Free agent defensive lineman Allen Bailey is still considering a return to the Chiefs, while the Patriots — who met with Bailey earlier this month — are also still in the mix, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Kansas City is moving to a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and that shift would likely entail a minor position change for the 6’3″, 288-pound Bailey if he re-signs with the Chiefs. After playing defensive end in the Chiefs’ 3-4 scheme, Bailey would play tackle in a 4-3 look. Defensive tackle isn’t necessarily an area of need for Kansas City, which already boasts Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, and Xavier Williams in the middle of it defensive line.
The Patriots have made one addition at defensive tackle this offseason by bringing in free agent Mike Pennel, but they’ve also lost Malcom Brown to the Saints and could potentially be without free agent Danny Shelton, who has yet to sign a new contract with any club. New England will also be without defensive end Trey Flowers — who had the ability to rush from the interior on passing downs — after he inked a massive deal with the Lions..
Bailey, 30, has spent his entire career with the Chiefs after entering the league as a third-round pick in 2011. He became a full-time starter in 2014, and last season posted six sacks, 38 tackles, and two forced fumbles across 16 games while ranking as just the No. 91 interior defender among 112 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus. Bailey just wrapped up a four-year extension that paid him $6.25MM annually.