Chiefs Reportedly Won't Pick Up 2020 Team Option on OL Cam Erving
By Michael Luciano
The Kansas City Chiefs will have to shed some salary as they prepare to pony up for the big contracts looming for Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones. In order to lock those two stars down for the long haul, the Chiefs will be forced to part ways with some other players, and it seems the organization is on the verge of making the first of its expected cuts.
The Chiefs are not expected to exercise their team option on backup offensive lineman and Super Bowl LIV champion Cam Erving, a move which would save them $3.25 million in cap space.
The #Chiefs are not expected to exercise their 2020 team option on OL Cam Erving, per @TerezPaylor. The move will save Kansas City $3.25M in cap space.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 1, 2020
Erving was selected in the first round, 19th overall, at the 2015 NFL draft out of Florida State by the Cleveland Browns. He was moved to guard and center, but faltered mightily in both roles. His struggles with speed moves and pass protection continued after he was traded to the Chiefs in 2018 for a fifth round pick. Erving started 25 games in three years in KC, including eight this season, but his play often disappointed. His PFF grade was a paltry 44.8 this year, as he allowed five sacks in eight starts.
Don’t know how Patrick Mahomes is still alive after the stretch where Cameron Erving was his left tackle pic.twitter.com/PUZXVued3Q
— Chase Snyder (@ChasingSnyder) January 17, 2020
The 27 year old might be a bust given his first-round pedigree, and his play on the field last season was poor at times, but his versatility on the line could appeal to teams looking for a serviceable and experienced backup.