The K.C. Chiefs could bring back former starting center Rodney Hudson
Former Chiefs center and now formerly Raiders center Rodney Hudson was released by Las Vegas on Tuesday in order to create cap space and get younger.
Hudson was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the 2nd round of the 2011 NFL draft and he spent four years with the team before signing with the Raiders as a free agent. Hudson is a three-time Pro-Bowler and widely regarded as one of the best centers in the league.
Obviously, with Hudson now a free agent, the thought of bringing him back to Kansas City makes a lot of sense. With Austin Reiter being a free agent and the Chiefs reportedly ready to move on, there's now a rather large hole at center and bringing Hudson would fill an immediate need at center. And of course, Hudson would be a big upgrade from Reiter to say the least.
The one argument against brining in Hudson is he may cost more than drafting a center even though he should still be fairly cheap after being released. On top of that, Kansas City does want to get younger on the offensive line but Hudson is only 31 so it's not a huge deal. What signing Hudson would do is give the Chiefs a really good situation on the offensive line heading into the draft and really only one tackle spot would need to be urgently addressed. Signing Hudson would also push off the need of getting a new center for another year and the Chiefs could focus on other needs in this year's draft.
Hudson will have no shortage of suitors, though. So his return to Kansas City may be unlikely, but not impossible. He really comes available at the perfect time. It will be interesting to see how Hudson's market develops.