Andy Reid may no longer coach the Philadelphia Eagles, but one wouldn’t know from reading over the transcript of his media session at the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.
Mar 25, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to reporters at the NFL Annual Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Of course, Reid entertained a few questions on his working relationship with general manager John Dorsey, running back Jamaal Charles’ workload and how he plans to incorporate Knile Davis and quarterback Alex Smith.
Most of Reid’s responses weren’t anything not previously disclosed, such as he has a good relationship with Dorsey, Davis’ progress allowed the Chiefs to give Charles a rest and Smith got better as the season went on.
The only big Chiefs-related item surrounded Reid’s commitment to Eric Fisher at left tackle.
Still, for a coach entering his second season in Kansas City, Reid spent a lot of time talking about current or former Eagles players, notably quarterback Michael Vick, quarterback Nick Foles, and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant.
Vick and Foles aside, what many in Kansas City will find intriguing are Reid’s thoughts on the wide receivers (transcript items courtesy of Chiefs communications):
Q: Is there any truth to the rumor of you bringing in WR Jason Avant?
REID: “Listen, he’s a top notch kid. When he was released, I had a chance to talk to him on a personal standpoint. Potentially down the road, but we’ll just see how it works out.”
Q: So nothing on Avant right now?
REID: “I don’t have anything on it right now. But you guys know he’s a top-notch kid.”
The Chiefs have a need at wide receiver and there was plenty speculation Avant could wind up with his former coach in Kansas City.
Still, in a draft considered deep at the wide receiver position, the Chiefs could choose to forgo Avant, who turns 31 on April 20, in favor of a young playmaker.
Meanwhile, Reid addressed questions on DeSean Jackson, who remains under contract with the Eagles and is reportedly on the trade block.
Q: On DeSean Jackson.
REID: “I have nothing but good things to say about the kid. I did draft him. I had a great relationship with him, when his father passed away, that was a hard thing for him to go through at a young age. They were best friends. I’ve experienced life things with him, so I would tell you he was great for me when I was there.”
Q: Do you find it hard to believe given what you know about him and seeing what he did in that offense last year that they would be looking to trade him?
REID: “I don’t know what’s real and what’s not real. I haven’t looked into it either way. I’ve stayed away; I don’t really care about that, so I don’t know what’s real and what’s not real. I’m happy that he had a great year. I’m happy that Chip (Kelly) had a great year with him and that’s where it stops for me.”
Reid’s public comments on the last question are about the best he could offer given the circumstances.
Again, it’s important to note Jackson remains under contract with the Eagles.
Reid had to cautiously respond to that question in order to not violate the league’s rules surrounding tampering.
Ultimately, the two top items gained from Reid’s media session in Orlando are Fisher will start at left tackle and the Chiefs are open to eventually bring in Avant.
