Should The KC Chiefs Target Brian Hartline
Brian Hartline is one of the most recent wide receivers to hit the free agent market after being released by the Miami Dolphins. It is no secret that the KC Chiefs will be exploring all possible options to improve their wide receiver corp. So is Brian Hartline a viable option for the KC Chiefs? Lets take a look at his career so far.
Hartline was drafted in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. The KC Chiefs also drafted a wide receiver in the 2009 NFL Draft. Quinten Lawrence was selected by the Chiefs in the 6th round. Other notable selections by the Chiefs in 2009 were defensive lineman Tyson Jackson in the first round, and kicker Ryan Succop with the last pick of the draft.
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2009
Hartline enjoyed a relatively productive rookie season with 31 receptions, 506 yards, and three touchdowns in 16 games played. Hartline also started two of the 16 games he appeared in for the Dolphins.
2010
Hartline had a bit of a sophomore slump when it comes to games played, but he was still able to top his production from his rookie season for the most part. He finished with 43 receptions, 615 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games played. He started 11 of his 12 games played in 2010.
2011
The Miami Dolphins released wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and Hartline took his place as the starting wide receiver. Hartline finished his third NFL season with 35 reception, 549 yards, and one touchdown.
2012
In 2012 the Dolphins traded wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears and Hartline earned his spot as the number one wide receiver. Hartline rewarded the Dolphins for their trust in him, having his best season of his career thus far. He managed 74 receptions, 1,083 yards (career high), and one touchdown.
Hartline also set the Dolphins team record for receiving yards in a game in week four when he finished with 253 yards against the Arizona Cardinals.
2013
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The Dolphins rewarded Hartline for his stellar 2011 season by signing him to a five year, $31 million contract, with $12.5 million guaranteed.
After a brand new contract, Hartline would produce the best season of his career. He had 76 receptions (career high), 1,016 yards, and four touchdowns (career high).
A bright 2013 season came to a disappointing end for Hartline when he tore his PCL in the last game of the regular season against the New York Jets.
2014
2014 was the worst year of Hartline’s career, though you have to wonder if the PCL injury he suffered at the end of the 2013 season was a big reason why his production took such a big hit.
He finished with 39 receptions, 474 yards, and two touchdowns. He played and started in all 16 games of the season for the first time in his career.
Career
Hartline’s career numbers are less than impressive. Here is how he stacks up against the KC Chiefs starting wide receiver Dwayne Bowe.
*All statistics are shown from 2009-2014. Dwayne Bowe’s 2007 and 2008 season are not counted in.
Brian Hartline – 298 receptions, 4,243 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Dwayne Bowe – 376 receptions, 5,138 yards, and 32 touchdowns.
The KC Chiefs need a play maker at wide receiver, someone who can take over a game, someone who can score touchdowns, and Brian Hartline is just not that kind of player. He is a dependable player who will catch some important passes, but can not be counted on to score touchdowns.
The advantage Hartline does have is he is good in short to intermediate routes which is Alex Smith‘s preferred range. If the KC Chiefs can sign Hartline to a cheap contract it wouldn’t hurt to see if he can produce with a consistent quarterback.
Hartline would likely compete with Jason Avant for the third wide receiver spot assuming the Chiefs sign or draft a legit number two wide receiver and keep Dwayne Bowe in the starting spot.
I don’t see the Chiefs signing Hartline though because I think Andy Reid is comfortable with Jason Avant and Albert Wilson, and I believe Reid and Dorsey have their eyes set on a real play maker.
For a team that didn’t have a wide receiver catch a touchdown last season it is highly unlikely they go after a guy who has struggled to score touchdowns.