KC Chiefs to Sign Tackle Mitchell Schwartz to Five-Year Deal
By Joel Wagler
The KC Chiefs are finally making a splash in free agency as they are working on a deal to bring offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz to Kansas City.
After being in the news all day for losing players, the Kansas City Chiefs finally look like they are about to add a major piece.
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According to ESPN NFL Insider, Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are on the brink of coming to an agreement with former Cleveland Browns’ tackle Mitchell Schwartz. He is the brother of former Chiefs lineman, Geoff Schwartz.
Mitchell Schwartz has started every game of his four-year career with the Browns. At only 26 years old, he figures to be in his prime.
This would be an exciting signing for the Chiefs as they have already lost offensive linemen, Jeff Allen, and Donald Stephenson.
Kansas City is finalizing a 5-year deal with soon-to-be former Browns OT Mitchell Schwartz, from @PatMcManamon and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
In 2015, Pro Football Focus had him on the All-NFL second team, according to Pro-Football-Reference. Schwartz would be a huge upgrade at right tackle. This also probably means Eric Fisher is going to be the left tackle.
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This allows the versatile Jah Reid to either work at guard or backup at the tackle positons.
Early in this free agency, the Chiefs have seen several player move on. Not only are Allen and Stephenson gone, but so is Tyvon Branch, Chase Daniel, and most likely, Sean Smith.
It will be interesting to see how Schwartz’ contract is structured as the Chiefs have only about $18 million left to fill out their roster, according to Spotrac.com. Look for this deal to be more end-loaded.
The big question now is if the Chiefs will be able to re-sign long-time linebacker, Derrick Johnson. It would be tough to see Johnson in another uniform. Husain Abdullah could also be on the docket for the team to try to retain.
The offensive line is starting to flesh out. If Ben Grubbs can return to his Pro Bowl form, the Chiefs have Mitch Morse at center, and don’t forget, guard Paul Fanaika, signed last offseason, is still on the roster. A preseason injury took Fanaika out for the season.
If Grubbs and Fanaika can’t bounce back, Zach Fulton and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif could step in, as could Reid. Suddenly, just by adding a superior talent like Schwartz, and the offensive line suddenly seems much better.
Now, if the Chiefs can ink Johnson, and maybe Abdullah, and maybe find another cornerback and wide receiver, everyone will feel pretty good about this free agency period.
Stay tuned for more KC Chiefs rumors and news.