John

Welbourn

Welbourn, taking over at right tackle for John Tait, will be a key to Kansas City’s success this season. His chronic knee pain is a bad sign for the Chiefs running game.

Welbourn held up well in his first season as a Chief. Chris Bober will take over at right tackle for Kansas City.

The Eagles could give up extra picks in the deal. San Francisco is at pick #16, Philadelphia at #28 in the first round. The Eagles have backup guard Artis Hicks to replace Welbourn.

When we warned Kansas City’s offensive line might get old all at once, this isn’t what we meant. Welbourn, 30, tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs last season. Kyle Turley has a good chance to take his right tackle job.

It wouldn’t be shocking, considering Welbourn is just 30-years-old. However, there has been speculation Welbourn may have failed an NFL drug test, expediting his decision to unexpectedly call it quits.

As many suspected, he had violated the league’s substance-abuse policy by using performance-enhancing drugs. Welbourn would be suspended for six weeks if he came out of retirement.

''John has been suspended,’' coach Dick Vermeil told The Associated Press on Saturday. ''We are moving forward. I really can’t say any more than that right now.’' Welbourn lost an appeal of his suspension.

With Roaf and Welbourn back, the team’s pass protection should improve.

Welbourn would’ve cost the Chiefs $2 million had he stayed on. He struggled badly in 2007 and at 32, shouldn’t get more than a minimum deal in free agency. With C Casey Wiegmann a free agent and OT Kyle Turley retiring, the Chiefs will have a brand new offensive line this year.