The reported signing of Stanford Routt to the Kansas City Chiefs speaks volumes not only about the story on the surface but about a player the Chiefs had just weeks before said was their top priority this NFL offseason. So while fans get to know their newest cornerback on the team for Romeo Crennel’s defense, they should also realize they’re likely saying goodbye to Brandon Carr, their starting corner for the last four seasons.
Other free agents are available this offseason like Lardarius Webb of the Ravens and Cortland Finnegan of the Titans at cornerback, but Carr is as good as them all. The four-year starter is only 26 and had a career high 4 interceptions this offseason. The Chiefs had a major decision to make between Carr and Dwayne Bowe for their franchise tag, and now it’s clear the decision has been made.
It’s likely that the Chiefs struck this deal early with Routt because they realized Carr was already out the door. If they spoke with Carr and realized he had his heart set on testing out the free agent market, then the sudden release of Routt from the Raiders, who are making moves to get under the salary cap, gave them a chance to plug an early hole. The team did just that.
Our prediction is that Carr signs rather quickly in the free agent market for big money with the Detroit Lions, his hometown team who also has Gunther Cunningham as the team’s defensive coordinator. The move will definitely help the Lions, but the Chiefs likely made the best possible move here as Plan B with Routt entering the fold. The Chiefs can still move forward as a defensive unit knowing that Routt is still only 28, had 4 interceptions himself last season and knows the AFC West intimately.
Check out Arrowhead Pride for more details on Stanford Routt's signing.