The Chiefs’ offensive line is undergoing a bit of an overhaul this offseason, and that continued with the team’s release of veteran guard Ben Grubbs, per Howard Balzer of the SportsXchange (Twitter link). Grubbs was cut with a failed physical designation.
Acquired almost exactly a year ago from the Saints, Grubbs – who turns 32 today – entered the 2015 season as one of Kansas City’s starting guards, and played seven games for the club. However, a neck injury derailed his season — after sitting out five games, he was ultimately placed on the injured reserve list by the Chiefs, ending his year. Based on the failed physical designation, it appears he hasn’t yet been cleared from that injury.
Grubbs’ contract, which he reworked upon his arrival in Kansas City ran through the 2018 season, and included $6.6MM in guaranteed money, so the Chiefs are left with a sizable portion of dead money on their 2016 cap. Assuming the veteran lineman didn’t receive the post-June 1 designation, the Chiefs will be on the hook for $5.2MM in dead money on their cap this year, creating only $1.1MM in cap savings with the move.
It’s been an eventful week so far for the Chiefs, who have reached contract agreements with several players, including Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Mitchell Schwartz, and Jaye Howard. However, the team has also lost cornerback Sean Smith to the division-rival Raiders, and was docked two draft picks, including a 2016 third-rounder, for a tampering violation during 2015’s free agent period.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Maybe he can come back to the Ravens to help solidify the line after losing osemele