Chiefs Haven't Given Up On Return By Roaf

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to have a dialogue with Willie Roaf's agent, Peter Schaffer, hoping that the left tackle will change his mind about retiring.

Roaf said during the offseason that he would play another season but reversed course just before training camp and retired. The Chiefs have not placed him on their reserve-retired list, though, leaving open the possibility of another reversal by Roaf, 36.

Hopes soared that the Chiefs could be a top Super Bowl contender when they recently signed free agent cornerback Ty Law to bolster an already improving defense. But Roaf's retirement creates some serious concerns for an offense that rarely has been a trouble spot in recent seasons. If Roaf doesn't return, first-year coach Herman Edwards and his assistants will have to pick a starting left tackle from among Kyle Turley, Jordan Black and Will Svitek. Kevin Sampson is taking over as the starting right tackle for John Welbourn, who also retired.

The Chiefs still have some of the most accomplished skill-position players in the league in quarterback Trent Green, tailback Larry Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez. They traded for Michael Bennett on Wednesday to have a reliable backup for Johnson, with Priest Holmes's NFL future still unclear because of a neck injury. But if they don't settle the issues along their offensive line, it's highly unlikely that they'll be in the Super Bowl mix.

By Mark Maske |  August 3, 2006; 8:57 AM ET  | Category:  Chiefs
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