In a quite interesting move, the Chiefs didn’t  let 2005 pro bowl wide receiver Chris Chambers stay unemployed for long. After being put on waivers monday by the San Diego Chargers, the Chiefs have decided to claim Chambers off waivers just 24 hours after his released.

Per profootballtalk (PFT) Chris Chambers has been claimed by the Chiefs. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/03/chiefs-claim-chris-chambers/

Unfortunately for the Chiefs, this isn’t the same Chambers that was in Miami. Nagging injuries to his ankle have severely tarnished his career, taking him from a 70 catch 1000 yard receiver, to about half of that production.

Personally, it is a pleasant surprise for the Chiefs, because of the desperation for someone who is at least a good #2 WR, and Chamber is known for his speed, though he has lost a little bit of that with the injury. Chambers isn’t the same 4.31 40 time WR, nor does he still have that impressive 45 inch vertical, but what he can do is run routes well, and he is still a pretty fast WR. Remember, with the Chiefs variation of the shotgun(or west coast offense) speed WR’s with good routes are something this offense cherishes, and Chambers veteran abilities could help.

On a side note, this is probably a good idea that the Chiefs picked up Chambers. The Chiefs need a lot of work, but their still is potential with those who are on the team. It’s best that the Chiefs pick up Chambers, because this eliminates the possibly of taking a WR in the draft. Often enough, teams who are so desperate for rebuilding, they are likely to take whatever prospect they fill is the best. This is usually more common with teams like New England or Pittsburgh later in rounds, because to them if they are going to take any player at all, they might as well take the best prospect they can find, rather then reach for a player at a need that isn’t worth the value of the pick. What the Chambers pick -up does is help the team reach it’s potential faster. With the WR need currently on hold now, they can narrow the needs to more specific positions that might help them reach that potential faster.

For those who have read my past columns, I mentioned that taking Dez Bryant could be a possibly. This signing threw that idea right out the window, and it may be for the best. While Bryant is an elite prospect, and will do so much for an NFL team someday,  The defense desperately needs a lot of work, and it needs a big time prospect to come in and make a difference. Now that WR is out of the question, this leaves the Chiefs to likely look at the other elite prospects in the draft. Those two elite prospects are players I’ve mentioned before, Ndamukong Suh and Eric Berry. With Tank Tyler traded for virtually nothing, and the secondary being embarassed by Dallas, I think it’s safe to say that either pick is a must.

Chambers isn’t a long term answer (especially at 31 years old) and it’s hard to imagine anyone is expecting a lot from him, but it’s the upgrade at WR that will make Cassel’s job a lot easier. Maybe with the offense adding a veteran WR and seeing it still struggle will help send a hint to Scott Pioli that the Chiefs need to work on protecting their 60 million dollar investment.

Now with the signing of Chambers, here’s some thoughts on the order of importance for Kansas City.

(1) They must find a way to draft one of the two elite prospects

(2) Fill the following needs. NT, OLB, ILB, RT

(3) Hit the free agency market. Find a way to make a splash in the market. There’s a list of noteable free agents at there desperate needs. The list goes as follow

WR - Mark Clayton(Ravens) Steve Breaston (Cardinals) Braylon Edwards (Jets) and Lee Evans(Buffalo). All 4 are speedy WR’s and wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Chiefs

ILB - DJ Williams (Broncos)

OLB - Elvis Dumervil (Broncos) Aaron Kampman (Packers) Shawne Merriman  (Chargers)

NT - Casey Hampton(Steelers) Tank Tyler(Panthers) Vince Wilfork (Patriots)

While these all look nice, it is unlikely with Wilfork, Hampton, Merriman, and Williams to get the franchise tag. but signing a WR is possible. I could see Dumervil happening, but very unlikely. If Chambers performs well, and the Chiefs could sign one of the WR’s from the list above, I wouldnt put it past the Chiefs to trade Dwayne Bowe for a last first rounder and try to fill another need(possibly ILB, and taking Brandon Spikes)

Let’s keep in mind, it’s 5 months until the draft to begin with, and it’s never a good idea to think pessimistic, but with one win at the near halfway point of a season, it’s time to call it a year. Unlike the Rams, or Lions, or the Buccaneers, at least the Chiefs have potential. Look at the bright side Kansas City, at least your not practicing plays during games (Sorry Bucs fans, but that’s just atrocious.)

I look forward to seeing Chambers play, let’s hope he can bring smiles to the faces of many Chiefs fans. They need it as of late, especially after the Larry Johnson slur fiasco.