KC Chiefs free agent profile: Michael Burton is the past not the future
By Jacob Milham
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton came to Kansas City with huge shoes to fill. The six-year veteran joined the team following the retirement of Anthony Sherman after eight seasons with the Chiefs. Sherman still has his fingerprints on the modern Chiefs era, ranging from a key block sealing the Super Bowl to his iconic training camp entrances. My personal favorite is his post-Super Bowl antics with adult beverages.
Burton, a former Rutgers Scarlet Knight, came to Kansas City as a reliable free agent. He saw action in 80 career games and 840 offensive snaps, all with four different teams. He also was an experienced special teams player with 785 special teams snaps in six seasons.
I expect my role to be a four-phaser,” Burton said after signing with Kansas City. “Playing fullback, you have to be a four phaser. It is very important in the fullback role.”
A journeyman fullback, can Michael Burton stay in Kansas City for another year?
Kansas City special teams coordinator Dave Toub is known for swaying personnel choices, so Burton’s previous experience certainly played a part in coming to Kansas City. Burton was candid about his special teams’ expectations upon signing with the Chiefs.
“I’m already working on that process now,” Burton said. “Put your best foot forward, be the best football player you can be and the best special teams player you can be. And that’s my goal.”
While 2021 may not have been a banner year for Kansas City, players like Burton have some decisions to make this offseason. He came to Kansas City on a one-year, $990,000 deal, which is now expired. Between Burton’s age and wear, will he be a priority free agent for the Chiefs?