Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Kansas City Chiefs latest search for a productive veteran wide receiver began in San Diego on Monday.
The Chargers surprised the league by cutting veteran receiver Chris Chambers, one day after he was demoted as a starter after a sluggish start to the season. Because of a healthy contract, Chambers, 31, was only expected to garner waiver interest from a contender. But the odds were on him becoming a free agent.
Yet, Kansas City, near the top of the waiver priority list thanks to their 1-6 record, jumped at the chance to add Chambers. Looking at the recent history of the Chiefs, it's not a surprise the team added Chambers, who until a year or so ago was considered one of the better possession receivers in the league.
Under new general manager Scott Pioli and new coach Todd Haley, the team has marched several veteran receivers into town, including Amani Toomer, Ashley Lelie, Bobby Engram and Bobby Wade, in recent months. Only Wade and Engram remain on the roster.
Chambers is probably the best of Kansas City’s veteran receiver additions. While he has lost speed, he should be decent No. 2 receiver to Dwayne Bowe and give quarterback Matt Cassel some much-needed help.
A change of scenery from San Diego could serve Chambers well. Chambers believes he may have been cut partly because of a personal issue. If he can regain some of his ability, this will be a good move for the Chiefs. At the very least, he’ll be in the Chiefs’ rotation.
The Chargers also will benefit from Kansas City claiming Chambers, who’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. The Chiefs have taken on the remaining portion of Chambers’ $4.55 million salary by claiming him. San Diego would have been on the hook for the salary had Chambers not been claimed.
The Kansas City Chiefs latest search for a productive veteran wide receiver began in San Diego on Monday.
The Chargers surprised the league by cutting veteran receiver Chris Chambers, one day after he was demoted as a starter after a sluggish start to the season. Because of a healthy contract, Chambers, 31, was only expected to garner waiver interest from a contender. But the odds were on him becoming a free agent.
Yet, Kansas City, near the top of the waiver priority list thanks to their 1-6 record, jumped at the chance to add Chambers. Looking at the recent history of the Chiefs, it's not a surprise the team added Chambers, who until a year or so ago was considered one of the better possession receivers in the league.
Under new general manager Scott Pioli and new coach Todd Haley, the team has marched several veteran receivers into town, including Amani Toomer, Ashley Lelie, Bobby Engram and Bobby Wade, in recent months. Only Wade and Engram remain on the roster.
Chambers is probably the best of Kansas City’s veteran receiver additions. While he has lost speed, he should be decent No. 2 receiver to Dwayne Bowe and give quarterback Matt Cassel some much-needed help.
A change of scenery from San Diego could serve Chambers well. Chambers believes he may have been cut partly because of a personal issue. If he can regain some of his ability, this will be a good move for the Chiefs. At the very least, he’ll be in the Chiefs’ rotation.
The Chargers also will benefit from Kansas City claiming Chambers, who’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. The Chiefs have taken on the remaining portion of Chambers’ $4.55 million salary by claiming him. San Diego would have been on the hook for the salary had Chambers not been claimed.
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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
Final/OT Pittsburgh 24 Kansas City 27 Final San Diego 32 Denver 3 Final Cincinnati 17 Oakland 20