We have another decision from the Kansas City Chiefs as it relates to exclusive rights free agents.
According to multiple reports, the Chiefs won’t be bringing back WR Marcus Kemp, who joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2017. Kemp was expected to have a much larger role for the Chiefs during the 2019 season. He was tracking to make the 53-man roster before suffering a torn ACL and MCL during the Week 2 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was ultimately sent to injured reserve ahead of the start of the regular season.
Keep in mind as an ERFA, he’d earn a minimum salary if he were tendered a contract.
The Chiefs will not tender WR Marcus Kemp, an ERFA, a source tells me. There's a scenario where he could still return but there is also interest from other teams.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) March 16, 2020
Kemp has proven to be a valuable special teams player for the Chiefs. If he makes a full recovery from his injury he could still become a contributor on offense too.
“He was a high-level player for us last year,” Special Teams coach Dave Toub said of Kemp during the 2019 offseason. “He was our starting gunner and made plays all year long. I feel really good about him going forward. I think where he has really stepped up now is on offense. He’s starting to make a lot more plays on offense, and that’s a good thing because then the offensive coaches feel comfortable about him. He’s in a good place because they feel comfortable and I feel comfortable. He’s doing well.”
This could be a scenario similar to what happened with former Chiefs WR De’Anthony Thomas, who wasn’t re-signed initially following the 2018 season after breaking his leg. He rejoined Kansas City in 2019 after recovering in full from his injury.
There should be some outside interest in Kemp in free agency, but with player visits seemingly on hiatus due to coronavirus concerns. There remains a chance that Kemp bides his time and rejoins the Chiefs ahead of or during the 2020 season.
Another injured ERFA, TE David Wells, won’t be tendered by the Chiefs either according to reports. Wells signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs for the 2019 season after spending time on their practice squad in 2018.
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