Alex Smith hopes his long-term future is with the Chiefs

By Randy Covitz

Excerpt from The Kansas City Star

"Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith still isn't assured of what his future holds beyond the upcoming season.

But Smith, who has one year left on his contract, wants to sign an extension and continue his career in Kansas City…" READ MORE…

Top Anthony Fasano Photos

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Ranking the Chiefs' 2014 training camp battles: No. 4 — backup tight end

By Terez A. Paylor

Excerpt The Kansas City Star

"The tight end position has always played a significant role in the offense of Chiefs coach Andy Reid, so it was hardly a surprise when the team went out and added a reliable target in veteran Anthony Fasano only a few months after he was hired.

Fasano, a nine-year veteran, has never been regarded as a big-play threat, even when he is younger. But he is big, at 6 feet 4 and 255 pounds, and has long held a reputation as a tough guy with good hands." READ MORE…

Ranking the Chiefs' 2014 training camp battles: No. 3 — slot receiver

By Terez A. Paylor

Excerpt from The Kansas City Star

"After the free-agent departure of last year's starter, diminutive fan favorite Dexter McCluster, this is a position that figures to be up in the air well into camp.

But while McCluster managed to parlay his 2013 season, in which he logged 53 receptions for 511 yards and two touchdowns (all career highs), into a nice little contract from the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs still have six intriguing candidates for the job in Junior Hemingway, Weston Dressler, De'Anthony Thomas, Frankie Hammond, Albert Wilson and Kyle Williams." READ MORE…

Camp preview: Kansas City Chiefs

By Adam Teicher

Excerpt from ESPN.com

"NFL Nation reporter Adam Teicher examines the three biggest issues facing the Kansas City Chiefs heading into training camp.

Where is Houston? Having outperformed the contract he signed with the Chiefs as a third-round draft pick in 2011, outside linebacker Justin Houston was absent for all the offseason practices, including the mandatory minicamp. Since Houston's only leverage for getting a contract extension this year is to stay away from camp until he gets it, it's unlikely he will show without a new deal. That would be a tough blow for the Chiefs. Houston is their top proven pass-rusher and arguably their best all-around defensive player. The pass rush, which was on a record pace for sacks over the first half of last season, sagged measurably after a dislocated elbow caused him to miss the final five regular-season games. The Chiefs would not be left without quality edge pass-rushers. Veteran Tamba Hali, another Pro Bowler, is on the other side, and the Chiefs drafted Auburn's Dee Ford in the first round. Ford looked promising as a pass-rusher during offseason practice, but it's a bit much to expect him to immediately be as versatile as Houston. Ford was a defensive end in college and has much to learn before he is on Houston's level…" READ MORE…

Kansas City Chiefs are 33rd most valuable team in the world on Forbes list