CHIEFS SIGN OFFENSIVE TACKLE JARED GAITHER & MACLIN FANS SHOULD BE VERY CONCERNED
In a move I'd describe as surprising, the Chiefs have signed offensive tackle Jared Gaither. The transaction was reported by Adam Teicher of The Kansas City Star less than 30-minutes ago. What surprises me about this move is Gaither had a deal worked out with Oakland almost immediately after free agency opened but he reportedly couldn't pass the physical because of a back condition that sidelined the massive(6' 9" 340) right tackle last season. There were a lot of rumors late last year that Gaither wasn't practicing hard & had lost the confidence of some Raven teammates, but I think much of that could be traced to his back condition. When healthy, the former Maryland product is a true road grader in the running game, he can dominate. His height & extremely long arms allow him superior leverage when he uses proper technique pass blocking. If he was healthy, why didn't anyone sign him, he is a proven NFL starter who can play either side? I have to believe Gaither will become almost an instant starter, the question is, on which side having played both in Baltimore? Any chance he'll begin the season on the PUP list, work himself back from the back injury & be ready go in week seven? No details of the contract were released so we don't know how long the deal is for, which might have told us a lot about whether the Chiefs view Gaither as a long term answer or a stop-gap panic move. We'll have more details later this afternoon.
**UPDATE @ 2:40PM
Wow, this brought out the emailers & the opinions are all over the map. One quick correction, Gaither has never played right tackle as a pro, all 33 of his starts came at left tackle. His injured back that required surgery prompted the move of Michael Oher from the right side to the "Blindside." For those poo-pooing this deal, don't you think Scott Pioli consulted Kelly Gregg & Le'Ron McClain, former teammates of Gaither in Baltimore? The rumors regarding his work habits could be just that, rumors. Personally, I'm not buying into that theory tho, there was just so much negative stuff about Gaither's questionable effort & dedication. We'll see very quickly, still don't know the particulars regarding this contract.
For Jeremy Maclin fans, I think the time for real worry is upon us. The Eagles leading receiver from last season has been suffering from a mystery illness for 5 months that Andy Reid & his staff have tried to not discuss. Maclin has not practiced at all since the Eagles opened camp & it's obvious to anyone paying attention, the former Mizzou Tiger great has lost a lot of weight. The team just announced Maclin has left camp to return to St. Louis to see other doctors. Let's hope & pray for the best outcome, this is an outstanding young man on & off the football field.
**UPDATE @ 2:40PM
Wow, this brought out the emailers & the opinions are all over the map. One quick correction, Gaither has never played right tackle as a pro, all 33 of his starts came at left tackle. His injured back that required surgery prompted the move of Michael Oher from the right side to the "Blindside." For those poo-pooing this deal, don't you think Scott Pioli consulted Kelly Gregg & Le'Ron McClain, former teammates of Gaither in Baltimore? The rumors regarding his work habits could be just that, rumors. Personally, I'm not buying into that theory tho, there was just so much negative stuff about Gaither's questionable effort & dedication. We'll see very quickly, still don't know the particulars regarding this contract.
For Jeremy Maclin fans, I think the time for real worry is upon us. The Eagles leading receiver from last season has been suffering from a mystery illness for 5 months that Andy Reid & his staff have tried to not discuss. Maclin has not practiced at all since the Eagles opened camp & it's obvious to anyone paying attention, the former Mizzou Tiger great has lost a lot of weight. The team just announced Maclin has left camp to return to St. Louis to see other doctors. Let's hope & pray for the best outcome, this is an outstanding young man on & off the football field.
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