Five Released Players The Chiefs Should Consider
Nov. 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Bart Scott (57) reacts after a tackle against the New England Patriots during the first half on Thanksgiving at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
In today’s NFL, players are released for many reasons. Sometimes their contracts are bloated and they force their teams to make a move to save cap space. Injuries play a major role. A player who is supposed to be the #1 or #2 player on a team, and therefore has a huge contract, could be cut because he’s still a starter but not worth the big payday as thought originally. Many times a new system, new coordinator, or new general manager might feel like a change is needed just for the sake of change.
All of this adds up to the basic principle that just because a player is cut from a team does not mean he can’t play, and even start for another team. There is no guarantee any of the players mentioned below will be signed by the Kansas City Chiefs, or any other team, but most will be playing somewhere in 2013. If they are good enough to play for other teams, why not the Chiefs? Right now is a free period for all teams. Free agency hasn’t started but because these players were cut, they are fair game for any team who would like to speak to them.
Bart Scott ILB, Cut from Jets
Scott has been a starter for years. He spent seven years in Baltimore, and the last four in New York. At 32, he is on the downside of his career but continues to be a force in the middle. Scott was so good a few years ago that Rex Ryan brought him over from the Ravens in 2009. He was considered a play maker. As team chemistry has deteriorated with the Jets, so has Scott’s play. He will be well served with a change of scenery and hopefully can regain his previous form.
Charles Woodson SS, Cut from Packers
The former Oakland Raider has spent the last seven years in Green Bay. The Packers won the Super Bowl in 2010 and Woodson is a perennial pro bowl player. He is not as quick as he once was but he brings tons of experience and leadership to any team in which he signs. The Packers simply couldn’t handle his $10 million price tag this year and had no choice but to cut the former defensive player of the year.
Terrence McGee CB, Cut from Bills
He was a standard in Buffalo for 13 seasons. However, in three of the last 4 years he has ended up on the injured reserve. He is aging but should have some years left in the tank. He’s not an every down player because of his age but certainly brings wisdom and experience to the table. He would be a very cheap signing for a team willing to take a risk on an often injured player. He is a former pro bowl player, and would make a great addition, even if just for training camp.
George Wilson SS, Cut from Bills
Considering the Chiefs current defensive back situation, all cornerbacks and safeties should be given a serious look by the Chiefs. George Wilson, the seven-year veteran from Buffalo falls into this category. His 79 tackles last year were better than Eric Berry or Javier Arenas. With only seven years under his belt, he has a lot left in the tank. He also served as the Bills defensive captain, which says a lot about his leadership on the field.
Eric Smith FS, Cut from Jets
Eric Smith’s production really fell off in 2012 but he has been a significant part of some of the great Jets defenses over the last 7 years. He is not a star caliber player but with today’s passing offenses ruling the day, you can always use another free safety.
Five players that are available right now that could contribute to the Chiefs 2013 squad. Four defensive backs and one linebacker. Bart Scott next to Derrick Johnson would made a fantastic linebacker core. Charles Woodson tutoring Eric Berry in the backfield would make the Chiefs secondary a force in which to be reckoned. Free agents can be tricks as much as treats but who knows what could happen.