Many NFL teams are dealing with major decisions about what to do with key veterans at this stage of the offseason. Whether a general manager is dealing with disgruntled players like Matt Forte or Maurice Jones-Drew or it’s a player at a crossroads of a big money option like Dwayne Bowe of the Chiefs, front offices are abuzz with the options they have.
CBS Sports Will Brinson broke down the potential holdout situations around the NFL recently and said that the Chiefs’ decision with Bowe looms as a sleeper situation to watch. The decision for the Chiefs is whether to offer him a long-term deal at big receiver money or let him play out the year under the franchise tag and watch him potentially walk in 2013.
"This is my sleeper for a potentially ugly holdout," said Brinson. "No one’s talking about Bowe wanting the money, but don’t you think he saw what guys like Pierre Garcon and Laurent Robinson got paid this offseason? And don’t you think he’s not happy about the possibility of a one-year deal? And don’t you think he knows how important he is to the Chiefs passing game? I’m telling you, sleeper situation for a nightmare here."
The team has Jon Baldwin as a first round choice in 2011 waiting in the wings as the next go-to receiver, but in today’s pass happy NFL, having two go-to guys is a good thing. Just ask the Arizona Cardinals who invested a first round choice on Michael Floyd of Notre Dame in this year’s NFL Draft despite already having Larry Fitzgerald. It’s not about replacing the veteran but adding another target to pull the attention away.
So far, the situation has been quiet and Brinson admits as much. But it’s clear that Bowe has not yet rid himself of his diva reputation despite his incredible performance and solid team-focused demeanor in recent seasons. The situation ahead will show everyone’s true colors.
For more on the Kansas City Chiefs' offseason and minicamp, check out Arrowhead Pride and SB Nation's NFL page.