[Kansas City.com] The Chiefs haven’t been big spenders in free-agency since Scott Pioli arrived as their general manager two years ago. That may or may not change during this year’s condensed signing period.

But Pioli defended the Chiefs from charges they’re cheap when it comes to paying their players, saying the Chiefs would do whatever they believe is necessary when it comes to improving their roster.

“We spent probably to the tune of $110 million (in cash) last year, and we’re going to continue to spend when we feel it’s right and it’s productive,” Pioli said. “I want to say this loud and clear: There has not been one time since we’ve been here … where I’ve talked to (chairman Clark Hunt) and Todd (Haley) has talked to Clark about signing players and he’s said no. We’re going to continue to build this football team the best way we can with the best players we can.”

“I haven’t been given a limit on what I can spend. The plan is to spend money wisely. I can’t tell you what we’re going to spend. I don’t have a budget, so to speak. We’ll spend money as we need to spend money to get good football players signed.”

NFL teams were allowed to begin contacting free agents Tuesday, though the signing period doesn’t open until Friday.

This year, the Chiefs are limited in free-agency only by the league salary rules that require all NFL teams combined to spend, in cash, at least 99 percent of the league’s $120.4 million spending cap.

“We do have some cap space, so we’re not constrained,” Hunt said. “We also don’t have to worry about meeting the league minimum. That’s something we’ll easily meet. So we’ll be able to make decisions that are in the best interest of the football team without having to worry about constraints on either side.”