Worst Free Agent Signings in Chiefs History
By Scott Rogust
When looking at the all-time worst free agent signings in NFL history, you see a ton of former Kansas City Chiefs players who were shown the door by the franchise. The Chiefs have occasionally opted against locking down players at the end of their contract, and there have been various situations in which that decision has paid off for the team.
Still, like every other franchise in the league, the organization has also made some regrettable pickups during past offseasons. Here are the worst free agent signings in Chiefs history.
3. DT Chester McGlockton
Chester McGlockton was a disruptor on the defensive line during his time with the Oakland Raiders. He was a four-time Pro bowler and the Chiefs were desperate to add him to their roster. The team surrendered significant draft capital to sign him to a five-year, $30 million contract. He never lived up to the capital Kansas City surrendered to get him, as he accumulated seven sacks in three seasons with the team.
2. WR Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins never fully lived up to the hype of his fourth overall selection in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he still commanded quite the market once hitting free agency in 2018. Enter the Chiefs, who signed him to a massive three-year, $48 million contract, making him a top-five paid receiver at the time. While you point out his impressive Super Bowl LIV performance, Watkins' career has been plagued by injury and he's proven to be extremely inconsistent. In 24 games played, Watkins has recorded 1,192 yards and six touchdowns -- that's not exactly deserving of a $16 million annual salary.
1. LB Kendrell Bell
Kendrell Bell was a former Defensive Rookie of the Year when he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2001. During his four years with the team, he had strong seasons, along with injury-shortened campaigns. Once he hit the open market in 2005, the Chiefs could've given Bell a one-year deal. Instead, they signed him to a seven-year deal, with $10 million guaranteed and an annual salary in excess of $5 million. Of course, Bell didn't live up to the huge financial numbers, as he notched a total of 7.5 sacks in three seasons. Bell finally announced his retirement from football after the 2017 season.