Most teams are focused on the 2019 NFL draft, but there are still some coveted prizes on the free agent market.
One of those prizes is former Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey who is currently an unrestricted free agent. Late last month, two reports had the Chiefs as a team still in the running to retain Bailey, along with the Patriots and the Panthers. Bailey has already taken a visit with the Patriots and now he’ll do the same with the Panthers.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bailey is in the building and visiting the Panthers facilities on Monday.
It’s unclear if the Chiefs’ trade for Emmanuel Ogbah takes them out of the market to re-sign Bailey, but it’s hard to see them being very competitive with two other teams vying for his services. The Panthers have a strong need for pass rushers after Julius Peppers decided to retire.
Right now it actually might be better if the Chiefs let Bailey walk in free agency. Sure they would love to have his leadership and production on the field, but teams aren’t active this late in free agency for a reason. That reason is the compensatory pick formula.
The Chiefs currently don’t qualify for a compensatory pick in 2020. If Bailey signs with the Panthers before May 7th, he could help boost their chances of earning a pick. They could even possibly gain back a fourth-round selection which is quite valuable. Keep in mind though, free agents signed after May 7th no longer count toward the compensatory pick formula.
