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As the Kansas City Chiefs were negotiating a deal to send linebacker Dee Ford to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2020 second-round pick, two 2018 Chiefs were working on deals with new teams.
The first came Tuesday night when cornerback Steve Nelson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Nelson signed a three-year, $25.5 million contract.
The #Steelers and free agent CB Steven Nelson agreed to terms on a 3-year deal for $25.5M, source said. Pittsburgh is on the board.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2019
Nelson tweeted from his official account after news of the contract broke.
I’m all smiles right now can’t be happier they got a straight worker !!! #SteelersNation
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 12, 2019
The 26-year-old Nelson finishes his Chiefs career with 174 tackles (150 solo), 35 passes defensed and four interceptions.
The next deal came through Wednesday morning when tight end Demetrius Harris landed with the Cleveland Browns. Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot said the deal was for two seasons.
#Browns signing former #Chiefs FA TE Demetrius Harris to a 2-year deal https://t.co/JLSAhkuLoQ
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 13, 2019
Current Browns general manager John Dorsey signed Harris to the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent back in 2013, and he became a solid backup for the Chiefs. Probably underrated in his game was how much he meant to the Chiefs on special teams.
Dorsey was always fond of Harris, so him joining the Browns was no surprise. The 27-year-old Harris finishes his Chiefs career with 57 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns.
If they weren’t already, No. 2 cornerback and No. 2 tight end now become positions to watch for the Chiefs when free agency officially (yes, really) begins at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and next month in the NFL Draft.
The Chiefs currently list David Wells and Deon Yelder as the only tight ends behind Travis Kelce on their roster. The Chiefs were high on Charvarius Ward toward the end of last season, but I’d expect them to bring in more competition at the cornerback position.
Poll
Bigger loss?
This poll is closed
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76%
CB Steve Nelson
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23%
TE Demetrius Harris