Orlando Scandrick praises “phenomenal” Chiefs coaches as reason to sign
By Matt Conner
Cornerback Orlando Scandrick had high praise for Andy Reid and the Chiefs coaching staff as he detailed to reporters why he signed in K.C.
It’s unknown whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs had any real competition in their efforts to sign free agent cornerback Orlando Scandrick, but if so, it helps that he has such admiration and respect for the team’s coaching staff—specifically Andy Reid.
Scandrick had his introductory press conference on Tuesday, and he spoke to reporters about the reasons why he decided to sign with Kansas City. Certainly receiving a quick offer so soon after being released has to help the process given the fear and insecurity that can set in for a player newly released like Scandrick. However it also helps that the Chiefs have such a highly-regarded coaching staff like they do.
When asked about the process of how he became a member of the Chiefs, Scandrick explained:
"I had great conversations with [Brett] Veach. I had great conversations with Andy [Reid]. I had great conversations with Al [Harris] and Coach [Bob] Sutton. It felt like a real family, like a real football team and something I wanted to be a part of.I kinda wanted to make a decision fairly quick. I’m from the West Coast so the logistics of things was great for my family. And like I said, Coach Reid is phenomenal and someone I’ve gotten to see over the course of my career. I thought all of the coaches here were phenomenal."
Scandrick was recently released by the Washington Redskins despite signing with them only this spring. The team decided to move forward with their younger corners despite the loss of Kendall Fuller this offseason as well, also to the Chiefs. Scandrick was originally signed to provide security in case some of those players weren’t ready, but Jay Gruden’s staff made it clear they were ready to go all-in with the youth movement and they set Scandrick free with plenty of training camp left in order to give the veteran a good chance to find a new home.
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For the Chiefs, Scandrick provides what the Redskins wanted in the first place: security, depth and further talent to work with, especially on the inside. Scandrick has spent the majority of the last decade with the Dallas Cowboys, serving as a versatile player who has started both outside and inside. At this stage in his career, he’s unlikely to provide starts as a boundary corner for the Chiefs, unless the team hits some serious injury concerns, but his presence allows the staff to bring along younger pieces at a slower pace who are clearly not ready for significant reps.