Chiefs Surprisingly Release Veteran Defensive Lineman

The Chiefs reportedly released veteran defensive lineman Matt Dickerson on Monday, who spent 2023 with Kansas City and now becomes a free agent.

Dickerson played 24% of defensive snaps during the 12 games he suited up for, including some important playoff reps, and the Chiefs didn't make any major additions to the defensive line in the offseason. Thus, this release comes as a bit of a surprise.

This could be a sign that the Chiefs are making room for a potential undrafted rookie, and several players have already stood out. Nonetheless, Dickerson is now looking for a new team.

Chiefs News: KC Releases DL Matt Dickerson

Overall, Dickerson only played 17% of snaps including the five games he did not participate in, but he was on the field considerably more than guys like Malik Herring, Neil Farrell, and Mike Pennel.

He finished with 15 tackles and leaves a Super Bowl champion, though will not get the chance to earn a second championship with the Chiefs. Dickerson spent the first three years of his career in Tennessee then a season in Atlanta before coming to Kansas City.

Several teams need depth on the defensive line, and Dickerson did earn snaps on the NFL's best defense last year. I imagine it won't take him long to find a new job in the coming weeks. Players like Felix Anudike-Uzomah are expected to see more snaps in 2023 for the Chiefs, and Charles Omenihu shouldn't miss the first six games of the year like he did last year, so perhaps Dickerson's depth was no longer needed on this particular roster.

Regardless, I'd keep an eye on the undrafted rookies on the defensive line to see if this move signals the Chiefs are fond of one or two of them.

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