Chiefs expected to release Law, 3 others

2/28/2008 6:41 PM

By JOHN MARSHALL
AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -Ty Law's short and relatively unproductive career in Kansas City appears to be over.

The Chiefs have told Law he will be released, likely within the next week, according to a team official speaking on the condition of anonymity. Linebacker Kendrell Bell, tight end Jason Dunn and defensive lineman James Reed also are expected to be released as the team continues to purge its roster of older players.

The official declined to be identified because the players had not yet been released. The moves were first reported in The Kansas City Star.

Guard John Welbourn and receiver Eddie Kennison already have been released, and several other veterans will likely follow in the coming weeks as the Chiefs shift their focus to younger players.

Kansas City also agreed to terms on a five-year contract with punter Dustin Colquitt on Thursday, a day before he would have become a free agent. Kansas City's third-round draft pick in 2005, Colquitt was fifth in the NFL with a net average of 39.1 yards.

Law, a five-time Pro Bowler who played on three Super Bowl-winning teams with New England, was still considered one of the NFL's top cornerbacks when he signed with the Chiefs two years ago at age 32.

The active NFL leader with 50 career interceptions, Law had a decent first season in Kansas City, helping the Chiefs reach the playoffs. But he struggled to keep up with speedy receivers this past season, forcing Kansas City to alter its defensive game plan to compensate.

Law told The Star he doesn't plan to retire.

Bell signed a lucrative contract with the Chiefs three years ago after three successful seasons in Pittsburgh. The 2001 NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl starter his first two seasons in Kansas City, he spent last season playing primarily special teams after the Chiefs signed Donnie Edwards to take his place.

Dunn spent most of his time as Tony Gonzalez's backup, though he was more of a blocker than receiver. He was a significant part of Kansas City's powerful running game earlier this decade, but had been slowed by injuries recently.

Reed was a starter his first season after signing with the Chiefs two years ago, but saw little playing time last year.