Chiefs Sign WR Darrius Shepherd, Cut OL Martinas Rankin

The Chiefs are swapping an offensive lineman for a wideout. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports (via Twitter) that the team has signed wide receiver Darrius Shepherd and released offensive lineman Martinas Rankin.

Shepherd, a 2019 undrafted free agent out of North Dakota State, spent the first two seasons of his career in Green Bay, where he appeared in 14 total games. The wideout finished his Packers career with six receptions for 47 yards and a pair of fumbles. The 25-year-old also contributed on special teams, returning 20 kickoffs for 374 yards.

The Chiefs certainly aren’t lacking for receivers; the team is currently rostering 15 players (including Shepherd) at the position. In other words, the latest acquisition’s best chance of seeing the field would probably be on special teams, although it’d be tough to knock off Mecole Hardman as the team’s top returner (not to mention Tyreek Hill waiting in the wings).

Rankin, a 2018 third-round pick by the Texans, was acquired by the Chiefs in the 2019 trade that sent Carlos Hyde to Houston. The lineman started five of his six games at left guard in 2019, but he was sidelined during Kansas City’s run to a championship. Rankin only saw time in one game in 2020, and he saw a limited number of special teams snaps during the 2020 postseason.

View Comments (0)