Chiefs Trim 6 Players
With one more OTA practice session to go, the Chiefs started the process of getting their roster into shape by releasing six players on Monday afternoon.
Leading that group was veteran RB Kolby Smith. The fourth-year back out of Louisville has seen his last two seasons sidetracked by injuries and played in just 11 games in 2008-09. During the team’s weekend mini-camp, he was working behind Thomas Jones, Kestahn Moore and Javarris Williams, with Jamaal Charles on the sidelines.
In three seasons with the Chiefs, Smith ran 162 times for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 209 yards and contributed nine special teams tackles.
Joining Smith on the waiver wire were fourth-year QB Matt Gutierrez, first-year player OT Jermail Porter and rookies TE Leroy Banks, CB Andre Jones and OL Nick Landry.
Gutierrez had been running behind Tyler Palko in the Chiefs offensive snaps for the team’s No. 3 quarterback. He joined the club last year after he was released by the Patriots and saw action in one game. Porter was a college wrestler trying to make a career for himself in pro football; he signed last year with the Patriots and was released.
An undrafted rookie Banks was claimed on waivers at the start of OTAs and had some nice moments. But his lack of size hurt him in the battle for tight end jobs. Landry and Jones were undrafted college free agents signed by the Chiefs after the NFL Draft.
The Chiefs were eventually going to have to make room on their 80-man roster for their seven draft choices who will soon sign contracts. These moves may be an indication the Chiefs have gotten some of those rookies contractually tied up.
Right now, they have 81 players on the roster, including unsigned restricted free agent S Jarrad Page. But of those 81, only 74 are under contract right now. Expect some draft pick signings to be announced fairly soon.
Good to hear draft picks may be signed by camp. Really thought Banks would get a shot in training camp. Everything I read about the kid was how well he caught the ball but with Cottam Moeaki O’Connell and Pope on the roster somebody had to be the odd man out. The way O’Connell been stinking it up from what i read i thought it wld be him.
“Expect some draft pick signings to be announced fairly soon.”
Exactly. It’s about that time.
Not surprised to see Smith cut. Kestahn Moore has been tearing it up at OTA’s…and he’s pretty much the number 3 or 4 RB at this point. Smith has had a hard time staying healthy. That writing has been on the wall for some time. I expect Javaris Williams to be next.
Was actually a little surprised to see Gutierrez cut, though. I guess Palko has been impressing. No big deal, I guess. If you get down to your 3rd QB…you’re pretty well screwed anyway.
I thought Banks was showing promise before at TE. Apparently not. To get cut before O’Connell? Banks must really have no hope at all.
I’m thinking as, maybe, the 3rd or 4th tight end, O’Connell must offer more on special teams. And, he still has a chance at TE. The reports have said he has no problem gettting separation and getting open. It’s just that peskey catching of the ball that he’s having trouble with. The guy came in from a small school last year, and the game was clearly way too big for him. Mabye it still is a little bit, but he has more time to work on his hands before training camp.
that and O’Connell has size, and I’m guessing he’s a better blocker than Banks. Banks was a bit of tweener receiver/TE. I think in this offense if they can’t get a duel threat (ala Moeaki) then they would rather have a big blocker in there than a receiver. Just a guess, but that may be what they’re thinking….
I can see Kolby going to the Chargers or Steelers and tearing it up…..Oh well.
I think the only thing Kolby is capable of tearing up is his knee or ankle, sadly for him. No loss at all for the Chiefs.