A flurry of moves at One Arrowhead Drive on Monday jump-started what could be a busy offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The team signed wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and punter Dustin Colquitt to long-term deals, while placing the franchise tag on tackle Branden Albert, the Chiefs announced on Monday.
"When we first arrived, one of the first items on our agenda was signing Dwayne," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said.
"He's been a key player on our offense and is one of the premier players at his position. We are pleased that Dwayne will be a member of this team for years to come."
Bowe's new head coach, Andy Reid agreed.
"We're excited to have Dwayne on the roster for the long term," Reid said.
"Dwayne's a big, physical receiver who has had success in this league. He is part of the Chiefs family, and it was important to him to remain in Kansas City. I'm looking forward to working with Dwayne."
As for the wide receiver himself, he couldn't be happier.
"I'm very blessed to be a member of the Kansas City Chiefs," said Bowe.
"The Hunt family and the fan base have been very supportive over the years, and I am looking forward to working with John and Coach Reid in the near future. I'm excited to continue my career with the Chiefs and hopefully help this team reach our goals."
Here's a quick look at Bowe's stats, during the last three seasons in Kansas City:
2012 stat line: 13 games, 59 receptions, 801 yards and 3 TDs
2011 stat line: 16 games, 81 receptions, 1,159 yards and 5 TDs
2010 stat line: 16 games, 72 receptions, 1,162 yards and 15 TDs (Pro Bowl season)
He missed the final three games of the 2012 season because of a rib injury, suffered while throwing a block against the Cleveland Browns, in Week 14. Prior to the injury, Bowe had two catches, covering 70 yards. His 47-yard grab, during the game, was his longest reception of the year.
Bowe has played in 88 games (82 starts) in six seasons (2007-12) with Kansas City. His career numbers include 415 receptions for 5,728 yards (13.8 avg.) with 39 touchdowns. He has led the Chiefs in receptions and receiving yards in each of the past four seasons.
The Miami, Florida native originally entered the NFL as Kansas City's first-round selection (23rd overall) in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Returning to the Chiefs with Bowe will be punter Dustin Colquitt, who also inked a long-term deal with the team.
"We are excited that we were able to come to a long-term agreement with Dustin and keep him in Kansas City," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said.
"Dustin is an elite punter in this league, he's done a great job for this franchise the past eight seasons, and we are looking forward to working with him."
Colquitt signs the deal after his best statistical season, which ended in the 2012 Pro Bowl. Last season, he punted 83 times for 3,887 yards (46.8 avg.) with seven touchbacks and a long of 71 yards. He pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 45 times, the second-best mark in NFL history. Colquitt holds many Chiefs records for punting, including highest career average (44.7), highest net average (39.1) and most career punts inside the 20 (250).
The Knoxville, Tennessee native originally entered the NFL as Kansas City's third-round draft pick (99th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Like our new GM, new Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was just as thrilled about keeping Colquitt in KC.
"John and I knew right away that we'd like to keep Dustin in a Chiefs uniform," coach Reid said. "He's worked hard at his craft and has become one of the best punters in the NFL. He's got a strong leg and the ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory. We are happy we were able to come to an agreement."
Joining Bowe and Colquitt in 2013, will be tackle Branden Albert, who was tagged as the team's franchise player for the upcoming season.
"Today was the league's deadline to designate a franchise player and we felt it was in the best interest of the Kansas City Chiefs to place the tag on Branden," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said.
"We will continue to negotiate with Branden and his agent to reach a deal that is mutually beneficial. We are looking forward to working with Branden in the near future."
Albert (6-5, 316) has 73 games (71 starts) under his belt, in five seasons with the Chiefs. He's helped pave the way for Chiefs running backs, including Jamaal Charles, who has recorded three-1,000-yard rushing seasons behind Albert and company. In 2012, the Chiefs covered 2,395 yards of real estate, the fifth-highest rushing output in club annals. Since Albert's arrival in 2008, the club has averaged 133.2 rushing yards per contest.
The Glen Burnie, Maryland native originally entered the NFL as Kansas City's second of two first-round picks (15th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Check out some of the best pics of Bowe, Colquitt and Albert in today's Photo Gallery.
