Updated

The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz on Friday in an attempt to bolster their depth.

Schwartz, who can play both guard and tackle, started 16 games for Carolina in 2010, but missed the following season with a hip injury. He spent last season as a backup in Minnesota.

The former seventh-round pick could compete with Donald Stephenson for the job at right tackle, which came open when the Chiefs released Eric Winston. But Schwartz admitted he's more adept at guard, where he could compete with Jon Asamoah and Jeff Allen for playing time.

Schwartz said on a conference call with reporters that he's been told by the Chiefs there will be open competition, and that "the best five will roll."