Chiefs to release two-time Pro Bowler Colquitt after 15 years
KANSAS CITY, MO. » Dustin Colquitt walked into the Kansas City Chiefs training facility 15 years ago as a third-round pick out of Tennessee, a punter with a big leg and peerless pedigree.
He wound up setting numerous franchise records, including most games played and most postseason appearances.
Colquitt’s long tenure is finally coming to a close. The Chiefs released the two-time Pro Bowl punter after signing a pair of prospects to compete for the job in training camp.
“I have enjoyed my time in Chiefs Kingdom,” Colquitt, who turns 38 next month, wrote in an Instagram post. “All things come to an end, sometimes sooner than you hoped, prayed and pleaded for them to.”
Colquitt stopped short of saying he was retiring, which would save the Chiefs $2 million in salary cap space. He was due a workout bonus of $2 million, and there will be $650,000 in dead cap space as he entered the final year of his contract.
“I’ll miss walking into the building and smelling the coffee, talking to everyone,” Colquitt continued. “It took me forever to weave through some of the most loving people you’d ever hope to work with. I was a young kid when I first walked into Arrowhead. Hell, the indoor facility used to be 70 yards long. Holding this post for 15 years has been an honor that I never took for granted. Thank you KC.”
Rarely do teams use a third-round draft pick on a specialist, but rare came to describe Colquitt perfectly. He was called upon to punt 1,124 times, 15th in NFL history, and his average of 44.8 yards puts him in the top 25.
He also became known for his almost otherworldly ability to pin opponents inside the 20.
His tenure with the Chiefs matched Jerrel Wilson, who punted for the club from 1963-77, for the longest stint in franchise history. His 238 games surpassed offensive lineman Will Shields this past season for the most among Kansas City players.
CLEVELAND » After a successful virtual, stay-athome experience this year, the NFL plans to hold its draft outdoors in downtown Cleveland next year from April 29 to May 1.
The dates were announced Tuesday, three days after the completion of a unique draft that went smoothly despite logistical obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TV ratings soared over the weekend as fans soaked in every moment of a rare live sporting event held in recent months.
“We successfully brought to life the first virtual NFL draft last week, and we are now very excited to work with Cleveland to incorporate some of the innovations and special access from 2020 into our planning for 2021,” said Peter O’Reilly, the league’s vice president of club business and league events.
NEW ORLEANS » The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with unrestricted free agent quarterback Jameis Winston.
Winston, the first overall pick in the 2015 draft, will serve as the backup to Drew Brees.
Winston is coming off a season in which he led the NFL with 5,109 yards passing and ranked second with 33 touchdown passes, but he also led the NFL in interceptions with 30.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. » Harland Svare, a starting linebacker on the New York Giants’ 1956 NFL championship team and later the team’s defensive coach while still a player, has died. He was 89.
For many years, Svare also held the distinction of being the NFL’s youngest head coach at 31 years, 11 months. He was elevated from defensive line coach to head coach by the Rams midway through the 1962 season.
Lane Kiffin of the Raiders and Sean McVay, the Rams’ current coach, subsequently were made head coaches at younger ages.
Texans release Gipson
The Houston Texans have released veteran safety Tashuan Gipson just one year after signing him to a threeyear, $22.5 million contract.
Gipson started 14 games for Houston last season before landing on injured reserve because of a back injury. The 29-year-old Gipson had 55 tackles and three interceptions in his one season with the Texans.
Gipson came to the Texans after spending the previous three seasons with the Jaguars. He spent his first four NFL seasons with the Browns where he was selected to his only Pro Bowl in 2014.
Gipson became expendable after the Texans signed Eric Murray to a threeyear, $20.5 million deal last month. Houston’s other starting safety is Justin Reid.