[Kansas City.com] The Chiefs released quarterback Damon Huard, cornerback Patrick Surtain and linebacker Donnie Edwards today. Also released was tight end Mike Merritt.
Huard, Surtain and Edwards were veteran players who didn’t appear to fit with the new philosophy of general manager Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley, so the moves were no surprise.
Plenty more to come. Many of which were Herm Edwards’ pet projects. Although these three were vets that were destined to depart and had nothing to do with Herm. But regardless, there will be many changes to the team. Let’s just hope that Pioli doesn’t jettison all the good players and keep Herm’s projects. I don’t believe that will happen!
Comment by Goldzone — February 24, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
Dude that’s bulls**t. I can understand letting go of these guys but they should have let Donnie finish out his contract in KC.
Comment by Stich — February 24, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Im kinda surprised Surtain got cut but im glad.
Comment by Marques W. — February 24, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
Hate to see this happen to Huard he was there when we had nobody. But as business goes it had to happen. I hope he catches on as a backup somewhere.
Comment by Dave S — February 24, 2009 @ 7:23 pm
I am disappointed that Donnie was cut, hopefully we can resign him. Surtain has been declining and was never able to become our shutdown corner. Can’t put all the blame on him though, since we haven’t had a good, consistant rush for awhile. I appreciate what Huard did for the team, but I don’t think he is as athletic as we will need to run Gailey’s system, even as a backup. I also hope he gets picked up, but he has been in the league quite a while and may not see an offer until injuries start to happen (or the Lions call).
After the coaching changes, I am anxious to see the additional changes that are made. After the combine, Aaron Curry looks like our guy and the real deal at that. Time to get excited about our team again!!!
Comment by Travis — February 24, 2009 @ 9:04 pm
Thank God these guys suck.
Comment by Chris — February 24, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
yeah Huard should stay. CUT BRODIE CROYLE!!!
Comment by Stich — February 24, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
I have to agree with Stich, they cut the wrong QB, of course they were thinking younger not $$$ in this case!
Comment by Bulldog — February 24, 2009 @ 11:14 pm
looks like we will be shoppin for a qb afterall. croyle needs to go, he is to fragile.
Comment by dennis — February 24, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
hopefully more room for cassel, carr and aaron curry. that guy was a monster at the combine and we’d be lucky if he fell to us at the 3 spot
Comment by KC111110 — February 24, 2009 @ 11:53 pm
Ok this is what we do draft aaron curry if he falls to us …. if not get sanchez or stafford either one if curry is picked at one or two spot… but we pick curry and in the second round we find a qb or we trade larry johnson to browns for their pick and thats it and draft a qb there their we go thats how you do it man hire me as GM
YA DIGG!!!
Comment by Rob 32 Gomez — February 25, 2009 @ 12:24 am
they needed to cut lj and keep edwards
Comment by michael diedrich — February 25, 2009 @ 12:57 am
no way. . . edwards and surtain have been nothing but dollar signs on the injury list. this move was long overdue. plus if im not mistaken that puts us at about 45 million under the cap, and just a few days before free agency starts. get ready to watch pioli show us all how to “wheel and deal” players in the NFL
Comment by KC111110 — February 25, 2009 @ 1:23 am
In the past I have tried to give Croyle the benifit of the doubt, but after seeing him go down like a cheap prom date in just about every game he played, I say let him go.
Comment by Rick — February 25, 2009 @ 7:04 am
I think Pioli has a plan in place, no matter what happens, LJ is gone, possibly Tony Gonzales as well, but, the plan is in place and ladies and gentlemen we are now $42 million under the salary cap!
Can you imagine who the Chief’s can sign for that $42 million… I can not think of a more cap friendly situation in the past 4 or 5 years for any team, and the Chiefs have not been this way in years.
Comment by Bulldog — February 25, 2009 @ 7:59 am
I agree with the cuts. I would do something with LJ too. I appreciate the efforts of these three, but it’s time for them to go. The more I watch Curry the more I am impressed. I really hope we get him.
Comment by Jeff in VA — February 25, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Those cuts saved the Chiefs 17 million in 2009.
Comment by David in VA — February 25, 2009 @ 9:55 am
The only reason we have that space is because of Herm and Carl so when all you people get excited about your beloved free agency pickups you can think old C&H. They didn’t do it the manly way being honest and s**t, but how do you expect to bring anyone in with talent while your saying “yeah we don’t want to make the playoffs this year because we are doing an overhaul next year and it would benefit us more to lose than win in 2008. Sometimes you do have to lose to win. At least if you think winning is getting the right players coaches and upper management to go all the way. What happens on the field is a different story. I think some of the talent we have now the 2nd and 3rd year guys can do more once they get more skills around them. We have too many weak links and Huard and Donnie and Surtain were great for leaders and advice in the transition year, but its down to real deal no more slack in this rope. It’s put or shut up time for a lot of players even the youngest. I can’t wait to see all the new linebackers fighting for a starting role in preseason.
Comment by ChiefJT — February 25, 2009 @ 10:51 am
By the way LJ is a chief and will be for another few years. I think this is third and final chance to prove to someone he can lead. He is very lucky we have a new coach and GM to give him a fresh light. I think it is exactly what he needs. Look larry johnson wants to win as much as Tony G. and the last two seasons have been hell for him as much as anyone. remember after the 2005 season when Larry was up there as #1 or 2 with LT and you practically saw him working out everyday in the offseason. I doubt he drank much back then before the contract. He can be that top five back again, but people are going to have to give him faith, something he might not deserve at this point. It would be ideal for LJ to have another 1000+ season for the organization and our playoff chances.
Comment by ChiefJT — February 25, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Free agency is coming… Looks like the Chiefs are gonna do the dance ritual tonight for good luck getting some new tribe members. Lets go Chief Scott get these azz kickers in a KC uniform!! DO US SOME JUSTICE AFTER THESE PAST 3 YEARS OF DISSAPOINTMENT!!!
Comment by RedNGold4LIFE — February 25, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
Cato June just got released from the Bucs, if we go with the 3-4 scheme he would be a good pick up.
Comment by Arrowhead — February 25, 2009 @ 1:03 pm
Don’t forget that there are many reasons for our current cap situation:
- Cash flow
- The youth/desperation movement
- recent big jumps in the cap
- no franchise players at many big-contract positions (QB, DE, CB)… ran off Jared Allen
- Couldn’t get players to come here
The last is, perhaps, the most important. Carl & Herm tried to get some bigger name free agents, but could barely get people to call back, much less visit, because everyone knew we wouldn’t compete and Carl had a bad negotiating reputation with players around the league. Hopefully the new crew are good salesmen and bring a new reputation of hope and excitement around the league.
Of course, it’s highly unlikely in this economy that we’ll use all of the cap space we have. Clark just won’t have the cash to do that in one season. But hopefully we’ll make runs at a few major free agents.
Comment by VLTC — February 25, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
VLTC…There is a new Sheriff in town, and his name is SCOTT PIOLI! People will call him back, watch and see!
You may be correct in the fact that the Chiefs may not spend all of their cap space, claiming that they will save some of it for if they lose players to injuries. I do hope they spend a good deal of it, but, only if they spend it wisely!
As for ChiefJT…wow, I hope to God you are wrong my friend, because I don’t want the woman beater anywhere near. The guy is a timebomb just waiting to go off, and when he does, who knows what is going to happen. As asaid as it is to say, I predict that unless he gets some serious help, or gets his butt whipped either by a woman with a black belt in some form of martial arts or he messes with the wrong guys wife and ends up shot, nothing will ever change his attitude toward women, which is just plain sad. I don’t know how you were brought up, but, I was brought up to respect my elders and women (The Fairer sex). I have not an ounce of respect for anyone on or off the field who treats a woman like a piece of garbage!
5’6″ and 175 lbs, and I tell you what, if I ever saw LJ I would tell him the samething to his face. He might cave in my face, but, he would know that a 46 year old man had been there and set him straight!
Comment by Bulldog — February 25, 2009 @ 2:00 pm
Huard is cut and has a winning percentage as a starter Croyle has yet to win a game as a starter….. HMMMM what do I do?????
Maybe Croyle is trade bait for the Pringles company
Comment by kcchiefs19692003 — February 25, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
DEFENSE WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS! People I think we need to bring in. Maybe 2 much money for Haynesworth. But Canty would be a nice pickup and Izzo is from New England!
Mike Goff, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Larry Izzo UFA New England Patriots
Chris Canty, UFA Dallas Cowboys.
Bryant McFadden, UFA, Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Curry Rookie
Albert Haynesworth, UFA Tennesee Titans
Comment by Jason Knipp — February 25, 2009 @ 6:18 pm
julius peppers wants to play a 3-4 d now, what about him?
Comment by kc chris — February 25, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
All this argueing is a little premature. Just because we have cut several guys doesn’t mean there won’t be many more. I think Croyle is probably on his way out as well. LJ may be on the roster, but there is no way Pioli is going to let him hamper the change in attitude he is expecting. I have read several places that the personal conduct clause in LJ’s contract gives the Chiefs several options. I am not sure what that clause states exactly though, but I remember the article saying that it reduced the length at the organizations’ discretion as well as some type of restructure in regards to his bonus’ and/or salary.
Aaron Curry will be our first pick, and from his performance at the combine, will be phenomenal!!
Comment by Travis — February 25, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
KC Chris-
Julius Peppers would be an awesome pick up, but the Panthers slapped the franchise tag on him. We could still possibly get him, but it is unlikely.
Bulldog-
LJ is a whiney baby, but to call him a woman beater is inaccurate. There has been a couple of incidences with him and women at bars, and every time the story goes as follows: He’s chillin’ out minding his business when a bar whore comes up and bugs the s**t out of him, he then tells her to leave him alone. The Bar Whore, knowing who, and what a big star LJ is will not leave him alone and purposely causes a confrontation in hopes of sueing his a$$ off. It happens to Sports Stars, and Movie Stars all the time. LJ needs some damn body guards and that wouldn’t happen. I don’t blame LJ, if some drunken b**ch was bothering the s**t out of me, and wouldn’t leave me alone even after asking her 2 or 3 times I would push her away too. What, just because the dudes got clout he can’t sit and have a drink in peace?
I don’t have a problem with LJ there, what I have a problem with is his attitude with the organization and the fans. He said the other day that he couldn’t relate to the fans of the Chiefs. WHAT?! How is that? All we ever did was chant LJ all through the games when he was kicking a$$. With all that said. He doesn’t want to be a Chief, so lets get his a$$ shipped out on the next bus out of KC.
Comment by Arrowhead — February 26, 2009 @ 12:10 am
I want Curry or Crabtree. I like Thigpen and I do not want to watch a rookie develop. In free agency I want Peppers or Crowder from the Dolphins.
This will be fun to watch. A #3 overall pick, some major defensive players available in free agency, the 2nd overall pick in the 2nd round and a pretty good nucleus to begin. we all know that we were better than our record last year. we had a streak of well played head scratching losing against playoff teams.
Comment by Chief Brad — February 26, 2009 @ 12:45 am
The thing with getting Peppers or Haynesworth is that both of them will break the bank. Either one of those 2 high priced guys and that would be the only free agent we would get.
They say Haynesworth is looking for just about an ass load of money.
Comment by Chief Tom — February 26, 2009 @ 1:25 am
Last one up.
Comment by Chief Tom — February 26, 2009 @ 2:13 am
I think picking up Haynesworth would not be wise. I had my issues with Dorsey last year, but I am not ready to throw him under the bus! I believe with legitimate coaches he will flourish! They simply did not use him properly. With Curry’s stock rising he may not be there at #3. And if he is not, I am not sold on Pioli taking either Stafford or Sanchez. It is more likely, we will sign a veteran QB to either start or back up Thigpen for at least one year. But if Curry is there they will grab him for sure! If not, Orakpo will be the choice. Pioli’s brilliance will shine on draft day! I believe he will be very creative and I would be surprised if he took either one of the QB’s.
Comment by Goldzone — February 26, 2009 @ 3:12 am
By the way fellow Chiefs fans, is this great or what!!? Having excitment about our team again! It’s only February and we are already pumped about the coming season! I personally have not felt this way about the team in many years! With Pioli and Haley leading the way, I believe we will finally be in the big game in a very short period of time! Dusting off the Chiefs gear feels GREAT!!
Comment by Goldzone — February 26, 2009 @ 3:16 am
Goldzone, I could not have said it any better! Heck baseball seasons not coming, it’s
F O O T B A L L S E A S O N ! ! !
Comment by Bulldog — February 26, 2009 @ 7:33 am
I think Crowder re-signed, and doesn’t Peppers have the franchise tag?
Comment by VLTC — February 26, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
interesting piece of news i came across. until yesterday when the bucs’ let go (d.brooks, i. hilliard, j.galloway, w.dunn, & j.garcia) the chiefs were way ahead as far as the salary cap goes.
check this out:
Tampa Bay — $61 million
Kansas City — $57 million
Philadelphia — $48 million
Denver — $37 million
Green Bay — $34 million
and starting at 12:01 tonight we will see what’s going to happen. and everybody knows the good players will go to the money. and of all these head coaches, Todd Haley might just have the most appeal.
Comment by KC111110 — February 26, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Crowder did resign and Peppers does have the franchise tag. I think we need to look at defensive end/outside linebacker after Curry, since we will have him playing in the middle with his speed. We need pressure coming off the edges to give Dorsey a chance to contribute. Sanchez reportedly outplayed Stafford at the combine, but chances are extremely high one of them will go to Detroit. The Rams are a little up in the air, but most people still have them drafting for the offensive line, leaving Curry to us.
Comment by Travis — February 26, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
DID THESE GUYS EVEN PLAY LAST YEAR…OH, THEY DID, COULDN’T TELL
Comment by Adam, Wichita — February 28, 2009 @ 8:03 am