November 17, 2013; Denver, CO; Then-Broncos defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson (99) against Chiefs center Rodney Hudson (61) at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The process of bolstering the defensive line began late Monday night.
The Chiefs signed defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson to a free-agent deal, a source familiar with the transaction confirmed Tuesday morning with ChiefsSpin.com.
Financial terms of Vickerson’s contract were not disclosed, but ProFootballTalk.com reports it’s a one-year deal. Chiefs beat writer Terez Paylor of The Kansas City Star also independently confirmed Vickerson’s signing.
The 31-year-old Vickerson brings nine years of experience and has appeared in 71 career games, recording 153 tackles (111 solo) and 6 ½ sacks.
He originally entered the league in 2005 out of Michigan State as a seventh-round pick of the Miami Dolphins. Vickerson played for the Tennessee Titans (2007-09) and recently with the Denver Broncos (2010-13).
The 6-5, 328-pound Vickerson offers versatility, having played defensive end and defensive tackle while with the Broncos.
The signing arrived on the same day after Chiefs coach Andy Reid disclosed starting defensive end Mike DeVito suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon during Week 1’s contest against the Tennessee Titans.
Reid said during his Monday press conference Jaye Howard and Vance Walker would have a shot at seeing extended playing time.
“They’ll both have that opportunity to work in on the defensive line with DeVito being down,” Reid said.
But the arrival of Vickerson signals there will be competition within the defensive line rotation. Vickerson’s versatility to play defensive tackle could also allow the Chiefs to use Damion Square at defensive end.
The Chiefs have not confirmed the signing.
