New England Patriots Release Safety Adrian Wilson

Aug 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) gets away from New England Patriots strong safety Adrian Wilson (24) in the second quarter of a preseason game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

A day after safety Danieal Manning signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots decided to cut their own safety coming off an injury.

Adrian Wilson has been informed he will be cut today by New England, which adds another safety to the market the Chiefs can target if they wish. First, here’s the Twitter evidence of Wilson’s release:

Kansas City had a visit scheduled with Manning before he signed with Cincinnati so the Chiefs are still kicking the tires on free agent defensive backs. There are no indications right now the Chiefs will make a play of Wilson, however, so keep that in mind as you read along.

Wilson missed all of 2013 with a torn Achilles, though a report in February said he would be ready to participate in the off season workout programs starting this month.

As always, Kansas City is looking for depth and not necessarily a full-time starter. Wilson can be that guy assuming he is healthy. PFF says Wilson was a slightly below average player as a full-time starter for the Arizona Cardinals in 2012, his last full season. That year Wilson had a -2.4 overall grade with a +2.6 pass coverage grade and -6 grade against the run. What may be more important is Wilson had a 22.0 tackling efficiency in the passing game, a stat that may be more important for the Chiefs scheme than coverage grades.

Another thing to consider is Wilson is 6-3, 230 pounds and is considered a very physical player. KC’s off season appears to be focus on adding physical defenders so Wilson would fit the bill. Assuming he’s healthy, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs brought him in for a visit.