The Kansas City Chiefs have just announced the final round of cuts to get down to the league mandated 53 man roster.
Biggest shocker? Bernard Pollard. Wow.
| Offense | Defense |
| TE Tom Crabtree | CB Jackie Bates |
| G Darryl Harris | DE Dion Gales |
| WR Taurus Johnson | DE Bobby Greenwood |
| WR Ashley Lelie | DT Derek Lokey |
| RB Javarris Williams | S Bernard Pollard |
| WR Rodney Wright | LB Zach Thomas |
| G Colin Brown (IR) | S Ricky Price |
After the jump, we take a look at the circumstances surrounding each of the cuts.
The following were released:
S Bernard Pollard Wow. There were trade rumors recently and apparently they had some legs. This is far and away the most shocking move by the Chiefs. Frankly, I don't understand this move. This leaves DaJuan Morgan, who was injured for much of last season as a rookie, and Mike Brown, who has been injured much of the last five years, as your strong safeties.
CB Jackie Bates This shouldn't be much of a surprise. The Chiefs decided to keep five cornerbacks and it was down to Bates or Ricardo Colclough. Colclough has been a return man in the past and provides a little more experience. TE Tom Crabree It's not surprising, either. This leaves three tight ends on the Chiefs roster (Sean Ryan, Brad Cottam and Jake O'Connell). Crabtree had a couple of nice plays in last week's game against the Rams but ultimately it came down to a numbers game. Remember, the Chiefs gave up a draft pick in a trade to get O'Connell. DE Dion Gales A little surprised here. Gales didn't necessarily separate himself but the Chiefs will be a little low on defensive ends. DE Bobby Greenwood See above. G Darryl Harris I thought about the best chance he had to make the team was due to the low number of offensive linemen. Harris' name was rarely mentioned and ultimately proved to be expendable. WR Taurus Johnson Chiefs had a lot of wide receivers and, for a position where they needed playmakers, he apparently couldn't cut it. It doesn't help that he didn't return kicks and/or punts as well. WR Ashley Lelie A little surprising considering he showed a little promise and is one of the few Chiefs receivers with some experience. He's a fast receiver and the Chiefs don't really have that right now. DT Derek Lokey He was playing nose tackle behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards. It was going to be tough to beat out one of those guys. S Ricky Price Again, a numbers game. He couldn't beat out Jon McGraw and starter Jarrad Page. LB Zach Thomas Rumored to be injured and looking at retirement. Apparently he was healthy enough for the Chiefs to part ways with him without an injury settlement. RB Javarris Williams The Chiefs 7th round draft pick and the only draftee released. He's certainly eligible for the practice squad. WR Rodney Wright 29 year old player who hasn't shown much thus far. Placed on Injured Reserve G Colin Brown When did he have an injury? Behind Pollard, this is the second most surprising move. There were no indications he was injured. He was the team's fifth round draft pick.