Former KC Chiefs lineman Allen Bailey released by Falcons

Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Allen Bailey found himself released by the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, per ESPN reporter Adam Schefter. The move means that Bailey is free to sign with any team as a vested veteran.

The Falcons, who also released cornerback Ricardo Allen as well, first signed Bailey to a two-year contract worth $10.5 million back in the summer of 2019. After his first year with the team, the Falcons were apparently enamored enough with his contributions that they offered him a $4.5 million extension to further the deal through 2021. Now that the 2020 season is over, they’ve decided to take back that offer.

Allen Bailey started nine games in two seasons for the Falcons along a defensive front that struggled to generate much of a pass rush. Bailey did play in 31 overall games, mostly as a rotational body, and generated 11 pressures, 4 hurries, and 2.5 sacks in that time. Bailey was just the latest former Chiefs lineman to join the Falcons, who have also served as a second home for Dontari Poe and Tyson Jackson in recent seasons as well.

Former Chiefs defensive lineman Allen Bailey is now a free agent.

The Chiefs first drafted Bailey in the third round out of the University of Miami when Scott Pioli was general manager back in the 2011 NFL Draft. He turned into a fixture in Bob Sutton’s defenses from 2014 to 2018 and finished his Chiefs career with 19.5 sacks in 102 total games. His best year came in 2018, his final season with the team, when he had a career-high six sacks and two forced fumbles in a contract season.

Bailey is now a free agent and unless he’s interested in retiring, he’ll be seeking employment for his 11th NFL season.