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The Kansas City Chiefs are losing a starting defensive end in Tyson Jackson to free agency. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks just cut a defensive end, Red Bryant.
See where I'm going with this?
Seahawks have released Sidney Rice and Red Bryant. Hearing Red Bryant will be of interest to the Kansas CIty Chiefs, per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) February 28, 2014
Word gets out quickly.
Bryant was a defensive end in Seattle's defense. Originally a fourth round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Bryant has 55 starts in the last six seasons for the Seahawks. He wasn't a full-time player on Seattle's loaded defensive line, playing just under 50 percent of the snaps.
Danny Kelly over at Field Gulls is excellent with the Xs and Os of the game. Here's what he told me about Bryant:
Bryant was drafted as an interior defensive lineman, struggled there in his first couple seasons with the Seahawks, and when Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn took over for the Seahawks, Quinn moved him to the five-technique at defensive end, tilted to the tackle's outside shoulder. His main role is to push the pocket back on the snap to disrupt running lanes and hopefully move the quarterback off his spot. He's not much of a pass rusher, but he moves well for a man his size (6'4, 335), and his long arms help him corral running backs and keep tackles at an arm's length. His main role is to stop the run and set the tone physically at the line of scrimmage.
He was used as a three-technique in Seattle's three-down lineman looks this year (their Bear Front), so he can also play inside some too. I'm guessing KC sees him as a 5-tech defensive end in the 3-4.
Another quote from Danny about Bryant's leadership abilities:
The move is a difficult one -- Bryant is a leader in the locker room and on the field, frequently giving impassioned post-game speeches and regularly setting the tone and pumping up his teammates by staring down the opposing bench or tormenting the opposing crowd.
If the Chiefs are looking for more of a pass rusher at that defensive end spot, this may not be their guy. But there is a lot to like about him.
Bryant is now an unrestricted free agent and can sign anywhere. Someone better start the free agent watch at KCI Airport.