Report: Chiefs to release veteran DB Parker

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to release veteran safety Ron Parker in a cost-cutting move, according to the Kansas City Star.

Parker, 30, is set to count nearly $7 million against the salary cap in 2018. The Chiefs can reduce that to a $2 million charge in dead money by releasing him.

A former cornerback, Parker transitioned to safety and emerged as a full-time starter in 2014, his second year with Kansas City. He has started 67 of a possible 68 games (including playoffs) over the last four seasons and led the team in defensive snaps in each of the last two campaigns.

In nine NFL seasons, Parker has totaled 320 tackles, nine interceptions and 43 passes defensed.

The Chiefs’ secondary was already set to look different in 2018 with five cornerbacks scheduled to hit free agency, as well as the trade of No. 1 cornerback Marcus Peters, which will become official when the new league year opens March 14.

Looking to cut costs, the team also said goodbye to quarterback Alex Smith, who will be traded, and linebacker Derrick Johnson, who won’t return as an unrestricted free agent. Linebacker Tamba Hali could be released, as well, which would trigger a savings of about $6.5 million against the cap.

–Field Level Media