What We Learned Yesterday About Chiefs QB Situation
At the NFL Combine, Andy Reid talked to reporters and gave us some great insight as to what the future of the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback situation could be. There wasn’t a definitive answer; Reid danced and dodged as best he could. However there were a couple answers given that allow us to gain insight as to what the Chiefs are planning.
November 18, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA;Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel (7) hands off to running back Jamaal Charles (25) in the second quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Foles: When asked about Nick Foles, Reid responded in the appropriate way to prevent tampering charges: “He’s not available.” Then he went on to say “I think they like him.” That could very well be code for the Philadelphia Eagles are asking too much trade value for Foles.
Quarterbacks in the Draft: Reid mentioned that this year’s quarterbacks don’t measure up to the 2012 draft class. There is not an Andrew Luck or RGIII in the draft. What Andy Reid didn’t do is squelch the possibility of drafting a QB. “There are some good players in there” is just enough fuel to say the Chiefs could draft a QB with the first pick.
Trading the pick: “It’s a pretty valuable pick I’d say”. Reid is not going to give away the first pick in the draft. Why would he? If someone wants it, they’ll have to make a significant play for it. That’s good news since it’s the first time the Chiefs have had the first pick in the entire franchise history. I’m open to trading the pick but only for a significant trade. Nick Foles and swapping first rounders?
Matt Cassel: The most significant comment came not in relation to Matt Cassel directly, but in relation to Peyton Manning. It was the funniest moment of his press conference but told us exactly what almost every Chiefs fan wants to hear. Cassel will not be the Chiefs QB next year. In reference to the Broncos, Reid said, “I’m pretty sure they’re probably looking for a quarterback, too.” That means Reid is looking for a quarterback. Everyone knows that right? Not so fast. Matt Cassel is still under contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He could have been cut but hasn’t. He has the fifth worst contract in the NFL according to John Clayton. It’s $7.5 million without incentives. There is no way a team “looking for a quarterback” pays a guy $7.5 million plus to be a backup. Matt Cassel will be cut. No one will trade for his services so the Chiefs have only one option, release him. This should happen sooner rather than later.
It was good to hear this news from Andy Reid. To this point, the media and fans all assume the Chiefs will get a new quarterback through free agency or the draft. However, this is the first time we have officially heard (even in a joke), that the Chiefs are actually looking for a quarterback.
Now let’s go get one.