The primary area of need for the Kansas City Chiefs moving forward toward the NFL offseason is likely to be the offensive line. The right tackle position has bee below average beyond just the 2011 season, and questions remain at other positions as well. Center Casey Wiegmann is a possibility to retire. Guard Ryan Lilja could be replaced. Then there's the annual discussion of Branden Albert as a solid NFL left tackle (or not).
The Chiefs also have money to spend. They had $27 million in cap room this season that they failed to spend and they could be a heavy hitter in the upcoming free agent market, if they so choose. Scott Pioli, then, could find a major source of help at guard if he wanted to add a Pro Bowler with Super Bowl experience like Carl Nicks of the New Orleans Saints.
Gregg Rosenthal writes, "Guard Carl Nicks and wide receiver Marques Colston are both headed for free agency. Florio has explained previously Colston won’t take a hometown discount. Nicks will be especially difficult to keep on a long-term deal because the Saints have already paid huge money for Jahri Evans and Nicks is viewed as one of the very best guards in football. Retaining Nicks on a one-year deal would be ideal, but it won’t be possible unless Brees’ contract is worked out quickly."
Nicks has been an All Pro the last two seasons for the Saints and is in line for a major payday. He's only 26, so he definitely warrants the contract. If the Chiefs were able to add a prospect in the draft at tackle and a player like Nicks via free agency, the Chiefs front line would become an instant strength on the team and would help make a way for the Chiefs running game to become elite again.