ESPN NFL

The running back class was one of the slowest to develop in the early stages of free agency, and there are still a few capable players available on the market.

Don’t be surprised if some of the AFC West teams look into the position now that the draft is complete. Denver drafted San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman in the third round, and San Diego draft Michigan State’s Edwin Baker in the seventh. Oakland didn’t draft a running back. Kansas City, which drafted Cyrus Gray of Texas A&M, appears set at the position.

Yet, I could see the Broncos, Chargers and Raiders looking for a veteran with Oakland being the most likely to add a veteran as they try to replace Michael Bush, who left for Chicago in free agency. As of now, Taiwan Jones and Mike Goodson are backing up the great, but oft-injured Darren McFadden

Among the best names available are Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant and Joseph Addai. Other running backs available include Tim Hightower, Justin Forsett and Ronnie Brown.

I think Benson can help any team, and I think he’d be a great fit in Oakland. He had 1,067 yards last season. He’d be a strong insurance policy for McFadden. Finances are an issue for Oakland, but, at this point, Benson would likely take what he can get.

The Addai-Peyton Manning connection from Indianapolis always makes it possible that Addai could join Willis McGahee and Hillman in Denver’s backfield. San Diego could add a veteran, and they have talked to Kansas City free agent Jackie Battle.

Here are some highlights from our AFC West chat, which was held Thursday:

Denver

Jared from DC: Denver looking for RBs only in Draft? See Any WRs for Denver coming there?

Bill Williamson: Likely look at RBs in the draft. I think the added WRS will be vets. Just signed Andre Caldwell. Stokley may be next.

Kansas City

Kevin from Kansas City, Mo.: With the added strength at OL and all our starters coming back off injury, can the Chiefs or any other AFC West team compete with Peyton and the Broncos over the next five years? Or should we all just take 5 and come back when the West isn't won? UGH can't stand PM why did he have to choose the AFC West?

BW: You are fine. I think Manning will be very good for three years. But the Chiefs are going to be good as well. I really like what your team did in free agency. Manning is the big fish, but Kansas City has done well.

Oakland

Chuck from New York City: With Bush now in Chicago, do you envision the Raiders signing another backup RB in addition to the injury-prone Jones or trying to get another through the draft?

BW: Oakland, Denver and San Diego all need a backup. Here are some of the best players available: Cedric Benson, Brandon Jacobs, Ryan Grant, Joseph Addai, Justin Forsett, Jackie Battle and Kevin Smith. The market has been slow so some of these players could come cheaply. I think Jacobs would be a nice replacement for Bush if the price is right.

San Diego

Andrew De Fazio from Canada: Who do you think the Chargers will draft with the 18th overall pick? or will they trade up?

BW: They will probably stay put. They will have a lot of choices. However, if they far in love with someone like Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw, they may need to move up.

NFL.com reports Jacksonville will be strong players for Tim Tebow in the trade market. Jacksonville is his hometown and new Jacksonville owner Shahid Khan has said he would have drafted Tebow in the 2010 draft.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported Jacksonville, Green Bay, Miami and the Jets all have interest in Tebow. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said a deal could be done Wednesday or Thursday.

As expected, Colts’ tight end Jaocb Tamme and center Jeff Saturday are set to visit the Broncos. Both played with new Denver quarterback Peyton Manning in Indianapolis.

UT San Diego reports Kansas City running back Jackie Battle has left his visit with the Chargers without a contract. The Chargers are considering four players to replace Mike Tolbert as the backup running back. Meanwhile, the paper is reporting defensive lineman Luis Castillo has been offered a contract to return. He has also visited the Chiefs and New England.

The Denver Post reports the Broncos are working to get a deal done with defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley. He is a priority in Denver and I think re-signing him is a must. New Orleans is in on Bunkley as well.

The market for Oakland running back Michael Bush -- the best available free agent in the AFC West in my mind -- continues to plod along.

With Peyton Manning heading to Denver, we got our big score in the AFC West for the free-agency season. Regardless of the Manning addition, it has been a busy week of movements in the division. Let’s look at some of the remaining stories left in the division as free agency slows down:

Tebow’s future: Denver is expected to try to trade Tim Tebow. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has said he thinks Tebow will be released if he is not traded. I think Denver wants a fast rotation, but there may not necessarily be fast clarity.

Manning’s friends: There have already been reports that Denver could sign former Colts center Jeff Saturday and receiver Brandon Stokley. Tight ends Dallas Clark and/or Jacob Tamme and running back Joseph Addai could also be on the list.

Michael Bush: The Oakland running back has visited Chicago and Cincinnati and is set to go to Seattle. His market has been slow, but circumstances may prevent his return to Oakland.

Chargers backup running back: The Chargers are looking at several players, including Kansas City’s Jackie Battle, as a replacement for key backup Mike Tolbert, who signed with Carolina.

Denver’s defense: Denver still has to improve the defense. It has signed Cleveland safety Mike Adams, but it needs more. Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley, who has visited New Orleans, remains a priority. Denver has also been linked to Baltimore linebacker Jameel McClain, Tampa Bay linebacker Geno Hayes and Seattle cornerback Marcus Trufant.

San Diego running back Mike Tolbert is in Carolina visiting with the Panthers, according to a league source.

If the visit goes well it is not out of the question that Tolbert signs with the Panthers in the next 24 hours. Unless there is a dramatic change of direction, it appears Tolbert’s days with the Chargers are over.

He was one of the team’s priorities, but talks have stalled. If the key backup leaves San Diego, the Chargers could turn to Kansas City’s Jackie Battle or Oakland’s Michael Bush to back up Ryan Mathews.

In other AFC West news:

Denver tight end Daniel Fells is visiting New England on Monday.

The Broncos have re-signed middle linebacker Joe Mays. He was a serviceable starter in 2011, starting 12 games. The team would like to see Nate Irving become a starter. If so, the 26-year-old Mays will still have value as a special-teamer.

Free-agent offensive lineman Samson Satele was arrested in Hawaii (where he lives in the offseason) on disorderly conduct charges, a petty misdemeanor. Satele played last season for Oakland, which may not bring him back in 2012.

Now we know why the Chargers brought back Charlie Whitehurst.

The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers (who signed safety Atari Bigby on Friday night) cut longtime No. 2 quarterback Billy Volek. Whitehurst will now back up starter Philip Rivers. The paper reported the Chargers saved $750,000 in roster bonus by cutting Volek.

Denver, Kansas City and Oakland are all looking for a backup and the experienced Volek could interest all three.

Two years ago, San Diego traded Whitehurst, then its No. 3 quarterback, to Seattle in a deal that moved the Chargers up 20 spots in the second round of the 2011 draft. San Diego also received a third-round pick last season. Seattle had hoped Whitehurst was their quarterback of the future. Whitehurst started four games, threw 155 passes and had three touchdowns in Seattle.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chargers signed Bigby, who formerly played for Green Bay and, most recently, Seattle. The six-year veteran has started 35 NFL games. The Chargers would like to draft a safety soon, but Bigby will be in the rotation. He replaces Steve Gregory, who signed with New England.

Meanwhile, San Diego running back Mike Tolbert is visiting another team Saturday and there is strong chance he will sign there. The Chargers could turn to Kansas City’s Jackie Battle as a backup if Tolbert leaves. Tolbert has also visited the Chiefs.

The Denver Broncos are starting to move in free agency as their wait for Peyton Manning extends. NFL Network is reporting that Denver is going to visit with Baltimore linebacker Jameel McClain.

Coming from a 3-4 defense in Baltimore, he would likely play middle linebacker in Denver’s 4-3 set, solidifying the linebacker corps. Denver signed Cleveland safety Mike Adams on Thursday and is reportedly interesting in Atlanta pass-rusher John Abraham. Getting McClain and Abraham would significantly raise the talent level on an improving defense.

In other AFC West news:

San Diego running back Mike Tolbert left his visit with the Chiefs. He is still talking to Kansas City and may take other trips. The Chargers are still interested in re-signing him. The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers want a fast answer from Tolbert; if not, they could move on to Kansas City running back Jackie Battle. I heard Battle’s name connected to San Diego in the afternoon. Battle is a decent backup; Tolbert is a tremendous backup.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that Peyton Manning’s long-awaited decision is not imminent. So let’s all continue to hurry up and wait.

The Denver Post is reporting that middle linebacker Joe Mays, whom McClain would replace, is visiting the Saints and the Colts. Denver doesn’t have much interest in re-signing Mays.

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Houston guard Mike Brisiel will next visit the Redskins if he can’t come to an accord in Oakland. He has ties to the Raiders coaching staff, which will help.

Yes, the Chargers have added receivers Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal this week, but San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers doesn’t want anyone to forget about second-year player Vincent Brown.

Brady Quinn has a decent chance to stick around as a backup quarterback if Denver signs Peyton Manning. Both he and Manning have the same agent, and it could make sense for Quinn to stick around if Manning signs with the Broncos.

If Tim Tebow remains the starter, Quinn will likely walk.

Quinn might have a hint that Manning isn't heading to Denver, or perhaps he's not waiting for him to make a decision.

The Denver Post is reporting Quinn will visit the Jets on Friday. New York has a backup job available.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s John Clayton has reported Tennessee agreed to terms with guard Steve Hutchinson. The Broncos and Titans are among the teams fighting to sign Manning. The Broncos haven’t done anything in free agency because they are waiting to see what Manning does.

Denver has $38 million in cap room. Tennessee has less cap room. It’s time for Denver to start signing some players while waiting for Manning. Not all of its cap space will go to Manning.

In other AFC West news:

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting Denver receiver/returner Eddie Royal is taking a physical in San Diego. That could mean a contract is next. I like Royal's fit in San Diego.

Oakland pass-rusher Trevor Scott is visiting the Patriots. Scott was once a promising Oakland prospect, but he's been slowed by injuries. I think he is still a decent prospect. I wonder what Bill Belichick could do with him?

Keep an eye on Chiefs running back Jackie Battle as an option in San Diego if Mike Tolbert signs elsewhere. Tolbert is visiting the Chiefs.

The inevitable has happened: Brandon Carr is a former Kansas City Chief.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the cornerback has signed a five-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys worth $50.1 million. There was a lot of talk at the NFL combine last month that Dallas would make a run at Carr.

Carr’s departure from Kansas City was a foregone conclusion when the Chiefs signed former Oakland Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt on Feb. 20. After Routt was signed, the Chiefs said they had interest in retaining Carr, but it didn’t make any financial sense for Kansas City and it didn’t make any sense for Carr.

The Chiefs essentially chose to go with Routt because he was cheaper (he signed a three-year, $18 million deal in Kansas City) and he gave the Chiefs clarity at the position prior to free agency. Routt and Carr are considered comparable players. Both would be the No. 2 cornerback in Kansas City behind Brandon Flowers, who signed a big deal in Kansas City last year. Carr was a fifth-round pick by the Chiefs in 2008.

In other AFC West news:

Don’t be surprised if the Raiders get in play for former St. Louis cornerback Ron Bartell. He’d be the Raiders' top cornerback. Oakland is desperately trying to get in the cornerback game in free agency now that they finally have some room to maneuver.

The Denver Broncos are visiting with Cleveland Browns veteran safety Mike Adams.

Denver has a visit planned with Miami defensive tackle Paul Soliai. However, the Dolphins are still interested in retaining him.

Kansas City backup running back Jackie Battle has interest from three teams. There is a chance he does not return to Kansas City.

NFL free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Here is the complete list of unrestricted free agents for each team in the division:

Denver Broncos: S Brian Dawkins, DT Brodrick Bunkley, LB Mario Haggan, TE Daniel Fells, DE Derrick Harvey, OL Russ Hochstein, DE Jason Hunter, FB Spencer Larsen, LB Joe Mays, DT Ryan McBean, QB Brady Quinn, WR Eddie Royal, DT Marcus Thomas, TE Dante Rosario, CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matthew Willis , LB Wesley Woodyard, G Manny Ramirez.

Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jackie Battle, LB Jovan Belcher, CB Brandon Carr, S Jon McGraw, QB Kyle Orton, DB Travis Daniels, DE Wallace Gilberry, DL Amon Gordon, NT Kelly Gregg, S Reshard Langford, FB Le’Ron McClain, TE Anthony Becht, RB Thomas Jones, OT Ryan O’Callaghan, TE Jake O’Connell, QB Tyler Palko, S Sabby Piscitelli, TE Leonard Pope, OT Barry Richardson, WR Jerheme Urban, C Casey Wiegmann.

Oakland Raiders: RB Michael Bush, LB Quentin Groves, OT Stephon Heyer, QB Jason Campbell, DE Jarvis Moss, C Samson Satele, WR Chaz Schilens, DL Trevor Scott.

San Diego Chargers: WR Vincent Jackson, G Nick Hardwick, OT Jared Gaither, RB Mike Tolbert, RB Jacob Hester, NG Antonio Garay, SS Steve Gregory, DL Tommie Harris, ILB Na'il Diggs, OLB Everette Brown, SS Bob Sanders, SS Paul Oliver, WR Patrick Crayton, OG Tony Moll TE Randy McMichael, ILB Stephen Cooper.

» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET

Denver Broncos

Key free agents: K Matt Prater (franchised), DT Brodrick Bunkley, S Brian Dawkins, TE Daniel Fells, FB Spencer Larsen, WR Eddie Royal, QB Brady Quinn, DT Marcus Thomas, LB Wesley Woodyard, P Britton Colquitt (restricted).

Where they stand: The Broncos will have plenty of salary-cap room. For a team that went from 4-12 with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft to winning the AFC West and a playoff game in John Fox’s first season as coach, the Broncos are in position to improve through free agency. With Prater franchised, the team’s only priority unrestricted free agent is Bunkley.

What to expect: Don’t expect a huge spending spree. The Broncos are cash conscious and I think the franchise is still recovering from some undisciplined spending during the Mike Shanahan era that ended in 2008. We will see the Broncos try to add several pieces at lower prices. Denver could address needs at safety, running back, receiver, tight end, linebacker and quarterback. Keep an eye on players such as Washington safety LaRon Landry, Seattle tight end John Carlson, quarterbacks Chad Henne (Miami), Dennis Dixon (Pittsburgh) or Josh Johnson (Tampa), running backs Michael Bush (Oakland) and Mike Tolbert (San Diego), and defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene Cincinnati.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key free agents: WR Dwayne Bowe (franchised), CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton, RB Jackie Battle, LB Jovan Belcher, S Jon McGraw, C Casey Wiegmann, RB Thomas Jones, DE Wallace Gilberry, DT Kelly Gregg

Where they stand: The Chiefs are in great shape on cap space even after signing cornerback Stanford Routt and franchising Bowe. They have already done a nice job in free agency with these two moves and have a good, young roster. Kansas City can become a serious playoff contender with the right moves. It is likely Carr will leave in free agency, but the Chiefs should be able to re-sign most of their other free agents if they wish.

What to expect: I’m not sure we will see the Chiefs break the bank for any of the super-hot free agents, but I expect them to do some significant shopping. I think we could see Kansas City look for help at nose tackle, linebacker, safety, tackle, running back and quarterback. Of course, the intrigue could start if the team gets in on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes. But they could also look at several other quarterbacks, including Orton, Henne, Jason Campbell (Oakland) or even Quinn. They could also be in the mix for Miami nose tackle Paul Soliai, Saints guard Carl Nicks and running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England), Bush and Tolbert.

Oakland Raiders

Key free agents: S Tyvon Branch (franchised), RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, LB Quentin Groves, C Samson Satele, WR Chaz Schilens, DE Trevor Scott, FB Marcel Reece (restricted).

Where they stand: The Raiders are one of the few teams that must get under the salary cap. Oakland coach Dennis Allen recently acknowledged the team has work to do. The Raiders have some contracts that can be easily restructured, but they also may have to cut some players, particularly on defense. Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and defensive tackle John Henderson are among the top candidates.

What to expect: The Raiders likely face some limitations once they get under the cap, but they can add two or three starting-quality players under the right circumstances. Their primary needs are on defense, starting at cornerback and linebacker. The offensive line could be upgraded as well. I think they can be in on the second wave of cornerbacks. A player to watch is New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter, who previously played for Allen. There are some solid second-tier cornerbacks Oakland could be interested in other than Porter. There will be some good players available on both sides of the ball after the initial wave of free agency for short-term deals. Expect the Raiders to do some bargain picking during that time. I think Oakland will be interested in signing several of its free agents, but I expect Bush and Campbell will leave.

San Diego Chargers

Key free agents: WR Vincent Jackson, C Nick Hardwick, RB Tolbert, DT Antonio Garay, OT Jared Gaither, FB Jacob Hester.

Where they stand: The Chargers will be in decent shape and they are getting even better after cutting Luis Castillo, the retirement of guard Kris Dielman and the expected release of tackle Marcus McNeill. But San Diego still has a lot of work to do. They have the most priority free agents of any team in the division. Signing Jackson, Hardwick, Gaither, Tolbert and Garay will be a challenge.

What to expect: The Chargers will likely stick to their usual plan and concentrate first on their own free agents. But they also have other needs and they will likely spend more in free agency than they have done before under general manager A.J. Smith. I get the sense from some agents that the Chargers may spend wildy in an attempt to win back the fan base’s trust after the unpopular contract extensions for Smith and coach Norv Turner. The pair were brought back even after missing the playoffs for a second consecutive season. I also get the sense from inside the organization, however, that the Chargers will not act out of desperation. Look for the team to consider pass-rushers, nose tackles, safeties and offensive linemen if Hardwick and Gaither aren’t brought back. A receiver will also become a major need if Jackson goes. The Colts' Reggie Wayne could be an option in that case. A running back such as Cadillac Williams (St. Louis) reportedly will be in the mix if Tolbert walks. Soliai could interest the team as well. Chicago special teams ace Corey Graham may also be a target. If the Chargers want to make a huge splash, they could try to get in on Houston pass-rusher Mario Williams, who is widely considered the best player on the market.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli met with the media on Friday afternoon. In addition to talking about the team’s quarterback situation, here are some other highlights:

Pioli said the Chiefs’ three injured stars -- running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki -- are on schedule to be ready for training camp. All three suffered torn ACLs in their knees in September. Pioli said there aren’t any guarantees that all three will be ready for camp, but the team feels good about each player’s progress.

Pioli said that he thinks this is a strong draft overall, and he really likes the running backs. I expect the Chiefs to look at a running back fairly early in the draft or in free agency. With Charles coming back from injury and Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones being free agents, the Chiefs will need help there. One possibility, I think, is to sign New England’s Benjarvus Green-Ellis in free agency. Pioli signed him as an undrafted free agent in New England.

Pioli said he believes second-year player Rodney Hudson is ready to start at center or guard. His best bet might be at center. Casey Wiegmann is considering retirement, and the team might be ready to move to Hudson, anyway.

Pioli said 2011 first-round pick Jonathan Baldwin has made progress, and is expected to be a contributor in 2012.

Pioli reiterated that he wants to keep receiver Dwayne Bowe and cornerback Brandon Carr, who are headed for free agency. With the Chiefs signing cornerback Stanford Routt this week, the odds of Carr coming back have lessened considerably.

Pioli said he was “heartbroken” to see college scouting director Phil Emery leave to become the Bears’ general manager. Pioli praised Emery extensively and said he will make the city of Chicago proud.

Here is a First Take debate on the Broncos’ plans to bring in two quarterbacks to compete with Tim Tebow. I think the key is to see what two quarterbacks are going to be brought in before deciding if Denver really is planning to give Tebow legitimate competition this year.

If Denver brings in a journeyman and then takes a project quarterback late the draft, then, we’ll know our answer. Remember, the Broncos have already announced to the world that Tebow will head to training camp as the starter, so that will not interest capable free agents in coming to Denver.

I still think Denver will give Tebow every opportunity to prove himself this season and then make its long-term plans heading into 2013. Thus, the competition Denver will bring in will be more of the backup variety.

In other AFC West news:

• In an Insider piece, Gary Horton looks at the needs of every team in the AFC.
• Here’s a podcast of Mike and Mike on whether the Chiefs can bounce back in 2011 and become a playoff team.
• ESPN’s John Clayton thinks Minnesota and Tennessee could be in play for Kansas City cornerback Brandon Carr in free agency.
• As expected, Kansas City backup running back Jackie Battle is planning to test free agency. I could see him stay in Kansas City as a backup.

NFL Free agency starts four weeks from today. We will be discussing possibilities often leading up to it.

Recently, I received a mailbag question from David G. of Topeka, who asked if I think New England free-agent running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be a good fit in Kansas City.

Yes, David, I do. I could easily see The Law Firm practicing in Kansas City in 2012. The Chiefs will likely be looking for a running back to pair with Jamaal Charles, who is coming back from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 2. Veteran Thomas Jones likely won’t be brought back and while Jackie Battle likely could have a future in Kansas City, an upgrade may be needed.

A Charles-Green-Ellis pairing would work well in Kansas City. Green-Ellis, 5-11, 215 pounds, is a reliable, solid back. While Charles is a game breaker, Green-Ellis is the type who can wear down a defense and set up Charles. Green-Ellis, 26, had 667 yards on 181 carries and he scored 11 touchdowns. In 2010, Green-Ellis had 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns.

I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. if he thought Green-Ellis would be a good fit in Kansas City, and he was a fan of the notion.

“Yeah, I like that,” Williamson said. “He is far from spectacular and he has very little big-play flair, but BJGE is very reliable and tough. He’s a big-bodied running back to complement what Jamaal Charles brings to the table.”

Also, don’t discount the New England connection here. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli was in New England when it signed Green-Ellis as an undrafted free agent. He played with Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel in his rookie year in New England.

The Chiefs have $62 million in salary-cap room and will be able to do a lot of things. Giving Charles a solid backfield partner like Green-Ellis would be an affordable, smart move by Kansas City.

NFL.com floats the name of Elliot Wolf as a possible candidate for the Oakland general manager job. Wolf is the son of former Green Bay and Oakland executive Ron Wolf. Also, Elliot Wolf works in Green Bay with another top Oakland candidate, Reggie McKenzie, a former Raiders linebacker. Expect the Raiders to begin the process of adding an executive after the season. That has been the plan since the Oct. 8 death of owner Al Davis.

The Chiefs put running back Jackie Battle on injured reserve and added Shaun Draughn from the practice squad. He is from North Carolina.

Norv Turner has the support of his players going into Sunday’s season finale at Oakland. Still, don’t expect the support to sway ownership. Turner is expected to be fired after the Chargers have failed to go to the playoffs for the past two seasons.

Perhaps a chain of events will prevent former Denver coach Josh McDaniels from being the offensive coordinator in Kansas City.