The Kansas City Chiefs announced today that they’ve released linebacker Demorrio Williams.
Williams is the first player the team has announced this offseason.
This move makes sense. Williams is 31 and will turn 32 this July. He had only 18 tackles last season and played mostly on special teams. Williams started for the Chiefs in place of Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Johnson during Haley’s disastrous first season in 2009. Williams racked up 117 tackles but the KC defense was horrible. The more time that passes the more ridiculous that entire situation seems.
Williams was a 4th round pick of the Falcons in 2004. Herm Edwards and Carl Peterson brought Williams to Kansas City on March 1st, 2008.
Linebacker has become a position of strength for the Chiefs in recent years. With Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali playing at a Pro Bowl level, Justin Houston showing flashes of becoming one and solid depth with younger guys like Andy Studebaker, Jovan Belcher and Brandon Siler, the Chiefs likely felt Williams was expendable.
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers take an interest in Williams. Todd Haley was obviously a fan and though he is the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, he might speak up for Demorrio should the team have needs at ILB.
Here is the interesting part. The Chiefs will save $1.7 million in cap space by cutting Williams, according to Adam Caplan. The Chiefs already have loads and loads of cap space. You have to wonder what they might be clearing it for?
Is it for Clark Hunt’s wallet or for a couple of big free agents?