NEEDS/DRAFT PRIORITIES:

1. Cornerback. The Chiefs last-ranked pass defense currently as one guy, Eric Warfield, who can be considered an even reasonably competent cover man. Dexter McCleon is old and banged up and William Bartee has yet to make the transition from college safety to NFL corner, and he's been at it for five years. KC needs at least two people here, with one being a free agent who can provide immediate help.

2. Linebacker. The mid-season loss of Shawn Barber didn't help an already hurting unit whose lack of speed became even more dramatic after Barber went down. The addition of Kendrell Bell should help a group that doesn't cover or tackle especially well -- a big drawback in a Gunther Cunningham system that puts heavy emphasis on linebacker play. But they are still looking for depth.

3. Safety. The signing of Sammy Knight gives the Chiefs a play-making safety they haven't had since Jerome Woods was in his prime. Knight will compete with Woods, who, despite his Pro Bowl season of 2003, has missed essentially 1 1/2 seasons in his past three campaigns. He'll be 32 in 2005 and is beginning to wear down. SS Greg Wesley's performance fell off dramatically after getting a new contract last year, but he still has time and the ability to get it back together. Still, some long-term help is needed here.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.

TRANSITION PLAYER
None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
LB Quinton Caver; FB Omar Easy (not tendered as RFA); LB Fred Jones.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
WR Marc Boerigter; S Shaunard Harts.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: LB Scott Fujita; TE/LS Kendall Gammon.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED
LB Kendrell Bell; DE Carlos Hall; WR Darrell Hill; RB Robert Holcombe; S Sammy Knight.

PLAYERS LOST
LB Monty Beisel; RB Derrick Blaylock; DE Vonnie Holliday.

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