As the NFL gears up for the end of the franchise tag period and the beginning of free agency, teams are getting ready to survey the options and go for broke on some players. For the Chiefs, the weaknesses include right tackle and there are precious few options out there for Scott Pioli to choose from. But Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus says that Anthony Collins of the Bengals could fit the bill.
The Chiefs definitely need something since they have a major hole on the right side. Barry Richardson has been among the worst starting tackles in all of football over the last two seasons, particularly last year, and he is now a free agent. The team could bring him back for depth, but going into another year with the same weakness at right tackle is not likely.
Jahnke writes, “While it’s possible the Chiefs bring back Wiegmann who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent and move one of their players to tackle, it would be better for the Chiefs long-term to bring in someone. Anthony Collins of the Bengals would be the best choice to take over the right tackle spot. The Chiefs have built their line around strong pass protectors, and Collins fits that mold. In his last 302 pass plays dating back to 2009, he has allowed just five pressures, with no sacks or hits.”
Collins is a free agent after the Bengals franchised Mike Nugent. Now the team has no ability to deal with Collins aside from the same rules every other team has to abide by. Expect Pioli to at least kick the tires on this option.