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August 11, 2011
Gaither signs with Kansas City
Jared Gaither becomes the third ex-Ravens starter to sign with Kansas City, joining nose tackle Kelly Gregg and Le'Ron McClain with the Chiefs. The signing was first announced by the Chiefs.
It will be a homecoming of sorts next week when the Chiefs play the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in the second preseason game.
Gaither wasn't expected to return after all of the drama from last season.
Gaither visited Oakland a few weeks ago and it appeared like he was going to sign with the Raiders. But he left without signing a contract, which prompted rumors that his back hadn't fully healed.
Gaither has the look of a prototypical left tackle, and he has the size and athleticism that teams covet at that position. He’s young (turned 25 in March). He’s experienced (33 starts including five in the playoffs). And he’s talented (he could develop into a Pro Bowl player).
But his work ethic and health is very questionable at this point. He lost his starting job at Maryland because he didn’t show a commitment to the game, and he’s garnering the same reputation in the NFL.
Gaither reported a handful of times to the offseason conditioning program last season, and he often misses practice time. A Ravens official said the team couldn't depend on Gaither to play every Sunday. A foot injury caused him to miss most of the offseason camps, and a back injury sidelined him for the entire 2010 season (although his agent said Gaither has fully recovered now).
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