Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Biggest surprise: The decision to cut safety Bernard Pollard. He will likely be picked up on waivers elsewhere. It was reported that Pollard was being offered in a trade Friday. Pollard did struggle in coverage and the Chiefs wanted veteran newcomer Mike Brown to start, so Pollard was expendable. Zach Thomas’ release has to be looked at as a mild surprise, because he was brought in to be a leader. But Thomas couldn’t stay healthy and the Chiefs like young linebacker Corey Mays, so Thomas was expendable.
No brainer: The Chiefs’ decision to keep four quarterbacks on the roster to start the season. That decision was forced because the team doesn’t know if starter Matt Cassel will be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 13 at Baltimore. He has a knee injury. Cassel will try to practice this week and play, but if he can’t, Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen (probably Croyle) will have to play against the Ravens. The team also has Matt Gutierrez on the roster. He has a history with new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli from their New England days and he has played well in the preseason. When Cassel is fully healthy, Kansas City will likely get rid of a quarterback (perhaps Thigpen). But they can’t do anything until Cassel’s health improves
What’s next: Expect the Chiefs to be busy. They have the third highest waiver priority in the league and I’d expect Kansa City to scour the waiver wire for help at several positions. The Chiefs will search for help on the offensive line and on at receiver in particular. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to obtain multiple players at both positions. Perhaps Kansas City will look at tackle Ryan O’Callaghan, who was just cut by the Patriots. He has seven starts and Pioli needs tackles and knows O’Callaghan. It’s been reported that Seattle would like to trade receiver Deion Branch. I wouldn’t be shocked if Kansas City showed interest.
Biggest surprise: The decision to cut safety Bernard Pollard. He will likely be picked up on waivers elsewhere. It was reported that Pollard was being offered in a trade Friday. Pollard did struggle in coverage and the Chiefs wanted veteran newcomer Mike Brown to start, so Pollard was expendable. Zach Thomas’ release has to be looked at as a mild surprise, because he was brought in to be a leader. But Thomas couldn’t stay healthy and the Chiefs like young linebacker Corey Mays, so Thomas was expendable.
No brainer: The Chiefs’ decision to keep four quarterbacks on the roster to start the season. That decision was forced because the team doesn’t know if starter Matt Cassel will be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 13 at Baltimore. He has a knee injury. Cassel will try to practice this week and play, but if he can’t, Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen (probably Croyle) will have to play against the Ravens. The team also has Matt Gutierrez on the roster. He has a history with new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli from their New England days and he has played well in the preseason. When Cassel is fully healthy, Kansas City will likely get rid of a quarterback (perhaps Thigpen). But they can’t do anything until Cassel’s health improves
What’s next: Expect the Chiefs to be busy. They have the third highest waiver priority in the league and I’d expect Kansa City to scour the waiver wire for help at several positions. The Chiefs will search for help on the offensive line and on at receiver in particular. I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to obtain multiple players at both positions. Perhaps Kansas City will look at tackle Ryan O’Callaghan, who was just cut by the Patriots. He has seven starts and Pioli needs tackles and knows O’Callaghan. It’s been reported that Seattle would like to trade receiver Deion Branch. I wouldn’t be shocked if Kansas City showed interest.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
AFC WEST SCOREBOARD
Sunday, 11/22
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