The Kansas City Chiefs see an opportunity in the AFC West, and are not waiting around. General manager John Dorsey released Dwayne Bowe on Thursday afternoon while simultaneously trading for New Orleans Saints guard Ben Grubbs in exchange for a fifth-round pick, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Bowe was expected to be a cap casualty. The former LSU star and 2007 first-round pick was scheduled to make $14 million in 2015, a number he was never realistically going to see. Bowe has not enjoyed a 1,000-yard season in three years, last being a true force in 2010 when he led the NFL with 15 receiving touchdowns.
Grubbs comes over from the cash-strapped Saints and immediately plugs in at starting left guard for Kansas City. Grubbs, a two-time Pro Bowler, has seen his level of play slightly dip in recent years but is still one of the better players at his position. The 31-year-old is due $6.6 million this year and over $7 million next year, although the Chiefs can cut him should they wish without penalty.
With the Denver Broncos revamping their coaching staff and losing ample free agents, Kansas City is aiming for a division crown. The Chiefs have a roster which now includes star receiver Jeremy Maclin and Grubbs, to go with Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith, Travis Kelce, Justin Houston, Dontari Poe, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Sean Smith. All-Pro safety Eric Berry also remains on the roster, although his status is unclear due to his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Give Kansas City credit, it is all-in, aiming to contend along with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs are making a push for the first time in years, hoping to restore the aura of Arrowhead Stadium.
