Jan. 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs offensive lineman Donald Stephenson (79) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) at Arrowhead Stadium. (Emily DeShazer/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The first known free-agent loss for the Chiefs comes on the offensive line and it is to an AFC West division rival.
Offensive tackle Donald Stephenson is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos when the league’s new calendar year opens at 3 p.m. CT on Wednesday, a source confirmed Tuesday night with ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal.
The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 6-6, 312-pound Stephenson originally joined the Chiefs in 2012 as a third-round pick (74th overall) out of Oklahoma.
A versatile tackle capable of playing either side of the offensive line, Stephenson started seven regular-season games (six at left tackle, one at right tackle) the past season. He totaled a career-high 555 regular-season snaps on offense, and started at right tackle for the two postseason contests.
Stephenson, a native of Blue Springs, Mo., appeared in 60 games with 21 starts over the past four seasons with the Chiefs.
Stephenson’s departure isn’t the only loss the Chiefs might have to deal with on the offensive line. Guard/tackle Jeff Allen is also scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.
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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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