De’Anthony Thomas, Terrance Smith will return to Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs announced that they have retained wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas and linebacker Terrance Smith.

The Kansas City Chiefs made several official moves and trades on Wednesday with the opening of the new league year in the National Football League. Two moves announced later in the day include retaining two key special teams players in De’Anthony Thomas and linebacker Terrance Smith.

Smith will be 25-years-old when the regular season begins and was a special teams standout for Dave Toub this year. Smith also saw limited action on defense in 15 games this year, including a single start. His return, along with that of Thomas, ensures that the Chiefs’ special teams units will enjoy some continuity and chemistry in 2018.

Thomas has never quite turned into the offensive weapon that some projected him to be after John Dorsey drafted him in 2013, but he’s earned praise from the entire coaching staff for his toughness, attitude and athletic ability. He gives the Chiefs further depth at wide receiver, another option at returner and, like Smith, an excellent special teams player who has earned considerable acclaim from Toub in the past.

What’s even more impressive about the announcement is that Ian Rapoport mentioned that Thomas spurned better offers, financially speaking, to stay in K.C.:

Last season, Thomas, who is also 25, caught 14 passes (on 16 targets) for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also returned 13 kicks for 305 yards, good for a 23.5 yards/return average. In the past, he’s also returned punts full-time for the Chiefs.