Kansas City Chiefs 2016 roster: Thoughts and musings

The real surprise of this move is that the Chiefs parted ways with linebacker Ramik Wilson to make room for Barrington. Wilson was a fourth round pick just last season and had seen starting snaps at times in place of March. It seemed clear that March had established himself ahead of Wilson but Ramik was clearly the top inside linebacker off the bench should either of the starters miss time. That role now shifts to Barrington (unless he’s starting) as the other reserve inside backer, DJ Alexander is more of a special teams player than anything else at this point in his career.

I wish I could offer some insight into whether this move was more about them being really high on Barrington or them not being happy with Wilson and wanting to go another direction. I will say that I don’t believe Wilson will ever become a star linebacker. He’s just a solid player. He’s doesn’t have elite speed but he isn’t slow. He isn’t a bad tackler but he isn’t a great run-stuffer. He isn’t bad in coverage, but he isn’t an ideal cover linebacker. He was a solid backup but I don’t know that he would have ever become an every down starter for the Chiefs.

Overall, I’m hoping that Barrington plays well enough that we don’t regret letting Wilson go. Actually, I’m hoping Justin March plays well enough that it isn’t really relevant because Barrington is limited to being a role player off the bench.

The Chiefs also claimed an offensive lineman this weekend.

Next: Did the Chiefs give themselves more freedom on the offensive line?