Feb. 26, 2008

Updated at 9:20 p.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 28

Just a couple of years ago, the Chiefs’ O-line, led by potential Hall of Famers Willie Roaf and Will Shields, was the envy of every franchise. Now, it’s a beleaguered and battered bunch, a group that will only have 1-2 starters from its 2007 unit constituting its ’08 edition. Getting younger up front is of paramount importance, but the free-agent pool will be just as important as the draft in achieving that objective. While slapping standout DE Jared Allen with the franchise tag ensures he’ll continue wreaking havoc in Arrowhead in ’08, the inability to lock him into a long-term deal makes next season likely his last in Chiefs garb, as he has publicly stated his intention to leave the organization if he had to play as a franchised player. Coach Herm Edwards can only wish his secondary were allowed one year to play with a prime-time player. Starting CBs Ty Law and Patrick Surtain have seen their once-lauded coverage abilities diminish with age, while the physical prowess of the Chiefs’ young safeties is mitigated by their still-developing coverage awareness. The team released injury-prone 35-year-old WR Eddie Kennison and then locked up P Dustin Colquitt with a five-year deal before he could become a restricted free agent.