Cornerback Kenneth Acker, the Chiefs’ newest addition, answered questions from the media at the team’s facility in Kansas City, Mo. Aug. 29, 2016 (Photo: Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs introduced new cornerback Kenneth Acker on Monday, acquired Saturday from the San Francisco 49ers for a reported 2018 seventh-round draft pick, according to ESPN.
Acker said he’s happy to find himself in Kansas City.
“It was a good move for me,” he said. “I like the organization, getting to know everybody, everybody seems pretty good. I feel like it’s a good fit for me.”
The 49ers selected Acker in the sixth round of the 2014 draft from Southern Methodist University, where he played with Chiefs rookie Shaq Randolph. He spent the 2014 season on injured reserve after suffering a foot stress fracture.
Acker, 24, had a breakthrough season in 2015, playing in 15 games and making 16 starts for the 49ers. He totaled 65 tackles along with three interceptions.
But Acker’s playing time decreased as the 2015 season wore on, and he eventually lost his starting job. Acker ranked fourth on the most recent 49ers depth chart at left cornerback.
Kansas City marks a change of scenery for Acker. While the Chiefs currently have a long list of cornerbacks on the roster, they have not yet settled on a starter or depth chart at corner.
Asker hopes to take his shot at cracking the rotation.
“I feel like I could bring a lot to the team,” he said. “I’m really just trying to figure out where I could put myself in at the best time, and just trying to get acclimated and learn the play book as fast as I can.”
The 6-0, 195-pound Acker played mostly with reserves in San Francisco’s first preseason game, playing a team-high 35 snaps. He played only one special teams snap in the team’s second preseason game.
Special teams are probably where Acker can make his most immediate mark.
“I’m not a person who shies away from special teams. I like anywhere that I can get on. That’s probably where I’ll try to stick my head in to faster just because you don’t have as much to learn on the schemes.”
The Chiefs also waived offeight players on Sunday, reducing the roster to 80 players. The team must be down to 75 players by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Players waived by the Chiefs Sunday: defensive backs Bryce Cheek and Malcolm Jackson; defensive lineman Niko Davis; offensive linemen Curtis Feigt and Drew Nowak; wide receivers Seantavius Jones and Kashif Moore; and linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi.
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Matt Derrick is the associate editor for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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