Returning Defensive Tackle Shaun Smith
(Image from www.BleacherReport.com)
The decision is much more baffling considering that the Chiefs chose to replace him with Shaun Smith, a defensive tackle that they released a couple of seasons ago. Since then, Shaun Smith has been released twice, meaning that this will be Smith's sixth different team in the last five seasons alone. Smith has struggled to show any consistency in the NFL, never having a season with more than fifty solo tackles in his career, and his skills have been decreasing as he has only managed two total sacks since 2007. The only impact that he even made in his short tenure with the Chiefs came on a set where they put him in the offensive backfield, allowing him to power in for a one-yard touchdown.
Whether or not the injury ridden Chiefs felt that they needed Smith was one thing, but why they chose to release Routt when they have numerous injuries at the position of cornerback and a complete surplus of money to spend makes no sense. The easiest argument to get rid of Routt would be his contract, but the Chiefs are among the league leaders in cap space, so getting rid of such an integral part of the defense fails to compute as a logical defense for letting go of Routt.
Former Chiefs' Cornerback Stanford Routt
(Image from www.BleacherReport.com)
Yet another reason to keep Stanford Routt would be his impressive play. Routt has intercepted eight passes in the last two-and-a-half seasons, and also forced two fumbles while racking up 125 total tackles. Since joining the Chiefs, Routt has shown promise as a solid number two cornerback. The Chiefs went with the decision to go after him because of his ability to read offenses, leading to his first career interception for a touchdown two seasons ago. In learning the system Routt has had to adjust, but his play cannot be criticized, because he has clearly been the most productive defensive back for the Chiefs in 2012.
In talking about who the Chiefs could have released a couple of names come to mind. If the Chiefs wanted to release a player they probably should have looked in the direction of Kyle McCarthy, Bryan Kehl, Martin Rucker, and Jake O'Connell, as all are players who provide nearly nothing to the Chiefs.
Kyle McCarthy during his time at Notre Dame
(Image from www.uhND.com)
Kyle McCarthy (from Notre Dame) is in his third year playing in the NFL, but has only managed to get on the field for twelve total games. In that short time he has only managed six solo tackles, which is an exceptionally low number for any player.
Bryan Kehl during his tenure on the Redskins, one of his many former squads
(Image from www.SBNation.com)
Out of BYU, Bryan Kehl has been a below average linebacker with very limited potential. In five seasons he has managed a measly eighty-five total tackles. Despite never forcing a fumble in his career, Kehl has survived in the league, although he has been a part of five different situations in his five years.
Chiefs' Fifth String Tight End Martin Rucker
(Image from www.SBNation.com)
Martin Rucker is probably the least valuable player in Kansas City, as he has been statistically irrelevant since joining the league. In his five years he has a total of two catches for less than twenty yards, and he has been a non-factor on special teams with no career solo tackles and only one assist.
Chiefs' Tight End and Special Teams Player Jake O'Connell
(Image from www.komu.com)
The last member that the Chiefs could have cut is Jake O'Connell, although he is probably the most fit to stay on the team. Despite being used mostly to block, O'Connell has managed multiple receptions in each of his four years of playing football, although he only has slightly over 100 career yards. O'Connell has also had a very minute impact on special teams, with three career tackles on that side of the ball.
Overall, whether or not the Chiefs wanted to pay Routt is irrelevant, because Brandon Flowers, Javier Arenas, and Jalil Brown have all faced trouble with injuries on the year. The Chiefs choosing to give up on a productive member of their defense is yet another sign that the management is well out of its element in the department of knowledge. Ultimately the terrible moves by the Chiefs along with the disappointing season will ultimately lead to the firing of many people at the top of the organization, all starter with general manager Scott Pioli.
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