Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA; Then-Eagles free safety Kurt Coleman (42) during the National Anthem before the game against the Chiefs at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs bolstered depth at the safety position with a familiar face to the coaching staff.
The Chiefs on Tuesday signed defensive back Kurt Coleman, his Minneapolis-based agent, Blake Baratz, announced on Twitter.
“Congratulations to my man @k4coleman on signing with the @KCChiefs,” Baratz’s tweet read. “Selfishly wanted him in MN, but great spot, great opportunity. NFL Life!”
The 5-11, 195-pound Coleman has ties to then-Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, who used a seventh-round pick on Coleman in 2010.
Coleman, who entered the league out of Ohio State, played three seasons for Reid with the Eagles (2010-12) before Reid left in 2013 to coach the Chiefs.
The 26-year-old Coleman spent four seasons in Philadelphia. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings in April before the Vikings released Coleman on Saturday as part of the team’s moves to meet the 53-man roster. Coleman recorded a tackle against the Chiefs in the third preseason game on Aug. 23.
The native of Dayton, Ohio, has appeared in 59 career games with 29 starts, recording 221 tackles (170 solo), 11 passes defensed, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Coleman’s best season statistically came in 2012 when he totaled 93 tackles (70 solo), four passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 14 starts. He finished the 2012 as the second-leading tackler for the Eagles behind linebacker DeMeco Ryans.
The Chiefs had four safeties on the 53-man roster prior to signing Coleman, and currently have zero defensive backs on the practice squad.
For a reference, the Chiefs’ initial 2013 53-man roster had five safeties: Eric Berry, Kendrick Lewis, Quintin Demps, Husain Abdullah and Sanders Commings, who was eventually placed on the reserve/injured as designated to return before the start of the 2013 regular season. The Chiefs had free safety Malcolm Bronson on the practice squad.
The Chiefs haven’t officially confirmed the signing, but will need to make a roster move to accommodate Coleman.
The team has options, either releasing a player or using the reserve/injured as designated to return. The latter scenario can be accomplished late Tuesday afternoon after 4 ET, with inside linebacker Joe Mays a potential candidate. Mays recently underwent surgery to repair ligament damage in his right wrist.
