According to the NFL’s transaction report today, the Kansas City Chiefs placed linebacker Martrell Spaight on the reserve/retired list. This means that Spaight has officially retired.
Spaight entered the league as fifth-round draft pick of the Washington Redskins out of Arkansas in 2015. Concussion issues ended Spaight’s time with Washington, and he bounced around a few different teams during the 2018 season.
Spaight signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs in early January, ahead of the Chiefs’ two playoff games. It was also ahead of their decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, so it’s unclear how much of a fit Spaight would have been in the new 4-3 defensive scheme under Steve Spagnuolo.
With the addition of Darron Lee via trade, it was becoming increasingly likely that Spaight wouldn’t have a true chance to compete for a roster spot in Kansas City. Between the concussion issues and a strong likelihood of having to find another job after some time on the Chiefs’ roster, it appears that Spaight decided to pursue other things.
Were Spaight to change his mind about playing in the NFL, the Chiefs would still hold on to his rights, given his addition to the reserve/retired list.
The offseason roster sits at 89 players following the retirement of Spaight. Who do you think the Chiefs will add to fill that final roster spot?
