The Chiefs released wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas, according to a team announcement. In a related move, quarterback Kyle Shurmur was promoted to the 53-man roster.
Thomas spent the last five years with the Chiefs, but his 2018 season was brought to a screeching halt after he broke his leg. Then, in January, an arrest for marijuana possession hurt his free agency stock. Before all of that, Thomas saw time both as a returner and receiver for KC. After some time away, he circled back to the club in August, but only managed 4.2 yards per punt return, well below his career average of 8.8 yards per attempt.
Shurmur, the son of Giants head coach Pat Shurmur, surpassed Jay Cutler as Vanderbilt’s all-time leader in passing yards and completions before leaving school. He’ll help backstop the Chiefs as they await the return of Patrick Mahomes. In the interim, KC will use Matt Moore as their starter.