KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jamell Fleming is set for a new position on defense when the Chiefs return for the offseason workout program ahead of training camp.
Oct. 25, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs defensive back Jamell Fleming (30) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers running back Dri Archer (13) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Coach Andy Reid confirmed in a Tuesday morning conference call that Fleming, who played cornerback the past two seasons, will move to safety.
“We obviously brought him back because he’s a talented kid,” Reid said. “He fits that role kind of like (Ron) Parker did for us where he’s a big, physical guy that can play corner. I mean, he’s done that throughout this career, but we felt like he could also help us at safety.”
Fleming recently returned on a one-year deal and it comes with the Chiefs having a need for depth at the safety position.
Tyvon Branch left via free agency and signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, Husain Abdullah, who appeared in 11 games with four starts in 2015, remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent.
As the offseason roster stands now, Fleming joins a safety position group consisting of Parker, Eric Berry, Daniel Sorensen and Jordan Kovacs.
“We’re going to kick him in there,” Reid said, “and give him an opportunity to compete at the safety spot and see how he does.”
The 5-11, 206-pound Fleming originally entered the league out of Oklahoma as a third-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2012 NFL Draft. He split the 2013 season with the Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Chiefs signed Fleming off the Baltimore Ravens practice squad in 2014, and he appeared in 23 games with four starts over the past two years.
Fleming’s time on the Chiefs’ defense in 2015 were limited, however, as he totaled 152 snaps (14 percent) on the season.
He made his biggest impact on special teams, totaling the fourth-highest amount of snaps (273) for the Chiefs and ranked third on the team with eight special teams tackles.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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