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KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kyle Rudolph Purple Jersey . -- The Chiefs signed former Raiders defensive tackle Vance Walker to a three-year deal Friday, filling one of their needs, and announced the signing of linebacker Frank Zombo. Walker was a seventh-round pick of the Falcons in 2009, and provided valuable depth while appearing in 58 games for them over his first four seasons. He started 15 games for the Raiders last season, making 29 tackles and three sacks. Walker figures to replace Tyson Jackson, who signed with Atlanta in free agency. "Were pleased that we were able to come to an agreement with both Frank and Vance," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. "Frank was a key member of our defence and special teams units last season and were looking forward to having him back. "Vance is a big, physical player that we believe can come in and contribute for us up front." The Chiefs entered free agency with about $9.6 million in salary cap space, a paltry sum that doesnt include the nearly $5 million its expected to sign their own players. So they were unable to make serious offers at many of their own free agents who signed lucrative deals elsewhere. Instead, theyve been scouring the free-agent market for players they believe will fit into their system, fit into their budget and fill their most glaring holes. Walker, who had changed his Twitter avatar to the Chiefs logo on Friday, appears to fit that mould. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound veteran has enough athletic ability to play defensive end in the Chiefs 3-4 system, the same position Jackson held down, or provide depth across the line. The Chiefs werent the only one interested in him. The Packers were linked to Walker, and his agent Chad Speck had mentioned that Walker had planned to visit Seattle. Meanwhile, Zombo provides a reliable and versatile linebacker who can also contribute on special teams. He played in all 16 games for Kansas City a year ago, making five starts, and finished with 23 tackles and a pair of sacks. He also had an interception and forced a fumble. Josh Robinson Purple Jersey . A stick in the gut prevented him from getting off a clean drive, but it earned him the first penalty shot of his career. He converted, and Patrice Bergeron also scored a short-handed goal on Thursday night as the Bruins opened the defence of their Eastern Conference championship with a 3-1 victory over the Lightning. Jerick McKinnon Jersey . Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that.Canadas good run at Wimbledon continued on Wednesday with two victories on the doubles side of the draw. In mens doubles, Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Croatian Mate Pavic and Andre Sa of Brazil. Torontos Daniel Nestor and French partner Krisstina Mladenovic advanced to the mixed doubles quarter-finals over Australians John Peers and Ashleigh Barty 7-6 (4), 6-3. Anthony Barr Jersey. Nestor and partner Nenad Zimonjic have already advanced to the quarter-finals in the mens doubles draw. Doubles quarter-final action continues at Wimbledon on Thursday. cheap jerseys ' ' ' |
