KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs started preparations for paring down their roster from 90 players to 53 by Saturday with the release swing tackle Jah Reid.
Dec. 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs right tackle Jah Reid (75) blocks San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) at Arrowhead Stadium. (Emily DeShazer/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Reid’s release comes one day after the team acquired offensive lineman Cam Erving in a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Reid’s release gives another clear sign the club projects Erving filling the need for a swing tackle capable of filling in on both the left and right side of the line.
Offensive lineman Bryan Witzmann converted to guard over the offense but remains an option at swing tackle as well. The team also worked out Zach Fulton at both tackle positions during training camp.
Reid joined the Chiefs in September 2015. The Ravens released Reid during the final cut down before the beginning of the season. Reid started eight games that season for the Chiefs. The club signed Reid to an three-year, $10.2 million extension in December 2015.
His release provides the Chiefs at least $2.25 million in cap relief this season from his base salary. The team accrues a charge of $775,000 against the cap in 2017 and 2018 as part of his prorated signing bonus. Reid was due to make $2.6 million in base salary in 2018.
Jah Reid, a native of Haines City, Fla., entered the league in 2011 out of Central Florida as a third-round pick of the Ravens.
He spent four seasons in Baltimore, appearing in 39 games with seven starts for the Ravens, before signing with the Chiefs. He appeared in 22 games including 11 starts with Kansas City the past two seasons.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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