Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli wouldn’t discuss the possibility of adding Peyton Manning. Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel was a little more revealing when asked about Manning at the Scouting Combine on Saturday.
Crennel first gave the requisite tampering disclaimer: “We can’t talk about players under contract with other teams.”
And then he said how he really felt.
“With a talent like that, I would be crazy not to consider it if he’s available. I’ll leave it at that,” Crennel said.
The Chiefs have a lot to consider at quarterback. Crennel said he was interested in bringing Kyle Orton back. If Orton returned, Crennel said there would be an open competition at quarterback with Matt Cassel.
“I probably wouldn’t be standing here if not for Kyle,” Crennel said.
The Chiefs could also invest a draft pick at the quarterback position. Perhaps the Chiefs could be a dark horse to trade up in the Robert Griffin sweepstakes. (Yes, it would be difficult for the Chiefs to pull it off. But they could be a sleeper team to watch depending on how free agency goes.)
Crennel came away “very impressed” with Griffin after speaking with him Friday night. Crennel said he could have talked to Griffin for an hour because the Baylor graduate was so engaging and thoughtful.
Add up all these comments and it’s clear Matt Cassel has been put on notice. He’s going to face competition at the very least. Perhaps the Chiefs will even bring in a “franchise quarterback” that will make Cassel expendable.
