Former Chiefs defensive lineman Jerel Worthy signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are giving former Chiefs defensive lineman Jerel Worthy his latest chance to stay in the NFL.

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Jerel Worthy has found a new home just in time before the start of the regular season—although he faces an obvious uphill climb if he wants to make the active roster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bucs reportedly signed Worthy on Monday, per beat writer Rick Stroud, after releasing rookie linebacker Shaheed Salmon. Worthy adds a veteran healthy body to a position group that has taken its licks in recent weeks, including the loss of first round defensive lineman Vita Vea to a calf strain, among with several others.

The Bucs could use another available defensive lineman as they head into their next preseason game, and from their perspective, it could be a quick turnaround as they look to simply fill out the roster with someone who can step in. But for Worthy this could be a valuable tryout before the season begins to show the Bucs what he can do and how he can fit.

To date, he’s had problems doing just that with several teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent time on the roster all through the 2014 season, at least on the practice squad, and remained with the team for much of that offseason after signing a reserve/futures contract. The Chiefs were clearly enamored with the former Michigan State standout, but the 6’2, 308 lb. lineman couldn’t find a way into the Chiefs rotation.

Worthy entered the NFL as the Green Bay Packers second round selection in 2012 and has played for the Buffalo Bills for each of the last three seasons, where he landed after Kansas City. Worthy has 2.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble in his 36 career games played at the NFL level.