Kansas City Chiefs
Exclusive Video: Ben Ben meets Todd Haley in the Steelers cafeteria
Much has been made in the last few weeks about the relationship between Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley. There’s been an awkward back and forth in the media and it took Haley several weeks to even get in touch with the superstar quarterback. We have a few sources within the Steelers organization who provided us with an exclusive video of the pair’s first meeting that took place in the team’s cafeteria. After debating whether or not to publish the footage, we decided to go ahead. Here’s the excusive footage of the first meeting between Ben Roethlisberger and Todd Haley (NSFW): [youtube]TAxcR9PcIf0[/youtube]
Chiefs will try to re-sign Brandon Carr and Dwayne Bowe
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli made an appearance on WHB radio in Kansas City per ProFootballTalk.com and indicated that the Chiefs will attempt to re-sign both cornerback Brandon Carr and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe despite the recent acquisition of Stanford Routt.
“The signing of Stanford Routt does not impact where we’re at with Brandon Carr,” Pioli said. “As a matter of fact, Romeo [Crennel] and I both reached out to Brandon yesterday as this was unfolding and talked to him. I spoke personally with Brandon, and without getting into the details of what that conversation was, he knows and he’s known before that he’s someone that we want to try and keep here and he’s still someone we want to keep a Chief. This signing doesn’t eliminate the feelings that we have for Brandon and how we want to have him here. He knows that. He wants to be here. We want him here. And we’re going to try to work. If both sides find a deal that makes sense for one another, we’d love …
Report: Todd Haley and Ben Roethlisberger Meet
Per a tweet from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have finally sat down and talked. The details of their meeting were not released:
Haley, who was hired by the Steelers in this month, had previously been the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs (2009-2011) and the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals (2009-2011). Known for his “in-your-face” coaching style, it was widely speculated as to how Haley and Roethlisberger would interact in the execution of the offense. Haley had previously worked in Arizona with All Pro quarterback Kurt Warner and wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin with great success, and all three have commented positively on Haley’s influence on their play. It is unclear what game plan Haley will bring to the Steel City and how much control Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will influence play calling. What is clear is that Haley and Roethlisberger should start off on the right foot by building a rapport, and it seems both are taking a step in that direction. Given that Haley was just hired on February 7th, his meeting with the franchise quarterback was within a reasonable timeframe.
Chiefs Sign Cornerback Stanford Routt
It’s no secret the Kansas City Chiefs are a defensive minded team. Their head coach Romeo Crennel, who is also the team’s defensive coordinator, wasted no time in attempting to improve his secondary.
The Chiefs and ex-Oakland Raider Stanford Routt have agreed on a deal that will pay the cornerback $11 million this year as part of a three year deal. The 28-year-old was let go by his old team and he had no problem going to a division rival.
Routt is known for his man-to-man coverage and will be part of a dynamic cornerback duo alongside Brandon Flowers, who received a big payday last year.
He had an up-and-down season in 2011. On one end of the spectrum he had career highs in interceptions and passes defended, with four and 15 respectively. At the same time he led the league in penalties with 17 and allowed eight touchdown passes, which was tied for second most. Romeo Crennel is not going to let that fly, especially the penalties.
The Chiefs had the sixth best passing def…
Oh happy day! Roethlisberger & Haley finally meet
The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! The Steeler Nation can rest easy now that Big Ben and new offensive coordinator Todd Haley finally met today according to Post Gazette’s Ed Bouchette via twitter: @EdBouchette News many have waited for: Ben & #steelers new OC Todd Haley finally met, sat down and talked. It’s been nothing short of amazing how much media attention this whole insignificant saga has gotten since Haley was formally introduced at a press conference earlier this month. Twitter, Facebook, the water cooler, the line at the grocery store, everybody and their brother has been wondering when it would happen. You couldn’t go a day without somebody talking about it. We’ll never know the full story of what was said, exactly how long they met, what differences they ironed out (if any at all) but the speculation is sure to be rampant over the next couple of weeks. Haley said this, Ben wanted to do that, can’t you just h…
Why The Kansas City Chiefs Should Trade Down In The NFL Draft
In my recent NFL mock draft, I had the Kansas City Chiefs using their first-round pick on Stanford’s offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. I also noted in the comment that the Chiefs should really consider trading down. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that Kansas City should make a move with their first-round pick to move in either direction—and most likely that direction is downward.
The one player I can see trading up for would be Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. He’s a wild-card in the draft projections right now, with a lot of scouts’ rankings having him around 10th—meaning a slip to KC at either 11 or 12 is not out of the question. My own completely unprofessional opinion can’t imagine Blackmon lasting past the top five and if he does I’m going to have about as much faith in scouting as Billy Beane did in Moneyball. If Blackmon does start to slide, Scott Pioli should work the phones and see what it would take to get in position to draft him.
But the…
Bouchette talks Wallace, Big Ben, Haley, & Free Agency
Ed Bouchette’s latest chat on 93.7 The Fan. Topics covered on the Vinnie & Cook show today include: Mike Wallace: Ed feels there’s definite danger of losing Mike Wallace but nothing definite yet, and that franchising Wallace is not going to happen. The team will still tender Wallace $2.7 million so they will get a first round pick in this years’ draft if he’s signed away by another team. They could also opt to match whatever offer he potentially gets and still be able to keep them. They may not be willing to break the bank on Wallace because of not just the cap but also wanting to keep both Sanders & Brown in the fold when they become RFA’s next year. Jerricho Cotchery: If Wallace leaves, they will make a stronger attempt to keep Jerricho. They may be able to keep him regardless but it depends on what offers he gets. March 13th – That’s the day free agency starts but doesn’t necessarily mean a bunch of players like Hampton, Farrior, Ward, Smith, etc. will be cut or immed…
Stanford Routt picks the Kansas City Chiefs
Because he was released from his contract, the former Raider cornerback Standofrd Routt was the first big free agent to hit the open market. Routt is coming off a disappointing season in his first year as the top corner on the Raiders’ roster, but he is still a talented player and can really thrive when he is not forced to cover the opponet’s top receiver every game.
The Raiders thought Routt would emerge as an elite corner after Nnamdi Asomugha’s departure, and paid him like such. Stanford never quite played on that level, and was thus a causality of thee new-look Raiders front office that is determined to rid the franchise of its bad contracts. Even if Routt played at a high level, there would have been a good chance he was let go because of the horrendous cap situation in Oakland.
For the Chiefs, this move makes a lot of sense. With on cornerback spot held down by Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr’s eventual departure via free agency gives Routt a great opportunity t…
Chiefs Sign Ex-Raiders Cornerback, Stanford Routt
After coming off a four-interception season last year with the Raiders, Oakland surprisingly cut Stanford Routt despite recently having a new deal with them. Now the ex-Raider cornerback will be joining forces with an AFC West opponent: the Kansas City Chiefs.
Routt signed to a three-year, $11 million contract with $6.5 million guaranteed. He made $10 million last year with Oakland.
“Stanford has a proven record of success in the NFL,” said Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel. “He’s a talented player that has spent seven seasons in the AFC West, so he is familiar with us and our division opponents.”
The Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings also expressed interest in Routt, but it was too late. Routt was scheduled to make $5 million had he stayed with the Raiders. Routt also had 49 tackles last year as well.
With this signing now, Kansas City’s cornerback troubles are fixed with him and Brandon Flowers making a solid one-two punch in the secondary. Howeve…
Hey, A Transaction Happened – KSK Kontent Klearinghouse
- The Chiefs signed former Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt to a three-year, $19.6 million deal. The arrival of Routt, seen above getting beaten by new and possibly temporary teammate Dwayne Bowe, likely spells the end of Brandon Carr’s tenure in Kansas City. Will that ratchet up Peter King’s dreams of free agency mayhem? Hard to say, but I’m thankful to see even the most marginally exciting of player transactions. It’s a helpful reminder that the next season is only six and a half months away, as opposed to seven. [Has 20-minute crying jag only ended by the sight of Reese's Peanut Butter Cake]
- Vince Wilfork, Kevin Faulk and Randy Moss recently went snorkeling in the Bahamas. It’s the most football players wearing snorkels spotted in one place since the Vikings sex boat. As a helpful service to the people of the Bahamas who are concerned over Wilfork’s presence on the beach, I enclose this helpful graphic.
- Sticking with the theme of Pat…
Kansas City Chiefs likely to franchise WR Dwayne Bowe now
With the announcement that the Kansas City Chiefs reached a three-year agreement with CB Stanford Routt this afternoon, it’s becoming more and more likely that WR Dwayne Bowe will receive the franchise tag from the Chiefs organization. According to Kansascity.com, Routt has agreed to a contract which will pay him nearly $20 million with $6 million guaranteed for the next three seasons.
Leading up to free agency this offseason, there was a great deal of speculation as to whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs would place the franchise tag on either WR Dwayne Bowe or on CB Brandon Carr. Now, with the signing of Routt, it appears that the Chiefs are going to let Carr test the free agent water next month.
The apparent move to franchise Bowe, just increased the going rate of other elite receivers set to hit the free agent market this offseason.
It’s possible that the Chiefs could try to retain Carr given their salary cap money available heading into the 2012 season, but itR…
Stanford Routt to Kansas City: What It Means
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a three-year deal with former Oakland cornerback Stanford Routt on Monday, shifting from the team that drafted him to a despised division foe. Routt will receive $6.5 million in guarantees and will make $11 million this season. This signing is a good move for the Chiefs, who primarily play press, man-to-man coverage with their cornerbacks. Routt played the exact type of coverage in Oakland. Now, the Chiefs have a Pro Bowl-caliber corner in Brandon Flowers, and a top-flight No. 2 corner in Stanford Routt. Routt also brings leadership and a veteran presence to a primarily young defense. Most importantly, perhaps, is locking up Routt in case free agent cornerback Brandon Carr decides to sign elsewhere. With this is mind, what does this mean for the Kansas City Chiefs and their defense?
Well, my best bet would be that Brandon Carr is now out of the picture. As good as he (and some argue that he is, indeed, better than Flowers), he will be asking…
Source: Chiefs, Routt reach 3-yr, 19.6M deal
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs agreed to terms on a 19.6 million, three-year deal with cornerback Stanford Routt on Monday, which should help Kansas City absorb the potential loss of Brandon Carr.
The deal includes a 4 million signing bonus and 6 million the first season, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because terms of the contract were not announced.
Routt is still owed 5 million next month from the Raiders, who released him after the first year of a 54.4 million, five-year deal. The 11 million Routt will make in 2012 puts him among the three highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL.
“We are excited that we were able to come to terms with Stanford,” general manager Scott Pioli said. “He is a talented player, and as we have said in the past, we are always looking to add competition at every position year-round. Stanford’s experience and level of play will make him a solid addition to our defense.”
Routt spent several days in Kansas City before choosing the Chiefs over competing offers from Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston, New Orleans, Minnesota and Tennessee.
His signing makes it easier for the Chiefs to deal with losing Carr, who has been a stalwart opposite his good pal Brandon Flowers in the secondary. The Chiefs are now likely to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Dwayne Bowe rather than using it to keep the defensive backfield together.
Carr has started all 64 games in his four seasons with the Chiefs.
“Stanford has a proven record of success in the NFL,” said Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, who will serve as his own defensive coordinator next season. “He’s a talented player that has spent seven seasons in the AFC West, so he is familiar with us and our division opponents.”
Routt has appeared in 110 games, starting 53 of them, over seven seasons spent with Oakland.
He emerged as one of the league’s better tackling defensive backs, recording 201 stops along with 10 interceptions and 52 pass deflections. Routt had a career-high four interceptions last season while adding a team-best and career-high 15 passes defensed.
He also allowed eight touchdown passes, tied for the second-most in the NFL.
A former second-round pick of the Raiders, Routt is among the best man-to-man coverage cornerbacks in the league, a style that should fit in well with Crennel’s defense.
The Chiefs have paid handsomely the past couple of years in the defensive backfield, signing Flowers to a 52.5 million, five-year contract extension last season. Safety Eric Berry is also signed to a 60 million, five-year deal that includes 34 million guaranteed.
“We are excited to have Stanford join the team,” Crennel said, “and we are looking forward to getting started.”
AP source: Chiefs, Routt reach 3-yr, $19.6M deal
A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that the Kansas City Chiefs and cornerback Stanford Routt have agreed to terms on a $19.6 million, three-year deal.
The person, speaking on condition of anonymity Monday because the team had not announced the deal, said the agreement includes a $4 million signing bonus and $6 million the first season.
Routt is still owed $5 million next month from the Raiders, who released him after the first year of a $54.4 million, five-year deal. Routt chose the Chiefs over competing offers from Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston, New Orleans, Minnesota and Tennessee.
Routt will likely take over for Brandon Carr, who will become a free agent. Signing Routt means the Chiefs are more likely to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Dwayne Bowe instead of Carr.
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AP Sports Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report.
Chiefs, Routt agree on three year deal
It’s not often that a team in danger of losing a top level starter via free agency is able to preemptively strike to fill that potential hole three weeks before it even opens up, but that’s exactly what the Chiefs were able to do this afternoon, locking up free agent cornerback Stanford Routt to a three year deal, worth an estimated $19.6 million.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to break the story, followed shortly thereafter by Jason LaCanfora of NFL.com with the overall numbers from the deal.
Routt will almost certainly line up opposite of fellow cornerback Brandon Flowers, giving the Chiefs a solid one-two punch to shut down opposing wide receivers. The move will likely spell the end of free agent to be Brandon Carr’s tenure in Kansas City though, and while he’s expected to receive a massive payday on the open market, losing him will be tough for Chiefs fans to swallow, as he’s been a solid playmaker in the secondary throughout the entirety …
