Chiefs Cut RB Akeem Hunt, DT Stefan Charles
The Chiefs have waived running back Akeem Hunt with a failed physical designation and released defensive tackle Stefan Charles, the club announced today.
Hunt, who spent the first two seasons of his career with the Texans, barely played on offense for Kansas City last season, but saw ample time (171 snaps) on special teams. On a mere eight rush attempts, Hunt managed only 2.9 yards per carry, and added four receptions in the passing game. Hunt’s role would have been extremely limited going forward, as the Chiefs added both Kerwynn Williams and Damien Williams to a running back depth chart that already includes starter Kareem Hunt, Charcandrick West, and Spencer Ware.
Charles, meanwhile, is the second Kansas City interior lineman to collect his walking papers today, as the Chiefs also cut ties with Rakeem Nunez-Roches earlier on Tuesday. The 29-year-old Charles has a decent track record as a reserve for the Bills and Lions, but he hasn’t seen the field since 2016. Charles spent the 2017 campaign on the workout circuit before signing with the Chiefs just before their January Wild Card game; he was subsequently re-signed in March.
In addition to parting ways with Hunt and Charles, the Chiefs also made the following moves:
- Claimed off waivers: TE Alex Ellis
- Signed: CB Step Durham, DE Robert McCray, CB Malik Reaves, WR Jordan Smallwood
- Waived: CB Prince Charles Iworah, OL DeVondre Seymour, WR Brandon Shippen, WR Nelson Spruce
Chiefs Release Rakeem Nunez-Roches
The Chiefs have released defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches, as Terez A, Paylor of the Kansas City Star tweets. The Southern Miss product was due $1.9MM this year as a backup, which was apparently too much for KC’s liking. 
Nunez-Roches was a restricted free agent this offseason and was retained with the original-round tender. The 24-year-old (25 in July) took a while to explore his options and did not ink his tender until the last week of April. The deadline for RFAs to sign offer sheets was on April 20, but Nunez-Roches did not sign an offer sheet and – to our knowledge – did not draw serious interest elsewhere. As a former sixth-round pick, a team would have had to sacrifice an equivalent choice in the event of an unmatched offer sheet.
Ultimately, Nunez-Roches was pushed out of a defensive line that added RFA Xavier Williams from the Cardinals and will return Allen Bailey to complement its Chris Jones-centered unit. The Chiefs also bolstered the D-Line through the draft by taking Mississippi’s Breeland Speaks in the second round and FSU nose tackle Derrick Nnadi in the third round.
Nunez-Roches started eleven games for the Chiefs last season and five in the 2016 campaign. He played 390 snaps in 2017 and registered a half-sack and made 24 tackles.
Draft Pick Signings: 5/7/18
Here are today’s draft pick signings:
- The 49ers announced that they have signed defensive lineman Kentavius Street. The fourth-round pick (No. 128) out of North Carolina State appeared in 51 games (35 starts) during his collegiate career, compiling 9.5 sacks. He had one of his best seasons as a senior in 2017, finishing with 38 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in 13 games. The rookie figures to compete with Cassius Marsh for reps behind Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas.
- The Chiefs signed sixth-round pick Tremon Smith to his four-year rookie contract today. The cornerback had a productive career at Central Arkansas, compiling 146 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 15 interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. Smith will have some competition for playing time, as he’s currently listed behind Kendall Fuller, David Amerson, Steven Nelson, Keith Reaser, and Will Redmond on the depth chart.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/7/18
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Janarion Grant, DE Myles Humphrey
- Waived: FB Ricky Ortiz, LB Mason McKenrick
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: C Tejan Koroma
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Chad Beebe, CB Craig James, FB Johnny Stanton, LB Brett Taylor
- Waived: LS Nick Dooley, WR Armanti Foreman, DT Caushaud Lyons, FB Kamryn Pettway
New York Giants
- Waived: S Ryan Murphy, G Damien Mama, WR Canaan Severin, RB Terrell Watson, P Austin Rehkow
New York Jets
- Signed: K Taylor Bertolet
- Waived: CB Bryson Keeton
Oakland Raiders
- Signed: TE Paul Butler, FB Henry Poggi, RB Chris Warren
- Waived: RB Elijah Hood, DL Joby Saint Fleur, FB Nick Sharga
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: OT Nick Callender, C Marcus Henry, S Tevon Mutcherson, WR Damore’ea Stringfellow, OT Avery Young
- Waived: LB Paul Dawson, LB Jason Hall, C Brad Lundblade, WR Ka’Raun White, WR Taj Williams
Colts Claim TE Randall Telfer
Former Browns tight end Randall Telfer, was claimed off waivers by the Colts, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Telfer, as you may recall, was initially ticketed to be traded to the Chiefs for linebacker Dadi Nicolas before that deal was nullified.
Telfer was squeezed out of Cleveland due to the presence of holdovers David Njoku and Seth DeValve plus free agent addition Darren Fells. Telfer is a blocking specialist, but Fells offers a longer resume of acumen in that area. Telfer is largely untested as a pass catcher, having caught just three passes for 36 yards last year despite starting in 14 games.
The Colts have Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle as their top tight ends, but they’ll evaluate a number of options in reserve. Telfer joins Darrell Daniels, Ross Travis, Erik Swoope, and Jason Vander-Lean as reserve TEs on the 90-man roster.
Raiders Officially Sign LB Derrick Johnson
It’s officially official. On Monday, the Raiders announced the signing of Derrick Johnson. As previously reported, it’s a one-year deal for Oakland and the former Chiefs linebacker. 
The Chiefs announced earlier this offseason that they would not be re-signing the 13-year NFL veteran. The market was slow to develop for Johnson and although he had interest from other clubs, the Raiders were the only team to bring him in for a visit. Over the weekend, Johnson explained that his continued passion for the game prompted Jon Gruden to offer him a contract.
“I still have a fire burning. I can still play at a high level, and I want to prove that.” Johnson said. “That [response] made [Gruden’s] eyeballs jump, because he’s got a lot to prove, too. There was an environment in the room that was very contagious. I knew a deal would happen after I left..I’m one of Gruden’s favorite players — he’s always had a soft spot for me. He’s always said that over the years.”
In a league that is getting increasingly younger, the Raiders have more players over the age of 29 than any other in the NFL. Like many of this year’s free agent additions in Oakland, Johnson is out to prove that he still has quality football left in the tank. He’ll celebrate his 35th birthday in November.
To make room for Johnson, the Raiders waived cornerback Darius Hillary. Hillary joined Oakland on a futures deal in January.
One Of Berry's Brothers At Chiefs Tryouts
- Both of Eric Berry‘s twin younger brothers are with teams this weekend. One will have a chance to join the All-Pro safety with the Chiefs. Elliott Berry is in Kansas City working as a tryout player, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Meanwhile, Evan Berry signed with the Browns as a UDFA on Friday. Both of twins played at Tennessee, as Eric did.
Chiefs Sign 14 UDFAs
The Chiefs announced the signing of 14 undrafted free agents:
- LB Raymond Davison (California)
- OT Ryan Hunter (Bowling Green)
- DT Dee Liner (Arkansas State)
- QB Chase Litton (Marshall)
- TE Blake Mack (Arkansas State)
- WR Elijah Marks (Northern Arizona)
- RB J.D. Moore (LSU)
- C Jimmy Murray (Holy Cross)
- LB Ben Niemann (Iowa)
- WR Byron Pringle (Kansas State)
- OT Devondre Seymour (Southern Illinois)
- DB Arrion Springs (Oregon)
- DB D’Montre Wade (Murray State)
- RB Darrel Williams (LSU)
Williams ended up receiving one of the bigger deals among undrafted free agents, signing for $30K, including a $15K bonus and $15K base (via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero on Twitter). The running back had a breakout campaign at LSU in 2017, compiling 820 yards and nine touchdowns on 145 carries.
Among the prospects who attended smaller schools, Wade was considered one of the top cornerback prospects. Following a season where he collected six interceptions, the defensive back will be in the running for a roster spot. The same could be said of the 6-foot-3, 337-pound Liner, who adds some much-needed size to Kansas City’s defensive line.
Chiefs, Browns Cancel Trade
The Dadi Nicolas/Randall Telfer trade won’t be happening after all. The deal has been nullified and both players have been waived by their original teams, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. 
On Tuesday, the Browns agreed to send Telfer, a tight end, to the Chiefs for Nicolas, a linebacker. It’s not immediately clear why the trade has been cancelled. Failed physicals are often the culprit for cancelled deals and Nicolas, who missed all of January with a ruptured patellar tendon, may not have passed his exam.
The Browns are well set at tight end with holdovers David Njoku, Seth DeValve, and free agent addition Darren Fells, so they are able to move on from Telfer without getting anything in return.
Raiders To Sign LB Derrick Johnson
For the first time in his NFL career, Derrick Johnson will suit up for a team other than the Chiefs. The veteran linebacker has agreed to terms with the Raiders, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic (on Twitter). The news was first reported by Michael Silver of the NFL Network (on Twitter). It’s a one-year deal, per the Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Redskins’ Bruce Allen Won’t Join Raiders]
Johnson may not be the player that he once was, but last season the 35-year-old still showed that he has something left in the tank. He also offers a great deal of experience and boasts four Pro Bowl nods and a First-Team All-Pro selection on his resume.
The Chiefs announced this offseason that they would not be re-signing Johnson, their all-time leading tackler. Since entering the league as a first round choice in 2005, Johnson has appeared in 182 games and amassed 1,262 career tackles.
The Raiders currently project to start Bruce Irvin, Tahir Whitehead, and Cory James at linebacker. It’s not clear whether Johnson will be given an opportunity to crack the starting lineup, but he could be a valuable depth piece and a mentor to younger players in the front seven.