January 19, 2014; Denver, CO; New England Patriots safety Steve Gregory (28) against the Denver Broncos in the 2013 AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Chiefs on Thursday signed defensive back Steve Gregory, his agent, David Canter, originally announced on Twitter.
Reached by telephone, Canter said his client was set to sign with another team when the offer to join the Chiefs arrived.
“I think that Kansas City was a better fit for him physically, emotionally and football wise,” Canter said. “And it never hurts to go play against your old teammates in San Diego.”
The 31-year old Gregory brings eight years of NFL experience. He entered the league in 2006 as an undrafted free agent out of Syracuse with the San Diego Chargers where he played until 2011. Gregory spent the past two seasons with the New England Patriots.
Canter said Gregory signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs and is excited to join the team.
“He’s got a great relationship there with my client, (cornerback) Sean Smith,” Canter said, “and tremendous respect for coach (Andy) Reid for all the years he’s known him.”
Gregory has appeared in 111 games with 54 career starts. He has 278 total tackles (79 assists), three sacks, seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown.
The Chiefs currently have 90 players on the training camp roster. The signing of Gregory means the team will need to make a roster move to accommodate the signing.
UPDATE, July 31, 5:18 p.m. CT: The Chiefs officially announced the signing of Gregory and waived rookie inside linebacker Ben Johnson to make room for Gregory.
The Chiefs signed Johnson as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee-Martin. He missed time during organized team activities with a hamstring injury, but participated in training camp practices.
The Chiefs now have 19 defensive backs on the roster, including 12 cornerbacks. The waiving of Johnson puts the Chiefs at 12 linebackers.
