposals that makes too much sense for it to happen. But I like it. Orton would help the Redskins and Haynesworth would be great in the middle of Denver’s defensive front. There might have to be some conditions written into the deal, but it looks good to me.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Glenn Dorsey never pulled an Albert Haynesworth.

Like Haynesworth in Washington, Dorsey’s team switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme in his second season with the club as it underwent a leadership change. Haynesworth made a stink all offseason before just recently getting on board.

Dorsey never made such an issue in 2009. He dealt with it. A year later he’s glad he did.

“It wasn’t easy last year, but I like the 3-4,” Dorsey said Tuesday after another grueling Chiefs’ training-camp practice. “I had never played it before. I was always a 4-3 guy so it was a change, but it feels good now.”

Dorsey was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2008 draft. He was considered a natural 4-3 player. But in Todd Haley’s system, he had to get used to the 3-4. The Chiefs are sticking with the 3-4 this year under new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

Dorsey said there is a big difference this year because he has been in the system for a year.

“It’s a lot easier this year,” Dorsey said. “We can just go. I really like the 3-4 techniques. I still need to get better, but this year is a big difference.”

Dorsey has been somewhat of a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons. However, the team is hopeful he will further development and reach his massive potential after his second season in the new system.

Mid-week mail call:

Jason Lara from Pasadena wants to know what team may be the most likely landing spot if the San Diego Chargers trade Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson.

Bill Williamson: I think Seattle and Washington will show a lot of interest if San Diego decides to trade him. Both Seattle and Washington have the money to give Jackson a big contract extension. Both teams are also aggressive. It will likely take two second-round draft picks to convince San Diego to deal Jackson. Both the Seahawks and Redskins could be enticed to pay that price.

Will from Lenexa, Kan., wants to know what I think of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle.

BW: I think he is an interesting player. He reportedly looked good in Kansas City’s minicamp last month. Croyle has looked good in the past, but his problem is staying healthy. That’s the big concern. Can he stay healthy if needed? I think he is a fine backup in Kansas City and the Chiefs won’t hesitate to use him if needed. If both starter Matt Cassel and Croyle play well in training camp and in the preseason and another team suffers a major injury at quarterback, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chiefs felt comfortable enough in trading Croyle if the price was right. He does have value because he is talented.

Chris from San Diego wants to know if San Diego traded Vincent Jackson to Washington could disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth be part of the deal.

BW: While Washington could be a player for Jackson, I don’t see Haynesworth being part of the trade. The reason why Haynesworth is not happy in Washington is that the Redskins are moving to a 3-4 defense and he is a 4-3 player. San Diego runs the 3-4 defense, so that wouldn’t solve anything for Haynesworth.

Mid-week mail call:

Dillon from Topeka, Kan., wants to know if the Chiefs could acquire Albert Haynesworth.

Bill Williamson: I don’t see it, Dillon. The big reason why Haynesworth wants out of Washington is because the Redskins are moving to a 3-4 defense. That is the very defense that the Chiefs use. Haynesworth is not a good fit for the 3-4 defense. I just don’t see the Chiefs thinking about this deal.

Michael Jacobson from Kinnelon, N.J., wants to know if I think Raiders fans should be excited about this season.

BW: Well Michael, I like two things about Oakland’s offseason -- the decision to replace JaMarcus Russell with Jason Campbell and the drafting of middle linebacker Rolando McClain in the first round. These moves will make Oakland better. I don’t think Campbell is a special quarterback, but he is a legitimate NFL quarterback and he will give Oakland a chance to win. Russell wasn’t a legit quarterback and he rarely gave Oakland a chance to win. McClain has a chance to be special and he will give the defense an identity. He should be an immediate help against the run. All of Oakland’s other moves were just average moves every team makes every offseason. But the changes at quarterback and middle linebacker will improve Oakland. How much? Well, I’m not ready to say Oakland will be a playoff team in 2010, but it will be more competitive than it was last year.

Tony from San Diego wants to know if I think Antoine Cason will be a good replacement for Antonio Cromartie at cornerback for San Diego.

BW: I think it will work out well. But I wasn’t a Cromartie guy. I think he was all flash and he was soft. Cason is a hard worker who wants to be great. He has improved in the two seasons since he was San Diego’s first-round pick. I think you will be a very solid starter, who will make his share of plays. I think, in the end, this will be an upgrade because Cason will be more consistent than Cromartie and he will make fewer mistakes and he will make a better effort.

We’ve discussed Albert Haynesworth ending up in the AFC West earlier this offseason. Yet, with him asking for a trade, I’m sure the subject is going to come up again.

The only team in the division he would fit with is Oakland. The other three teams use a 3-4 defense and that’s a chief reason why Haynesworth wants to leave the Redskins.

Oakland uses a 4-3 defense. Still, the Raiders have added several defensive players this season who are good fits in a 3-4 defense, so they may use the alignment some this season.

Still, Al Davis looks at every opportunity and we all know he is willing to take chances. I bet Oakland watches film of Haynesworth because the Raiders will add anyone who they think can help. Still, it may be a tough call for the team, especially since it added defensive tackle John Henderson.

Football Outsiders have an interesting look at salaries in anESPN.com Insider piece . There are some interesting AFC West angles here.

The Chiefs canceled their last organized team activities session. Next time the Chiefs hit the field will be in training camp. This is not unusual. If coaches feel like they accomplished everything they wanted to in the spring, they often throw their players a bone. That’s what Chiefs coach Todd Haley is doing here.

Like the situation in San Diego with Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson, it looks like Chiefs safety Jarred Page is heading for a big pay cut. Unlike in San Diego, the Chiefs really won’t care if Page stays away. He likely won’t play in Kansas City this season unless there is a major change of heart by both sides.

Weekend mail call:

Mike from Livermore, Calif., wants to know if I was running the Raiders would I trade Richard Seymour for Albert Haynesworth of Washington.

Bill Williamson: It’s a very interesting question, Mike. Both are fine players. Haynesworth may end up being available because he is not comfortable with Washington moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. Seymour, acquired from New England last September for a first-round pick next year, will be a free agent after 2010. Seymour is a natural fit for the 3-4 defense. Oakland is trying to give him a long-term deal. Seymour will turn 31 during the season and Haynesworth will turn 29 next month. Haynesworth can certainly help Oakland. He’d help turn around the Raiders’ run defense along with rookies Rolando McClain and Lamarr Houston. But Seymour is a key for Oakland. The Raiders really value him. In the end, I’m not sure Oakland would bother to explore this trade because it likes Seymour. I can’t blame the Raiders. Haynesworth is a fine player, but so is Seymour. I’d stick with him.

Jonathan Entrena from Katy, Texas, wants know to if Denver quarterback Kyle Orton is injured early in the season would Tim Tebow become the Broncos’ starting quarterback.

BW: That would only be the case if Tebow has a great preseason and the team believes he is ready. Denver coach Josh McDaniels has made it clear Tebow will play as soon as he is ready. I think it will come later in the season or at the start of the 2011 season. But if McDaniels thinks Tebow is ready to play in September, he’ll play.

Chris from California wants to know what I think of Oakland’s offensive line.

BW: It’s one of the weaker spots on the team. It was a problem area last season. The line was inconsistent in both pass and run projection. The big additions have been rookies Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer. There is no guarantee these two players will be ready to play soon. The unit is still a question mark.

Mid-week mailbag:

Ryan Petrusha from Willowbrook, Ill., wants to know if somehow Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy fell to No. 5 and tackle Russell Okung and safety Eric Berry were off the board, should the Chiefs take him.

Bill Williamson: Good question, Ryan. I think if this scenario unfolds, the Chiefs would probably trade down. There would likely be a ton of interest in McCoy if he started to tumble down the draft board. He isn’t a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense. I think the Chiefs would be better off with taking advantage of his fall down the board and get some extra picks out of the deal rather than trying to fit McCoy into the defense or reaching for another player.

Daniel from Sonora, Calif., wants to know what I think is a better combination for Oakland in the draft: taking a quarterback first and then a tackle or vice versa.

BW: I think Oakland needs to find their next left tackle first and foremost. That has to be the priority. There are plenty of options in the first round at tackle and the Raiders have to stop ignoring this area and find their offensive line anchor. Quarterback is also a need, but I think the Raiders can identify a prospect in the mid rounds to develop. It would hurt Oakland, at least in the short term, if it took a quarterback before a left tackle.

Garth Wilson from Worton, Md., wants to know if I think Albert Haynesworth is a good fit for San Diego.

BW: I don’t see this being a great fit. One of the reasons why there is talk that Haynesworth could leave Washington after one season is that the Redskins are going to use the 3-4 defense. The Chargers are a 3-4 defense. So, I don’t see San Diego going to Haynesworth to fill their defensive line needs.

Tennessee running back Montario Hardesty is one of the players Denver is looking at prior to the draft. The Broncos are showing an interest in Hardesty and Stanford rusher Toby Gerhart, despite having used their No. 12 pick last year on running back Knowshon Moreno. Gerhart and Hardesty would require a fairly early pick.

• NFL.com is reporting Washington defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth could be available. He is best suited to be a 4-3 tackle. The only team in the AFC West where he could fit is Oakland. The Raiders have a need in the middle of their defensive line. But Haynesworth would be very costly.