KC Chiefs: Sammie Coates signing could mean Chris Conley era is over

The KC Chiefs signed Sammie Coates on Friday. Does this move signify that the team is ready to move on from Chris Conley?

Wide receiver wasn’t thought to be a big time need for the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason, but they brought one in anyway. It’s not a crazy move, as Chris Conley is hitting free agency and that opens up a spot on the roster.

The Chiefs signed Sammie Coates, who, believe it or not, is already heading into his fifth year in the league. It feels just like yesterday that Coates was tearing it up at Auburn, but injuries have led to a lack of production for the wideout during his time as a pro.

Coates has spent the past four seasons with three different teams, but there’s definitely something there with him. His best year came in 2016 with the Steelers when he hauled in 21 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns.

Since then, Coates played in 24 games, starting one, and now will be with his fourth team in five seasons. While Coates hasn’t put up mind blowing stats, could this move be a sign that the Chiefs are indeed ready to part ways with Chris Conley?

The former third round pick disappointed greatly for the Chiefs and re-signing him doesn’t appear to be in the cards. Guys like Demarcus Robinson and Gehrig Dieter outperformed him last season down the stretch and a change of scenery might do wonders for Conley.

The Chiefs are set in the one and two spot at wide receiver, with Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins filling those roles. Robinson and Dieter are solid third and fourth options, but Coates could sneak his way into there if he can stay healthy and have a good camp.

As you can see from the tweet above, the Chiefs also signed wide receiver Davon Grayson, who is 23 years old and played college football at East Carolina. He’s not a big name, which is why I focused this article more on Coates, but bringing in two receivers isn’t a good sign for Chris Conley.

Kicking the tires on Sammie Coates isn’t a bad idea at all. He had 902 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore in 2013 and while that was awhile ago, he’s capable of being a playmaker. The Chiefs have the quarterback who can spread the ball around, so perhaps Coates will fit in better with the Chiefs offense.

Even if Coates doesn’t do much of anything this offseason, it still won’t be shocking to see the franchise move on from Chris Conley. He hasn’t lived up to his third round hype.

What do you make of this signing, Chiefs fans?