Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs release veteran OL Jah Reid

Published Aug. 31, 2017 6:01 p.m. ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs have released veteran offensive lineman Jah Reid before Thursday night's preseason finale against Tennessee, one day after acquiring former first-round pick Cam Erving in a trade with Cleveland.

Most expected Erving to assume the swing tackle job that Reid has held down the past two seasons in Kansas City. The Chiefs ultimately decided to give Reid a better chance to latch on elsewhere by letting him go ahead of Saturday's NFL-mandated roster cuts.

Reid has appeared in 61 games over six seasons with Baltimore and Kansas City, and injuries made him a dependable backup with the Chiefs. He started 10 games in 2015 and appeared in 12 games last season.

Erving was acquired from Cleveland for a 2018 fifth-round draft pick. He was the No. 19 overall selection in 2015, but had struggled to lock down a starting job with the Browns.