Post by MizzouTiger on Feb 15, 2008 12:42:56 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/385/story/490455.html
Chiefs release starter John Welbourn
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs continued the overhaul of their offensive line with Thursday’s release of veteran John Welbourn.
Welbourn, 31, started every game for the Chiefs at right guard last season. The Chiefs hoped he would be an adequate replacement for longtime Pro Bowler Will Shields, but they were deeply disappointed in Welbourn’s play.
The move saves the Chiefs about $2 million, Welbourn’s scheduled 2008 pay, against their salary cap.
The Chiefs released Chris Terry, a part-time starter at right tackle last season, late in the year. Casey Wiegmann, a starter at center, and Kyle Turley, a part-time starter at right tackle, have contracts that expire, and the Chiefs will not likely try to re-sign either player.
The Chiefs acquired Welbourn in a trade from Philadelphia in 2004. He was a part-time starter at right tackle in each of his first three seasons with the Chiefs.
He served two suspensions, once for four games and again for six games, for violating the NFL’s steroids policy. He also told the Chiefs before the 2006 season that he would retire but changed his mind and returned.
The Chiefs also released two other players, reserve running back Gilbert Harris and backup defensive end Khreem Smith.
The moves could be just the start of a roster shake-up. Several other veterans — including cornerback Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, wide receiver Eddie Kennison, tight end Jason Dunn and safety Greg Wesley — are candidates to be released.
Wiegmann, Turley, wide receiver Samie Parker and fullback Kris Wilson are among their players scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.
The Chiefs probably won’t be inclined to bring them back.
Chiefs release starter John Welbourn
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs continued the overhaul of their offensive line with Thursday’s release of veteran John Welbourn.
Welbourn, 31, started every game for the Chiefs at right guard last season. The Chiefs hoped he would be an adequate replacement for longtime Pro Bowler Will Shields, but they were deeply disappointed in Welbourn’s play.
The move saves the Chiefs about $2 million, Welbourn’s scheduled 2008 pay, against their salary cap.
The Chiefs released Chris Terry, a part-time starter at right tackle last season, late in the year. Casey Wiegmann, a starter at center, and Kyle Turley, a part-time starter at right tackle, have contracts that expire, and the Chiefs will not likely try to re-sign either player.
The Chiefs acquired Welbourn in a trade from Philadelphia in 2004. He was a part-time starter at right tackle in each of his first three seasons with the Chiefs.
He served two suspensions, once for four games and again for six games, for violating the NFL’s steroids policy. He also told the Chiefs before the 2006 season that he would retire but changed his mind and returned.
The Chiefs also released two other players, reserve running back Gilbert Harris and backup defensive end Khreem Smith.
The moves could be just the start of a roster shake-up. Several other veterans — including cornerback Ty Law, linebacker Kendrell Bell, wide receiver Eddie Kennison, tight end Jason Dunn and safety Greg Wesley — are candidates to be released.
Wiegmann, Turley, wide receiver Samie Parker and fullback Kris Wilson are among their players scheduled to be unrestricted free agents.
The Chiefs probably won’t be inclined to bring them back.