TEICHER: Chiefs continue youth movement by releasing Law

booger · 02-28-2008, 12:02 AM

Chiefs continue youth movement by releasing Law
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Ty Law’s two interceptions were among the few highlights in the 2007 playoff loss to the Colts. Ty Law is 34, was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams and has solid Hall of Fame credentials.

But even after being told by the Chiefs he would be released, Law isn’t ready for his career to end.

“I’m by no means done playing football,” Law, a veteran cornerback, said Wednesday. “It’s not that I have to play any more for financial reasons, but I still have the burning passion to play. Why would I retire?”

The Chiefs also informed linebacker Kendrell Bell, tight end Jason Dunn and defensive lineman James Reed they would also be released. That brings the list to six of veteran players who had 2008 contracts but won’t play for the Chiefs next season.

The Chiefs previously released guard John Welbourn and wide receiver Eddie Kennison. All six players are over 30 except Bell, who turns 30 in July.

More attrition will come through free-agency. The Chiefs appear to have little or no interest in re-signing center Casey Wiegmann, tight end Kris Wilson, wide receiver Samie Parker, cornerback Benny Sapp, tackle Kyle Turley, kick returner Eddie Drummond and linebacker Keyaron Fox.

All will be unrestricted free agents when the signing period begins Friday.

The Chiefs would like to re-sign defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson and may have an interest in retaining kicker John Carney. Both would become unrestricted free agents Friday.

The Chiefs appear ready to make qualifying offers to three potential restricted free agents: punter Dustin Colquitt, fullback Boomer Grigsby and offensive lineman Will Svitek. That would allow the Chiefs to match any contract offer those players might receive from another team or receive draft pick compensation if they decline to match.

The Chiefs had big expectations for Law when they signed him two years ago. Even though he was 32 at the time, they were hopeful he could still play like the five-time Pro Bowler who helped the Patriots to those three Super Bowl championships.

They were pleased enough in his first season when he made several key plays to help the Chiefs to a wild-card playoff berth. They believe his play slipped last season, a notion Law disputed.

“I played 16 games for the last three years,” he said. “I’m not done. I can still play at a high level. This is the best situation for the team and for myself. They’re in a rebuilding stage there. They’re trying to get younger. At this point in my career, it’s best for me to move on. I’m not interested in rebuilding. I want to play for a contending team before I decide to shut it down. …

“I can’t say it was a bad experience in Kansas City. I wish the outcome had been different. We had high expectations and it just didn’t work out. My intention going in there was that we were going to be a championship contender and that it was going to be a two-year window. We all knew that when I signed the contract.

“I’m still happy I came there. It was a good experience to play two seasons in Arrowhead Stadium. I can’t complain other than I wish we’d had more success.”

Law predicted he wouldn’t be out of a job for long.

“I do have a list, a short list, of teams I’d like to play for,” he said. “I’m going to keep that to myself. I don’t want to lose too much leverage. There will be some interest out there. There’s a real shortage of cornerbacks right now.”

Bell was one of the biggest free-agent busts in Chiefs history. Signed three years ago to a lucrative contract, Bell was never the same player for the Chiefs that he had been for the Steelers earlier in his career.

He started for two seasons at outside linebacker but had little impact. The Chiefs signed Donnie Edwards to replace Bell as a starter last season and he rarely played other than on special teams.

Dunn was a significant if often overlooked part of the Chiefs’ offensive success earlier in the decade. Although he was a backup to Tony Gonzalez and caught few passes, Dunn was a powerful blocker and played extensively.

He was part of a blocking group that annually put the Chiefs near the top of the league in rushing. But the Chiefs believe that advancing age and yearly battles with ailing knees finally caught up to Dunn, 34.

Reed played two seasons with the Chiefs, his first as a starter. But the Chiefs last year signed Alfonso Boone and drafted Turk McBride and Tank Tyler, leaving little playing time for Reed.

To reach Adam Teicher, Chiefs reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/508947.html

02-28-2008, 12:02 AM	Topic Starter
booger Don't Tug on Superman's Cape Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: clear out in the sticks Casino cash: $1228550	TEICHER: Chiefs continue youth movement by releasing Law Chiefs continue youth movement by releasing Law By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Ty Law’s two interceptions were among the few highlights in the 2007 playoff loss to the Colts. Ty Law is 34, was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams and has solid Hall of Fame credentials. But even after being told by the Chiefs he would be released, Law isn’t ready for his career to end. “I’m by no means done playing football,” Law, a veteran cornerback, said Wednesday. “It’s not that I have to play any more for financial reasons, but I still have the burning passion to play. Why would I retire?” The Chiefs also informed linebacker Kendrell Bell, tight end Jason Dunn and defensive lineman James Reed they would also be released. That brings the list to six of veteran players who had 2008 contracts but won’t play for the Chiefs next season. The Chiefs previously released guard John Welbourn and wide receiver Eddie Kennison. All six players are over 30 except Bell, who turns 30 in July. More attrition will come through free-agency. The Chiefs appear to have little or no interest in re-signing center Casey Wiegmann, tight end Kris Wilson, wide receiver Samie Parker, cornerback Benny Sapp, tackle Kyle Turley, kick returner Eddie Drummond and linebacker Keyaron Fox. All will be unrestricted free agents when the signing period begins Friday. The Chiefs would like to re-sign defensive lineman Jimmy Wilkerson and may have an interest in retaining kicker John Carney. Both would become unrestricted free agents Friday. The Chiefs appear ready to make qualifying offers to three potential restricted free agents: punter Dustin Colquitt, fullback Boomer Grigsby and offensive lineman Will Svitek. That would allow the Chiefs to match any contract offer those players might receive from another team or receive draft pick compensation if they decline to match. The Chiefs had big expectations for Law when they signed him two years ago. Even though he was 32 at the time, they were hopeful he could still play like the five-time Pro Bowler who helped the Patriots to those three Super Bowl championships. They were pleased enough in his first season when he made several key plays to help the Chiefs to a wild-card playoff berth. They believe his play slipped last season, a notion Law disputed. “I played 16 games for the last three years,” he said. “I’m not done. I can still play at a high level. This is the best situation for the team and for myself. They’re in a rebuilding stage there. They’re trying to get younger. At this point in my career, it’s best for me to move on. I’m not interested in rebuilding. I want to play for a contending team before I decide to shut it down. … “I can’t say it was a bad experience in Kansas City. I wish the outcome had been different. We had high expectations and it just didn’t work out. My intention going in there was that we were going to be a championship contender and that it was going to be a two-year window. We all knew that when I signed the contract. “I’m still happy I came there. It was a good experience to play two seasons in Arrowhead Stadium. I can’t complain other than I wish we’d had more success.” Law predicted he wouldn’t be out of a job for long. “I do have a list, a short list, of teams I’d like to play for,” he said. “I’m going to keep that to myself. I don’t want to lose too much leverage. There will be some interest out there. There’s a real shortage of cornerbacks right now.” Bell was one of the biggest free-agent busts in Chiefs history. Signed three years ago to a lucrative contract, Bell was never the same player for the Chiefs that he had been for the Steelers earlier in his career. He started for two seasons at outside linebacker but had little impact. The Chiefs signed Donnie Edwards to replace Bell as a starter last season and he rarely played other than on special teams. Dunn was a significant if often overlooked part of the Chiefs’ offensive success earlier in the decade. Although he was a backup to Tony Gonzalez and caught few passes, Dunn was a powerful blocker and played extensively. He was part of a blocking group that annually put the Chiefs near the top of the league in rushing. But the Chiefs believe that advancing age and yearly battles with ailing knees finally caught up to Dunn, 34. Reed played two seasons with the Chiefs, his first as a starter. But the Chiefs last year signed Alfonso Boone and drafted Turk McBride and Tank Tyler, leaving little playing time for Reed. To reach Adam Teicher, Chiefs reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4875 or send e-mail to ateicher@kcstar.com http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/508947.html
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