The Kansas City Chiefs are releasing one of their free agent additions at linebacker this offseason.
As first reported by KC Star columnist Sam McDowell, the Chiefs are releasing LB Jermaine Carter in their cut down to 53 players. A former fifth-round pick by the Panthers in 2018, has spent his first four seasons with Carolina. Carter made 17 starts in 2021, totaling 88 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery in 17 games.
Carter signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs during free agency. His release will cost the team $1.7 million in dead cap space.
The Chiefs cut linebacker Jermaine Carter, source tells The Star.
— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) August 30, 2022
During training camp and the preseason, Carter struggled to catch on. He didn’t look comfortable at any time during the preseason on the defensive side of the ball and he was out-snapped by other linebackers on special teams. He didn’t make the decision tough on the front office outside of the contract he was given.
This move should solidify a roster spot for LB Darius Harris, the former undrafted free agent from Middle Tennessee in 2019. He played his way onto the roster with strong performances on special teams and as the backup MIKE linebacker. It also shows the growth they’ve seen from rookie LB Leo Chenal during the course of the offseason.
