The Kansas City Chiefs have made little noise late in the preseason, but one transaction added some much needed depth to the offensive line with the addition of Steve Maneri. It's not the move that many wanted the Chiefs to make -- given the oft-heard comments for the Chiefs to make bigger moves to address larger needs -- but it's one the team needed to make.
The offensive tackle was an undrafted free agent after the 2010 NFL Draft and signed with the Houston Texans. Shortly thereafter he was waived and signed by the New England Patriots. He was inactive for the first three games before being released and signed to the practice squad for the rest of the season. The Pats recently waived Maneri on Sunday.
The Chiefs add Maneri at a critical time heading into the season where both Jared Gaither and Barry Richardson have experienced some injuries this preseason and Ryan O'Callaghan has already been lost for the year. Branden Albert is the lone tackle who is completely healthy and ready to go, and that's a dangerous position for the Chiefs to be in. Adding Maneri brings a bit more depth to a line that could arguably use another addition somewhere soon.
One bonus item of note on Maneri is that he played tight end during his time at Temple and could potentially be utilized in goal line situations as an extra blocker or possible pass option off of the line. That versatility might come in handy in an unexpected moment -- assuming that Maneri actually makes the team.