AFC West: Matt Gutierrez
Kolby Smith among six cut by the Chiefs
The move was made after the team’s mandatory minicamp during the weekend. Clearly, Kansas City didn’t think these players had a chance to make the team and decided it wasn’t worth bringing them to training camp, which starts at the end of July.
The other players cut were defensive back Andre Jones, tight end Leroy Banks and offensive linemen Jermail Porter and Nick Landry.
Gutierrez was overtaken by Tyler Palko as the No. 3 quarterback during the weekend. Gutierrez was on the Chiefs’ roster last season.
Smith was once a promising back for the Chiefs, but injuries derailed his career in Kansas City. With Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones dominating the backfield, the Chiefs had no room for Smith.
The 12-year veteran had seven starts with Kansas City last year before he was hurt. The decision is not a surprise. He was brought in as a stop-gap solution. Kansas City will try to find a right guard this offseason through free agency or through the draft.
Also, the team brought back backup quarterback Matt Gutierrez. He is the team’s third-string quarterback. They also re-signed running back Kolby Smith. Smith is an interesting player, who has talent. But his career has been plagued by injuries. Still, Smith will get a chance to show he can back up Jamaal Charles.
Thigpen gets a new chance in Miami
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
The Kansas City Chiefs' decision to trade reserve quarterback Tyler Thigpen to Miami for an undisclosed draft pick should be a good deal for everyone involved.
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The Chiefs had been considering trading Thigpen for about a month. They had a surplus at quarterback and Thigpen was the No. 3 on the depth chart. A move was expected now that starter Matt Cassel is healthy. The team had four quarterback as insurance when Cassel was recovering from a knee injury. Now, Brodie Croyle and Matt Gutierrez are the backups in Kansas City.
Thigpen seemed like the odd man out when the Chiefs’ new brass decided to go with Croyle as the No. 2 quarterback. Kansas City was seemingly waiting for another team to come calling after it lost a quarterback to injury. That is exactly what happened. Chad Pennington was lost for the season and the Dolphins needed a quarterback. Thigpen was one of the best options available. The Dolphins and Chiefs finalized the deal around lunchtime Tuesday.
Thigpen is an intriguing player. He moved the ball when he started in the second half of last season. But he’s not a great fit for most systems. He is a freelancer who seems suited for the spread offense. Thigpen has his weak spots and he throws his share of interceptions. But he is a dangerous scrambler and he can move the chains.
Last December, then-Kansas City star tight end Tony Gonzalez said it would be a “disgrace” if Kansas City didn’t give Thigpen a chance to start in 2009. He felt that strongly about him.
But, of course, a lot has changed in Kansas City since then. There is a new regime and Thigpen never appeared to be in the team’s plans.
His agent is happy for the new chance.
“We appreciate the opportunity the Chiefs gave us and ... we’re excited about this opportunity,” Thigpen’s agent, Joel Turner, said. “Bill Parcells is the godfather of NFL personnel men. For him to want Tyler shows he sees something in him as a quarterback.”
Evening AFC West news and notes
Kansas City is heading into the practice week with four quarterbacks on the roster even with Matt Cassel healthy. The backups are Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen and Matt Gutierrez. Carrying four quarterbacks is a rarity in the NFL. But if there is an injury elsewhere, Thigpen could be decent trade bait. So, the Chiefs may want to keep the three backups for awhile.
To make room for defensive tackle Alfonso Boone, the team released defensive end Andre Coleman, who has been bouncing back and forth from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
The Chargers announced they have 2,500 tickets to sell by Thursday’s deadline to avoid a local television blackout for Sunday’s game against visiting Miami.
Former Denver running back Ryan Torain is healthy and ready to sign elsewhere. Several teams have expressed interest in Torain. He was cut by Denver after spraining his knee. He has had three significant injuries in the past year.
Veteran tackle Jon Runyan remains unsigned. He tried out with the Chiefs two weeks ago.
The Shawne Merriman-Chad Ochocinco Twitter spat has continued. They two went at it Twitter style during the summer. The Chargers and Bengals play Dec.20.
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.
Chiefs could start season with four QBs
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
While anything can happen in the next day, I’m getting the feeling Kansas City is leaning toward keeping four quarterbacks when they make their 53-man roster Saturday.
If the indications are right, the Chiefs will keep Brodie Croyle, Tyler Thigpen and Matt Gutierrez on the roster behind starter Matt Cassel to start the season.
The reason for the extra quarterback is the MCL sprain suffered by Cassel last week against Seattle. Cassel is going to try to practice next week and play Sept. 13 at Baltimore. But there is no guarantee he will be able to play, so the Chiefs may need the extra quarterback. When Cassel is completely healthy, the Chiefs will probably trim a quarterback from the roster.
If Cassel can’t play, I wouldn’t be surprised if Croyle starts against the Ravens. Croyle has done well in coach Todd Haley’s system and the started the preseason finale against St. Louis.
Could O'Connell end up in the AFC West?
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The New England Patriots' surprising release of young quarterback Kevin O'Connell will certainly be met with interest in the AFC West.
Don't be shocked at all if both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos put a waiver claim on the quarterback, who was a third-round pick in 2008. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli and Denver head coach Josh McDaniels were directly involved in the Patriots' decision to draft O'Connell when they were key members of New England's organization.
O'Connell is expected to put on waivers on Monday and will be available for claiming on Tuesday. The claiming priority list is based on the 2008 standings. If more than one team puts a waiver claim on O'Connell, the team with the worst record in 2008 would get him. Kansas City has the third highest waiver priority and Denver has the 12th.
Pioli has built his quarterback position around former Patriots. The starter is Matt Cassel and a backup is Matt Gutierrez. Both players were with New England in 2008. If O'Connell is claimed by Kansas City, it could be another strong indication that the team will pursue a trade of backup Tyler Thigpen.
McDaniels was very high on O'Connell. With the Broncos' future at quarterback unclear, it wouldn't be a surprise at all if McDaniels tries to sign O'Connell and continue to try to develop him. The Broncos' current No. 3 quarterback is rookie Tom Brandstater, who was a sixth-round pick. If O'Connell is claimed, Brandstater could become a candidate for the practice squad.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
A look at the Chiefs' 14-10 loss to visiting Seattle:
The Chiefs didn't say what Matt Cassel's injury was other than he has a leg injury. It's believed that Cassel has a knee injury that is not overly serious. He departed after being sacked on the third play of the game and he did not return. The Chiefs are expected to next address Cassel's situation Monday. The Chiefs start the season in 14 days at Baltimore.
Cassel was brought to Kansas City for stability at the position after the Chiefs saw two quarterbacks do down with injuries last season.
Cassel's injury Saturday night was another indication of how the team needs much better offensive line play. This unit is a liability, and Cassel, when he returns, is going to have to deal with playing under constant pressure.
The Chiefs have to find a way to protect the quarterback better or the injuries are going to pile up.
With Tyler Thigpen replacing Cassel, it makes you wonder if the team will still consider trading him if Cassel is going to miss any time.
Matt Gutierrez, who is competing with Thigpen to be the No. 3 quarterback, completed 10 of 13 passes. Brodie Croyle didn't play Saturday night because the Chiefs wanted to get Thigpen and Gutierrez more playing time, but Croyle still appears to be the choice as the No. 2 quarterback.
The Chiefs were terrible on third down, converting just 1 of 10 opportunities.
Top pick Tyson Jackson was terrific and showed his play-making ability.
Newly signed receiver Ashley Lelie showed a spark and he had 52 yards on four catches. Lelie has some ability and the Chiefs need receivers, so he may have a chance of making an impact.
In addition to Cassel, standout cornerback Brandon Flowers and receiver Devard Darling were injured. There injuries are not known.
Rookie kicker Ryan Succop has been good, but he missed a 27-yard field goal Saturday night.
Thigpen would garner interest on trade market
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on "SportsCenter" Wednesday that the Chiefs are shopping backup quarterback Tyler Thigpen.
Thigpen
It makes plenty of sense to me. Thigpen is clearly not in the new regime's plans in Kansas City. Yet, he has experience and talent. He could fit in, certainly as a backup elsewhere.
I think a trade would be best for the Chiefs and for Thigpen. There doesn't appear to be any room for him.
Brodie Croyle has played well and the new coaching staff likes him. He seems like he's locked in as the backup to Matt Cassel. The Chiefs claimed quarterback Matt Gutierrez off waivers from New England. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli had Gutierrez in New England and Gutierrez has been given a long look since being claimed. He appears to have the inside track to be the No. 3 quarterback.
Then there's Thigpen who appears to be on the outside looking in.
Still, Thigpen could be a solid No. 2 quarterback in several cities.
Yes, he is more comfortable in a spread, shotgun offense, but he has skills. Former Kansas City tight end Tony Gonzalez raved about Thigpen last year. If Kansas City doesn't want him, it should pursue a trade. They can perhaps get a fourth-round to sixth-round pick for him.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Random thoughts from the Chiefs' 17-13 loss to the Brett Favres, er, the Minnesota Vikings:
While they would prefer to be on the "happy side" of the ledger, this is exactly the type of final score the Chiefs want to see. They want to grind out wins.
It was a good night for quarterback Matt Cassel, who is not, I repeat, not in danger of losing his starting gig. Cassel completed 9 of 14 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Among the most important developments was that receiver Dwayne Bowe played with the first-teamers, after entering game on the Chiefs' second possession, and got into a decent rhythm with Cassel. Bowe had three catches for 37 yards, including a touchdown catch from Cassel.
It seems Bowe's trip to the third string caught his attention. Chiefs coach Todd Haley was complimentary of Bowe this week because he responded well to the demotion. Expect Bowe to continue his bounce back and have a good start to the season.
The Chiefs' run defense played well. Superstar Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson had 44 yards on 10 carries. Minnesota had 93 yards on 27 carries total.
Reserve quarterback Tyler Thigpen was banged up last week and he didn't play this week. Matt Gutierrez played extensively. It's not out of the question to think Thigpen may have to scramble for a roster spot. If that's the case, the Chiefs should consider dealing Thigpen. He has some experience and I think there may be a team or two that could show interest in the gutsy Thigpen if the Chiefs decide he's not in their plans.
The Chiefs need to hold onto the ball. They fumbled four times Friday night.
Linebacker Corey Mays looked good and he continued to push for significant playing time,
The Kansas City defense gave up another long scoring drive. That needs to improve.
The offensive line looked shaky once again. This may be a problem spot for the Chiefs, which could affect the entire offense. Don't be surprised if the team scours the waiver wire for help. But at this point, there's not a whole lot of help out there.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Weekend mail call:
Ryan from Highlands Ranch, Colo., wants to know if Denver fans were booing Kyle Orton on Thursday night at a scrimmage or booing Josh McDaniels for trading Jay Cutler.
Bill Williamson: Maybe both, Ryan. But I think the boos were directed, first and foremost, at Orton. But Orton and McDaniels are connected. They will either succeed together in Denver or fail together there. McDaniels created this situation. He chose Orton to replace Cutler. If Orton doesn't work out, McDaniels will have to answer for it. But I think the boos Thursday night were aimed at Orton because he was the one making the mistakes. I think this is a sign of things to come in Denver if Orton doesn't play well. Many Denver fans are not happy with this situation.
Pat from N.J. wants to know whether Brodie Croyle is on his way out in Kansas City as a result of the team claiming Matt Gutierrez off waivers from New England.
BW: I think Croyle's future in Kansas City is in danger. The Chiefs didn't claim Gutierrez just for kicks. And they are not going to keep four quarterbacks. Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli knows Gutierrez from New England and obviously likes him. Croyle was from the past regime so Pioli and new coach Todd Haley are not invested in him. Croyle has some skills, but he can't stay healthy. If Gutierrez is impressive in camp, I do think Croyle, the former starter in Kansas City, is in trouble.
Shane from Arapahoe, Neb. wants to know if the Raiders look better for bypassing Michael Crabtree now that he is in a nasty contract holdout.
BW: You can look at it that way, but I fully expect Crabtree to sign with San Francisco sooner or later and make an impact. I don't think Oakland took Darrius Heyward-Bey instead of Crabtree because of contract issues. The Raiders thought Heyward-Bey was a better fit for the offense. Crabtree and Heyward-Bey will forever be connected and compared to each other. Will Heyward-Bey be better than Crabtree? We'll see, but he's in camp, so he has a head start.
Vick in Kansas City? Don't think so
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
Can Michael Vick really be an option in Kansas City?
Really, I don't think so. 
OK, Kansas City is one of the few teams yet to publicly close the door on Vick, but that's no reason to think Kansas City is a major player for his services. Because of the secretive ways of new general manager Scott Pioli, the Chiefs don't talk about anything.
So silence on the Vick matter has to be expected.
The Chiefs don't have much room for a quarterback, anyway. There's starter Matt Cassel and backups Tyler Thigpen, Brodie Croyle and newly acquired Matt Gutierrez. I just don't see the need in Kansas City for Vick.
AFC West notes: Report on Burgess package
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
The National Football Post is reporting that the Raiders will receive third- and fifth-round picks in 2011 from New England in exchange for pass-rusher Derrick Burgess. The Patriots announced the deal Thursday and said Oakland's compensation was undisclosed draft considerations.
If true, this is a decent cache for Oakland. Burgess was holding out and he was no longer in Oakland's plans.
Denver pass-rusher Jarvis Moss denies reports that he was ever thinking about retiring when he left the Broncos' training camp for three days earlier this week.
The Chiefs have not yet signed top pick Tyson Jackson but they are in heavy discussions. The two sides are talking and a deal could get done soon, according to people in the know.
Jackson and Denver running back Knowshon Moreno are among the unsigned first-round draft picks.
You can't like Brodie Croyle's chances of sticking around Kansas City in light of the Chiefs' claiming quarterback Matt Gutierrez from waivers. If the Chiefs felt the need to bring in Gutierrez, it could mean Croyle is not high on the new regime's list. New Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli was in New England with Gutierrez. Croyle was Kansas City's starting quarterback to begin last season but he could not stay healthy.
Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson
- The Kansas City Chiefs went to the New England well again, this time for a No. 3 quarterback.
The Chiefs claimed quarterback Matt Gutierrez. He was cut this week by New England when the Chiefs signed former Oakland quarterback Andrew Walter. The Chiefs cut quarterback Ingle Martin to make room for Gutierrez.
Kansas City now has two former New England quarterbacks on the roster. Starter Matt Cassel was acquired this offseason. Gutierrez was a backup for the Patriots when new Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli was in New England. Gutierrez likely has little chance to beat out Tyler Thigpen as the backup, but he could stick with the Chiefs.
Meanwhile, Walter had some interesting things to say about his departure from Oakland.- Safety Brian Dawkins is expected to miss a few days because of an injury.
- The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Oakland tackle Khalif Barnes will miss 6-to-8, not 4-to-6 weeks as originally reported. He has a fractured ankle. This means Mario Henderson will surely open the season as the Raiders' left tackle.
- Receiver Chris Chambers had a big day in San Diego.
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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.
