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UPDATE: 11:30 Arrowhead Time on September 2
The Chiefs have made the signing official, via their official Twitter account.
SHADY HOURS‼️ We have officially signed RB LeSean McCoy. pic.twitter.com/ETUexayxNn
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 2, 2019
The Kansas City Chiefs are signing free agent running back LeSean McCoy, per a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Buffalo Bills released the running back as part of their 53-man roster cutdown earlier Saturday.
Former Bills’ RB LeSean McCoy is reuniting with Chiefs HC Andy Reid, per source. McCoy getting a one-year, $4 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed from the Chiefs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2019
McCoy, 31, joins the head coach who drafted him in Philadelphia back in 2009: Andy Reid. And there is an added bonus for Chiefs fans, per Schefter—the Chiefs signed him away from the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers.
LeSean McCoy was going to wind up in the AFC West one way or another; the other teams that pursued McCoy was the LA Chargers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2019
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spoke to the media shortly after Saturday’s 53-man roster cutdown, and he was asked about the possibility of signing McCoy. Though he couldn’t comment directly until the release became official through the NFL, he sounded rather interested.
“As a step back, broad-view type of perspective; listen, we play a lot of common opponents and got to see him on tape,” Veach said. “He is still a talented player and does a lot of great things in the passing game. If it is official, like it has been reported, I’m sure that he is a guy that we will take a peek at. We kind of have a rapport with (him).”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has already weighed in.
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) September 1, 2019
In 13 starts last season, McCoy rushed 161 times for 514 yards (3.2 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns. He also had 34 receptions for 238 yards. McCoy eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in both 2016 and 2017. McCoy has been named an All-Pro twice—in 2011 under Reid and in 2013, his best season as a pro, when he eclipsed 2,000 yards from scrimmage and had 11 total touchdowns.
New @Chiefs Signing
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) September 1, 2019
RB LeSean McCoy
10,828 Career Rushing Yards
70 Career Rushing Touchdowns
4.5 Career Yards per Carry
3,699 Career Receiving Yards
15 Career Receiving Touchdowns
Notable Grades
-2018: 62.0
-2017: 73.7
-2016: 78.6
-2013: 87.0 (Career Best)#ChiefsKingdom
How McCoy fits in with a young and talented running back room should prove to be interesting. Damien Williams still profiles as the starter with Darwin Thompson in the mix, and this addition probably hurts Darrel Williams the most.
Reid said he would implement a running back-by-committee back on August 9. The McCoy signing gives him all the more reason to.
The Chiefs will likely reveal who they released in order to make room for McCoy when the deal becomes official.