Kansas City Chiefs: 2017 NFL Free Agency Tracker
By Ben Almquist
Kansas City Chiefs Free Agent Tracker
James Winchester – Long Snapper (Re-Signed)
It’s an under-appreciated move, but the Kansas City Chiefs have locked up long snapper James Winchester. When you have a solid Special Teams grouping, you want to try your best to keep them together. That’s the direction that Kansas City is going in by keeping Winchester in the fold. With Dustin Colquitt already under contract, this leaves just Cairo Santos to be signed.
The Chiefs didn’t have many issues with bad snaps during the 2016 campaign, which is certainly a good sign. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely the team would just resign a long snapper unless the kicker, punter, and Special Teams Coach all signed off. When you’re talking about respected guys like Dustin Colquitt and Dave Toub, there isn’t much to worry about.
The contract that the Chiefs signed Winchester to falls in the mid range of long snapper deals. The fact that they signed Winchester through 2021, but with no signing bonus is very encouraging. This means they can keep or release him as the front office sees fit. There will be the option to bring in competition, but no pressure to do so. This is a pay as you go deal, and seems perfect.