[KC Chiefs.com] Demorrio Williams, a linebacker who led the Chiefs in tackles in 2009, was released today.

Williams was a marquee member of the Chiefs 2008 free agent class, coming to Kansas City as an unrestricted free agent from Atlanta. He posted a 70-tackle season his first year with the Chiefs before notching a career-best 142 tackles in 2009.

Originally inking a five-year, $16 million deal with the team in 2008, Williams was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2012. He’s played a backup role to Derrick Johnson each of the past two seasons but was considered one of the Chiefs top special teams players.

The move saves the Chiefs a reported $1.7 million in cap space heading into free agency.