Grading Chiefs GM John Dorsey on his First Off Season Part 2

Dec 29, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Cooper (31) breaks up a pass to San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the Chiefs 27-24 overtime loss to the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Cooper, CB

How Acquired: Waiver Wire

Contract Details: Four-year, $2.2 Million

2014 Cap Hit:$495,000

Grade: B

A couple of things about Marcus Cooper. First, he was released by the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted in the seventh-round. Dorsey was observant enough to see how well he played against the Chiefs in the preseason and because the Chiefs sat in the first waiver position in the off season, was fortunate enough to pick him up. Second, in the first half of the season, Cooper was great. Perhaps it was because the Chiefs played against sub-par quarterbacks, but Cooper made some really excellent plays. In fact, in weeks 4, 6 and 8 Cooper got high marks from PFF. Then the Chiefs played the Broncos and the wheels fell off the “Cooper for President” bus.

Peyton Manning picked on Cooper early and often and a large portion of Chiefs Kingdom was ready to cut the young man immediately. He was ultimately benched and only played during certain packages after Brandon Flowers returned to health. This is where the genius of Dorsey comes in. Yes, the Chiefs have him under contract for four years, but there is no guaranteed money, thus no dead money. The team can cut him whenever they want and owe him nothing. So, if he continues to improve like I think he will, they get him for cheap. If is still hearing the footsteps of Eric Decker burning him for four touchdowns for the next season or two, they can let him walk. Not too shabby, Dorsey.