TEICHER: Chiefs continue youth movement by releasing Law

[booger]

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

[BigChiefFan]

Anybody else concerned that we don't have anybody to fill even the crumby players shoes? We might be picking number one overall next year.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Anybody else concerned that we don't have anybody to fill even the crumby players shoes? We might be picking number one overall next year.

If I'm watching all young players playing competitive each week but losing every game I will be happy

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by J Diddy

If I'm watching all young players playing competitive each week but losing every game I will be happy

Carl's twenty year track record doesn't exactly convince me. I think we'll pick in the top 5 next year, too.

[booger]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Anybody else concerned that we don't have anybody to fill even the crumby players shoes? We might be picking number one overall next year.

Not really. Look @ the cuts. Starting at the end of the season and Terry.

Chris Terry- obviously was declining and it looked like he had no desire out there.

Gilbert Harris and DE Khreem Smith ( both were called up from the PS and waived sometime in mid January according to PFW's transactions on the KC team Page) Smith must of really been bad if they didn't want to bring him back to camp to compete, just a camp body even. Who knows what's up w/ Allen and when he will show up. All depends on the contract. Harris isn't that suprising. He is a tweener and not much upside at RB and it looks like they will sign or draft someone ( hopefully someone good ) to compete with boomer.

Turley- retired because of the injuries.

Welbourn- His play was about as inspiring as Chris Terry.

Kennison- 35 is way too old. At least this forces us to sign a vet WR to go with the young guys and probably draft a Slot/KR/PR type.

Dunn- was a stud for years as a blocking TE. It will be very hard to find a guy his size with his ability. Injuries caught up.

Law- not the same player.

Huard- According to BRC's thread. I have no problem with that either.

The UFA's:

Wiegmann- same as Dunn....solid years and very durable. Unsung team player. Just not the same as he is older.

Wilson- Can't play as a inline TE. Not a great blocker at FB. Has a few mental lapses and drops a few balls to boot. He needs a Dallas Clark slot TE role somewhere. Not here.

Parker- He just can't seem to get it as far as taking his game up another level. Way too inconsistant for me.

Fox- shows promise and willingness to be the ST stalwart. Just can't stay healthy.

Drummond- puke smiley.

To me, most if not all of these moves are no brainers. Whoever comes in to take their roster spots will at least be a young player drafted or undrafted or a FA ready to move into a starting role. Might get a few upper level FA's ( not elite)

Take Chris Bober for example. I would bet he could or will get cut sometime as well. But he fits the role of a player to hang onto until we know if any of the young guys can fill his backup role.

[Mecca]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Carl's twenty year track record doesn't exactly convince me. I think we'll pick in the top 5 next year, too.

I could careless if they put some bum out there because the Chiefs won't win anything next year..

But you're right Carls track record says he won't do that.

[booger]

also about the older players...... Herm brought up an interesting point. I think it was in the "Herm Speaks" articles from soretaint Illst.

He said look for the older vets that still are without a team at camp time. Before or after. Point being if you have say a C you drafted or signed and you go through OTA's, Mini camp and on to TC and you decide the player isn't ready to start you go try to sign a Casey Weigmann or another vet for a 1 yr contract. Not 2 but 1 yr as a stopgap.

Totally refreshing change of philosophy IMO.

[J Diddy]

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

Carl's twenty year track record doesn't exactly convince me. I think we'll pick in the top 5 next year, too.

i wouldn't doubt it, but If it is a true youth movement, carl's never done that

the draft has always been treated as a necessary evil

[Mecca]

Let's remember people like Clark Hunt and findthedouche think we have to compete for the playoffs next year.

[booger]

RE: Carl's track record. Maybe has lost some power afterall? Carl has never had an offseason releasing this many players, let alone name guys. Guys he traded for, gave big bonus's too, and if Huard gets cut, Reed too, they just signed long term deals last offseason when they resigned. Huard for 3 yrs. Reed for 4. Carl panicked with Reed and our lack of depth at DT before the draft only to draft 2 on the first day. Reed hardly played this year. We could have got him on a 1 year deal.

[Mecca]

Well if they aren't gonna spend it in FA which is sure how they make it sound then might aswell use the cap room to ditch the bad contracts...

All I know is Greg Wesley better get cut, he's making almost 5 million dollars next year.

[booger]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Well if they aren't gonna spend it in FA which is sure how they make it sound then might aswell use the cap room to ditch the bad contracts...

All I know is Greg Wesley better get cut, he's making almost 5 million dollars next year.

They will have to, Herm has said as much, siting only having 10 picks. Which also could temp them to move back once, maybe twice in the 1st if they can get more picks in rds 2,3,4. I'd rather have an elite top 5 pick but that is an option.

They just have to go after the right FA's.

Some that i like out of this years crop.

FB Thomas Tapeh Philadelphia UFA

QB David Carr Carolina cut

QB Billy Volek San Diego UFA

RB Mewelde Moore Minnesota UFA ( only as a KR option which I hope we fill in the draft.

Blocking/2nd TE's:

John Gilmore Chicago UFA
Ben Hartsock Tennessee UFA
Ben Troupe Tennessee UFA

WR's

Bernard Berrian Chicago UFA
Keary Colbert Carolina UFA
Jabar Gaffney New England UFA
David Givens Tennessee cut
D.J. Hackett Seattle UFA
Devery Henderson New Orleans UFA
Bryant Johnson Arizona UFA
Donté Stallworth New England UFA
Ernest Wilford Jacksonville UFA

C

Jeff Faine New Orleans UFA
Alex Stepanovich Cincinnati UFA

G

Jacob Bell Tennessee UFA
Rex Hadnot Miami UFA
Jake Scott Indianapolis UFA

OT

George Foster Detroit UFA Yes a bust but still young and worth a look. Maybe a G.

Kwame Harris San Francisco UFA He needs a good year to save his career.
Max Starks Pittsburgh TFA A risk with his losing his job last year.
Maurice Williams Jacksonville UFA I like this guy but don't want 30 yr old fa's.

DE

Travis LaBoy Tennessee UFA Would be a good 3rd end if J. Wilkerson leaves.


DT and MLB, Safety. None

OLB

a guy like this for depth and competition.
Derrick Pope Miami UFA

CB

Drayton Florence San Diego UFA
Randall Gay New England UFA
Nathan Jones Dallas UFA
Jacques Reeves Dallas UFA

K
Josh Brown Seattle UFA

[booger]

Originally Posted by Mecca

All I know is Greg Wesley better get cut, he's making almost 5 million dollars next year.

Teicher said at the end of TC last year Denver had the trade worked out and we balked at trading him in the division.

My guess is they have put his name out there at the senior bowl and combine and will try to trade him first.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

So are the Chiefs interested in anyone in free agency, or are they going to stand pat? Sorry but I haven't been paying much attention.

[booger]

Originally Posted by Vanilla Thunder

So are the Chiefs interested in anyone in free agency, or are they going to stand pat? Sorry but I haven't been paying much attention.

Clark hunt said something about getting a couple here and there but the main focus is building the team through the draft. (said this in his after the season vist with the media)

Herm has stated he wants guys coming off their rookie contracts with us signing them to their 2nd contract instead of 3rd contracts. Guys that are 26 27 28 instead of 29 30 and above.

Mentioned waiting until later in the offseason if there is a need for a older vet and then only signing them to 1 yr deals.

I really have no idea on specifics on who we might be interested in other than the KFFL or FFmastermind clip that we and the Dolphins may be interested in Dungver FB cecil sapp.