AFC West Free Agency Capsule for March 9, 2015

While most Steelers fans are anxiously awaiting news on their team in Pittsburgh, free agency period, which opens officially today across the National Football League, is a constant feed of potential moves, interest and players who have formerly played with the Steelers.  In this capsule, we’ll look at rumors, moves and player news from March 9 across the AFC West.

San Diego Chargers (9-7 record in 2014)

Expected to sign:
– Guard Orlando Franklin (Broncos)
– Cornerback Brandon Flowers
– Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones (Ravens)

On their radar:
– Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork (Patriots)
– Linebacker Lance Briggs (Bears)
– Defensive Tackle Terrance Knighton (Broncos)
– Running Back DeMarco Murray (Cowboys)
– Guard Mike Iupati (49ers)
– Center Stefen Wisniewski (Raiders)
– Running Back Stevan Ridley (Patriots)

Team Needs: The Chargers have made some big moves for their 2015 team by instantly addressing a weak offensive line. By locking King Dunlap and Orlando Franklin, San Diego will be looking for a center to solidify their line.  San Diego hopes to give quarterback Phillip Rivers a dynamic receiver in Jacoby Jones – a man that is always a danger in kick returns.  Rumors are that Adrian Peterson has placed the Chargers on his short list after considering a trade from the Minnesota Vikings.

Oakland Raiders (3-13 record in 2014)

Expected to sign:
– Wide Receiver Rod Streater
– Wide Receiver Andre Holmes
– Center Rodney Hudson (Chiefs)

On their radar:
– Guard Mike Iupati (49ers)
– Running Back DeMarco Murray (Cowboys)
– Tight End Julius Thomas (Broncos)
– Center Brian De La Puente (Bears)
– Defensive Tackle Terrance Knighton (Broncos)
– Tight End Jermaine Gresham (Bengals)
– Cornerback Tramon Williams (Packers)
– Safety Da’Norris Searcy (Bills)
– Linebacker Malcolm Smith (Seahawks)

Team Needs:  After a terrible 2014 season, the Oakland Raiders need to fill nearly their entire roster with fresh talent.  With a new coaching staff in place, the Raiders look to build a team and have in excess of $60 million in cap space to begin on Tuesday.  The areas that appear to be the most pressing are in their defensive secondary, offensive and defensive lines and receiver/tight end.  The Raiders should make at least one big move that will garner a lot of attention and rumors are that DeMarco Murray may be wearing the black and silver come this fall.

Denver Broncos (12-4 record in 2014)

Expected to sign:  Denver isn’t likely to make big moves early during the free agency period and have already placed the franchise tag on receiver Demaryius Thomas.  With offensive guard Orlando Franklin moving on, the Broncos may also lose tight end Julius Thomas.

On their Radar:

-Defensive line Jared Odrick

Team Needs:  If Denver starts finding a lot of their available free agents, including Jacob Tamme and Virgil Green, getting picked up by other teams a tight end, defensive tackle, offensive line and safety concern may pop up.  With Wade Phillips at the helm on defense, the Broncos are expected to switch back to the 3-4, making a linebacker a need as well.

Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)

Expected to sign:
– Wide Receiver Jeremy Maclin (Eagles)
– Linebacker Tamba Hali

On their radar:
– Safety Ron Parker
– Safety Kurt Coleman
– Tackle/Guard Brian Bulaga (Packers)

Team Needs:  Possibly the biggest positional need for the Chiefs heading into free agency was finding quality receivers.  Reportedly, former Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin is a lock.  In 2014, not a single wide receiver on the Chiefs’ roster caught a touchdown pass and Andy Reid isn’t too happy about it.  Reid knows Maclin well since he drafted him while coaching with Philadelphia.  Maclin could add a nice punch to Jamaal Charles and Travis Kelce.  With little wiggle room on their salary cap, the Chiefs are likely to let several free agents walk.  Kansas City placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Justin Houston – making him available.  That means if the Chiefs won’t match an offer sheet, Houston will move on.  That could make moves in the Chiefs defense a necessity.

AFC West Notes from Saturday and Sunday across the league

• (9:40 a.m. ET)  Rodney Hudson will get $44.5 million to leave the Chiefs and go to Oakland, FOX Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo confirmed.
• (8:45 a.m. ET)  Denver guard Orlando Franklin looks to be headed west to a division rival.  According to an ESPN report, Franklin, one of the most coveted linemen in this year’s free-agent class, will be leaving Denver for San Diego.
• FOX Sports 1 NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that receiver Jeremy Maclin, coming off the best season of his career, will reunite with the coach who drafted him, joining Andy Reid in Kansas City.
• The San Diego Chargers locked up one of their best defensive players Sunday, signing CB Brandon Flowers to a four-year deal worth about $9 million per season.

S Dean

S. Dean is a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan. The former owner of 'The Beam in Pittsburgh', Dean has worked in the sports media field for several years. S. Dean graduated with a degree in physical therapy and sports medicine, has a minor in journalism and is a Mt. Lebanon, PA, native. His favorite Steelers players (all-time) are Jerome Bettis, Lynn Swann and Joey Porter. You can follow him on Twitter @NFLHotTopix and Google Plus. To see his full bio, please visit the Meet Our Staff page.