Andy Reid is headed to Kansas City, just four days after ending a 14-year relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid has a defined way of doing things as a head coach, so it's worth exploring: How will he handle this Kansas City Chiefs roster?
No quarterbacks
Reid will have to draft or sign a quarterback -- probably both. The cupboard is bare in Kansas City. Matt Cassel is on the books for $7.5 million next season and surely will be released. Brady Quinn will be a free agent. Ricky Stanzi could compete for a reserve role.
Reid could try to import one of his former quarterbacks, like Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick, but this team is starting from scratch.
New role for Jamaal Charles
Charles topped 22 carries in a game six times in 2012, despite the Chiefs nearly always playing from behind. He topped 30 carries twice. That won't happen under Reid.
That doesn't necessarily mean bad news for Charles' fantasy owners. Reid will know how to take advantage of Charles' receiving ability. Charles fits perfectly as a descendent in the LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook lineage.
Decent offensive line talent
Early rumors suggest Reid will bring offensive line coach Juan Castillo with him to Kansas City. There is actually plenty of talent to work with. Left tackle Branden Albert is a free agent and could receive the franchise tag. There are young players drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL draft on the interior. Eric Winston had a solid season at right tackle for the Chiefs. This group should give Reid hope.
Receiver group needs help
Dwayne Bowe is a free agent and seems unlikely to return. Steve Breaston is due a lot of money for a role player and could be cut. Jonathan Baldwin is a former first-round pick who doesn't fit the mold of Reid receivers. Reid liked Dexter McCluster coming out of college, and perhaps he could figure out how to use him. This group is going to undergo a lot of changes.
Who will be the defensive coordinator?
Reid only coached teams with a 4-3 defense in Philadelphia. The Chiefs have run a 3-4 since Pioli arrived, and many of their defensive lineman are suited best for the scheme. Still, most of the team's best talent should be scheme-diverse. Defensive end Tamba Hali and linebacker Derrick Johnson were drafted to play in a 4-3. Cornerback Brandon Flowers and safety Eric Berry are talented enough to excel in any scheme.
Pass rusher Justin Houston was an explosive edge rusher in Romeo Crennel's system; his development could be stunted by a change. Overall, the Chiefs' defensive talent had to intrigue Reid. But there will be an adjustment period and a lot of parts that don't fit.
The cupboard is not exactly bare overall, and expectations are low after a 2-14 season. Still, Reid will have to remake much of the offense from scratch.
Reid's ability to find the right players for his scheme will be tested. He did not excel at finding those players late in his run with the Eagles.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
