WR De’Anthony Thomas returns to Chiefs, who waive WR Davon Grayson

In Tuesday’s third roster move, the Kansas City Chiefs announced they have signed wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas to the team.

To make room for Thomas on the 90-man roster, the Chiefs have waived wide receiver Davon Grayson.

Thomas, 26, will be entering his sixth season as a member of the Chiefs. Taken by the team in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Thomas is a former Oregon Duck who has played in 55 games during his Chiefs career. He’s gained 689 yards from scrimmage (and scored six touchdowns) on 93 touches.

But Thomas’ biggest contribution to the team has always been on special teams. He’s averaged 24.8 yards per kick return and 9.7 yards per punt return, He’s been a key player as a gunner in punt coverage — and it is well-known that special teams coordinator Dave Toub has always been extremely high on him.

Signed to a one-year contract after his rookie deal expired in 2018, Thomas broke his tibia in mid-October last year, spending the rest of the season on injured reserve. In January, he was arrested on suspicion of the possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in Allen County, Kansas. The Chiefs chose to allow Thomas to walk at the end of the league year.

But now that wide receiver (and special teams ace) Marcus Kemp has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL and MCL, Thomas has again found employment with the Chiefs.

Grayson, 23, was on his second try to make the Chiefs. A product of East Carolina University, he came to the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent last season, but was waived with an injury designation in May 2018. He was given a reserve/futures contract last February.