KC Chiefs free agent profile: Michael Burton is the past not the future

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?

Why bring him back?

In Reid’s scheme, Burton fit right in from the start.

In his first interview after signing with Kansas City, Burton quickly attributed his skill set to fit in with the West Coast scheme. He previously played under former Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in Chicago, who kept a similar scheme. Add on blocking for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Burton came to Kansas City as a quality fit.

Burton never saw more than one rush a game, but that comes with the contemporary Chiefs scheme. He did tally a touchdown rush and two catches for 20 yards in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1471658003896016896?s=20&t=eXeXrRQpHg2CCfb5IiLIAw

Fullbacks are primarily blockers in modern football, with few exceptions to the rule. Burton was used in several formations, whether behind the quarterback or on the line. His blocking was sorely missed in his lone inactive game. He missed the Week 7 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, where the Chiefs only mustered three points and 77 rushing yards.

Burton couldn’t fill a Sherman-sized hole off the field, but he did fill the on-field gap. The Chiefs have used fullbacks less and less since head coach Andy Reid‘s arrival in 2013. That year, Sherman saw the field on 36% of Kansas City’s offensive snaps and 61% of special teams snaps. In 2021, Burton only saw action in 8% of offensive snaps and 51% of special teams snaps.

Despite limited action, Burton set a career-high in rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage. He also tied previous season-highs in total touchdowns and touches.

Why let him leave?

Despite Burton’s performance, there are factors out of his control contributing to not retaining his services.

First, the elephant in the room is the decreasing need for fullbacks. There were only 22 teams with fullbacks under contract in 2021, a testament to schemes no longer needing the position. Often teams can slide a tight end or extra lineman in the backfield, which is how Kansas City operated without Burton in Week 7. Kansas City has versatile tight ends, such as Blake Bell or Noah Gray who could block or even have rushing touches out of the backfield. The Chiefs currently have three tight ends under contract for 2022, two of which could see snaps at fullback.

Another factor not helping Burton is his age. Burton is the second-oldest free agent fullback, right behind former Seattle Seahawks fullback Nick Bellore. Fans know what age 30 usually means for running backs, and full backs are no different. The Chiefs are not in a position to commit long-term resources to Burton, evident by the one-year deal he signed. Rarely do teams investing long-term assets for an older running back see a return on their investment. Entering an offseason where several started need new deals or deals reworked, every penny counts.

Lastly, Burton is replaceable. He is not amongst the best at his position but was good enough for 2021. There are several free-agent options, such as Patrick Ricard and Elijah Penny, who are better than Burton. While those two may command top-dollar contracts at their position, Burton may as well due to the rising minimum salaries. With seven service years, Burton’s minimum salary is $1.12 million for 2022. Even that may be too much for the Chiefs, who could sign a younger player for less or draft a rookie to fill in at fullback.

Recommendation

It is 2022. The NFL is evolving faster and faster, and the traditional fullback is being left behind. Some of the best offenses in the league, including both Super Bowl teams, do not have a rostered fullback. Fullbacks are not required to succeed and may take up a coveted roster spot for rookies or incoming free agents.

The Chiefs have good internal options and cheaper external options to replace Burton next season. Also, Kansas City is going through a defensive retooling after a disappointing end to 2021. With key free agents likely moving on both sides of the ball, the cap space taken by Burton could be used for depth or improvement elsewhere.

No offense to Burton, but he is not special and neither are most fullbacks nowadays. The Chiefs should love to move on from Burton at least, if not a rostered fullback altogether.

Prediction

The Chiefs move on, while Burton continues his journeyman career elsewhere.