Chiefs Sign Ghiaciuc Away from Cincy

The Chiefs continued their Scott Pioli-led roster overhaul, signing unrestricted free agent center Eric Ghiaciuc away from Cincinnati. Ghiaciuc started 16 games for the Bengals last season, and made at least 12 starts each of the last three seasons.

Kansas City already has two centers on its roster, including Rudy Niswanger, who made 15 starts in 2008. What happened prior to Pioli's hire, though, seems to be pretty inconsequential these days -- case in point, Tony Gonzalez's unloading last week. Pioli has made it very clear that he will be heading into 2009 and beyond with a roster filled by guys who fit his vision.

Whether Ghiaciuc completely fits that vision or not may be up for debate. He's not exactly known as a strong pass protector, and you have to assume that the Chiefs' new QB Matt Cassel will air it out a decent amount. Ghiaciuc was credited with four sacks allowed in 2008, not an egregious total by any means, and just a half-sack more than Niswanger.