LeSean McCoy wasn’t without a team for very long.
After being released by the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, the veteran running back later signed with the Kansas City Chiefs according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It’s a one-year, $4 million deal with $3 million in guaranteed money. The move reunites him with Andy Reid who was his head coach during the first four years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. McCoy spent the previous four seasons with the Bills.
Former Bills’ RB LeSean McCoy is reuniting with Chiefs HC Andy Reid, per source. McCoy getting a one-year, $4 million deal that includes $3 million guaranteed from the Chiefs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2019
Kansas City Chiefs Sign LeSean McCoy to a One-Year Deal
McCoy is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro. He finished the season with a paltry 514 yards and managed just three rushing touchdowns, the latter of which was a career-low. That lack of production, combined with the perception of him being in the twilight of his career, prompted the decision from general manager Brandon Beane to part ways with McCoy.
It’s a far cry from his 2017 campaign where he accounted for 1,138 yards rushing which were good enough for fourth-best in the league. Perhaps the most iconic highlight of the season was his scamper in overtime during a lake effect snowstorm that gave Buffalo a 13-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts. It played a significant role in the Bills ending their infamous playoff drought.
McCoy was named to his sixth Pro Bowl as a result. He earned similar accolades a year earlier which was statistically his best as a Bill. That year, he accounted for 1,267 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, the latter of which was his second-best effort as a pro. Prior to his time in Western New York, McCoy spent the first six years of his career with the Eagles who picked him in the second round (39th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft. While in Philly, he earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2011 and 2013 while being named to the Pro Bowl three times.
Kansas City’s running back situation was certainly sent into flux after the team released Kareem Hunt when video surfaced of him assaulting a woman in a Cleveland hotel. But Damien Williams impressed late in the season and will assume the lead back role in 2019. McCoy joins a group that includes, among others, rookie Darwin Thompson.
McCoy’s first opportunity to contribute will come when the Chiefs go on the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week One. It’s the start of a season that should see the team figure prominently in the Super Bowl race behind defending MVP Patrick Mahomes. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.
