The 2007 season was the Kansas City Chiefs' 38th in the National Football League (NFL), their 48th overall, and their second under head coach Herm Edwards.
The team looking to improve on their 9–7 record in 2006 and attempting to secure the franchise's first back-to-back playoff berth since 1995. The season ended with a nine-game losing streak, the team's first since 1987 and a 4–12 record. It was the Chiefs' first season with twelve losses since 1978.
Considered a year of transition,Teicher, Adam. It's summer, but no KC vacation Kansas City Star, June 22, 2007.Teicher, Adam. Transition marks start of training camp Kansas City Star, July 27, 2007. the 2007 season marked the Chiefs' forty-fifth season in Kansas City, Missouri, and final before renovations began at Arrowhead Stadium.
Quarterback Trent Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins, leaving the door open for second-year quarterback Brodie Croyle or back-up quarterback Damon Huard to win the starting job. Huard was named starting quarterback on August 25 for the team's first game of the season,Huard named starting quarterback Kansas City Star, August 25, 2007. but Croyle replaced him after Huard was injured in the game against Denver in Week 10.
Five different running backs were used after Larry Johnson was injured in Week 9 against Green Bay. The team also had no stability at quarterback with Croyle and Huard, who both nursed injuries throughout the season, while their offensive line depleted following the retirement of their former Pro Bowl guard Will Shields.
To honor their late team owner and founder Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs wore a special American Football League patch on their uniforms with the initials "LH" emblazoned inside the logo's football.
Offseason The Chiefs' off-season began with turmoil over the contract of Tony Gonzalez, and the long-term status of Trent Green in Kansas City.
New quarterback
For the first time in almost 20 years the Chiefs entered training camp with some doubt about their starting quarterback.
"It’s going to be open for competition and that’s what’s good about it. If Trent Green decides to come back, it’s going to be the same three guys and they are going to compete. You have to leave it at that; let them compete for the position and see who wins out." ~Herman Edwards, in March 2007.Q&A with Herm Edwards KCChiefs.com, March 16, 2007.
Reserve quarterback Damon Huard was signed to a three-year contract in February and Trent Green was not only asked to restructure his contract, but also offered in trades to other teams. Quarterback Brodie Croyle, who was drafted in 2006, was in contention with Huard to succeed Green throughout the offseason. The Chiefs had said that Green would be welcome to return and compete for the job as well if he was not traded,Teicher, Adam. Browns may go for Green Kansas City Star, March 29, 2007. but Green refused. After the draft had passed, Trent Green was still listed on the Chiefs' roster, but Green's agent stated that Green would not return to the Chiefs for the 2007 season.Teicher, Adam. Trent Green still a Chief Kansas City Star, April 30, 2007. On June 5, the Chiefs traded Green to the Miami Dolphins.Pasquarelli, Len. Green goes to Dolphins from Chiefs in trade ESPN.com, June 5, 2007.
On August 25, Damon Huard was named the starting quarterback for the season opener against the Houston Texans. Croyle was chosen to be the starter months later on November 12.
Running back drama As rumors spread concerning the Chiefs' quarterback situation, more emerged concerning their starting running back, Larry Johnson. The Kansas City Star, without citing a source, reported that the team had offered Johnson up for trade in the weeks before the 2007 NFL draft.Chiefs deny they're trying to trade RB Johnson NFL.com news wire, April 26, 2007. The 27-year-old Johnson participated in all of the Chiefs' off-season program, but was entering the final year of his contract. Johnson reportedly made it clear he wanted a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed in 2005. The Chiefs invited four running backs—California's Marshawn Lynch, Ohio State's Antonio Pittman, Florida State's Lorenzo Booker and Louisville's Kolby Smith—for interviews, and had said they were willing to draft a running back in the early rounds. The Chiefs later selected Kolby Smith in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL draft.
On June 21, Johnson stated that he was willing to sit out the Chiefs' training camp unless he and the Chiefs reach an agreement on a new contract.Whitlock, Jason. Larry Johnson says training camp holdout is possible Kansas City Star, D1, June 21, 2007. Johnson was absent at the start of training camp as contract talks were stalled. On July 25, reports surfaced of former starting running back Priest Holmes informing the team that he would arrive at training camp on the third day of practice (Saturday, July 28). Holmes was considered to be either acting as leverage to re-sign Johnson or even reclaim the starting position for himself if Johnson had decided to sit out.Teicher, Adam. Priest Holmes tells the Chiefs he wants to come to camp Kansas City Star, July 25, 2007. Holmes had not played since the middle of the 2005 season after suffering a severe neck injury against the San Diego Chargers, but remained on the team's payroll and roster.
On August 21, Johnson and the Chiefs agreed to a five-year contract extension that secured Johnson's status with the Chiefs through the 2012 season.LJ ends holdout, joins Chiefs at practice Kansas City Star, August 21, 2007. As a result of this extension, Johnson became the highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary per year. The contract is worth $45 million, with $19 million guaranteed. Of the guaranteed money, $12 million is the signing bonus and $7 million is guaranteed salary.Clayton, John. Johnson, Chiefs work out five-year contract extension ESPN.com, August 21, 2007.
On August 30, Johnson played his first pre-season game in the 2007 exhibition season, carrying the ball only 3 times in the first quarter of the Chiefs' match-up against the St. Louis Rams. Holmes officially retired in November.
Suspensions On April 27, defensive end Jared Allen was suspended for the first four games of the 2007 season.Teicher, Adam. Chiefs' Allen will miss first four games of the season Kansas City Star, April 27, 2007. Also, despite earlier stating that he would seek a trade, Allen announced that he would return to the Chiefs, and signed a one-year contract. On July 16, Allen's suspension was reduced to two games following an appeal.Teicher, Adam. Suspension of Chiefs' Allen reduced to two games Kansas City Star, July 17, 2007.
Free agency The Chiefs had nineteen free-agent players heading into the 2007 off-season.Chiefs free agents Kansas City Star, March 3, 2007.2007 Kansas City Chiefs free agents ESPN.com, retrieved March 26, 2007.
Position Player Tag Date signed 2007 team Contract(with KC) DE Jared Allen RFAThe Chiefs placed a high-tender on Jared Allen, requiring teams to trade a first and third round draft pick to the Chiefs in exchange for Allen if they decline to match the offer. May 22 Kansas City Chiefs One year OT Jordan Black UFA March 8Schenck, Nick. Texans, Black agree to deal HoustonTexans.com, March 8, 2007. Houston Texans RB Dee Brown UFA Released FB Ronnie Cruz ERFA Released DT Ron Edwards UFA March 15 Kansas City Chiefs Four yearsTeicher, Adam. Chiefs sign defensive tackle Edwards Kansas City Star, March 15, 2007. LB Keyaron Fox RFA N/A Kansas City Chiefs N/A LS Kendall Gammon UFA Released TE Tony Gonzalez RFA January 12Chiefs and Gonzalez agree in principle to a five-year contract extension KCChiefs.com, January 12, 2007. Kansas City Chiefs Five years LB Kris Griffin ERFA May 23 Cleveland Browns QB Damon Huard UFA February 27Chiefs agree to terms of a three-year contract with QB Damon Huard KCChiefs.com, February 27, 2007.Teicher, Adam. Chiefs sign Huard; Green's status in doubt Kansas City Star, February 27, 2007. Kansas City Chiefs Three years LB Kawika Mitchell UFA March 27Schefter, Adam. Tracking the comings and goings of free agency NFL.com, retrieved March 27, 2007. New York Giants WR Samie Parker RFA N/A Kansas City Chiefs N/A DT James Reed RFA April 17Teicher, Adam. Chiefs announce signings Kansas City Star, April 18, 2007. Kansas City Chiefs Three years OT Kevin Sampson RFA N/A Kansas City Chiefs N/A CB Benny Sapp RFA April 17 Kansas City Chiefs One year LB Rich Scanlon RFA N/A Kansas City Chiefs N/A K Lawrence Tynes RFA May 22The Chiefs signed Tynes for a one-year contract on April 17, but traded him to the New York Giants on May 22 for "future considerations." New York Giants CB Lenny Walls UFA March 25Pasquarelli, Len. Rams pick up veteran cornerback Walls ESPN.com, March 25, 2007. St. Louis Rams DE Jimmy Wilkerson UFA March 17Pasquarelli, Len. Chiefs agree to re-sign Wilkerson for one year ESPN.com, March 18, 2007. Kansas City Chiefs One yearRFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
Team additions
In January, the Chiefs agreed to terms on a two-year deal with offensive tackle Ramiro Pruneda from Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, Mexico.Chiefs agree to terms with Mexican T Ramiro Pruneda KCChiefs.com, January 26, 2007
In March, the Chiefs signed both offensive tackle Damion McIntosh and middle linebacker Napoleon Harris to six-year contracts.Teicher, Adam. Chiefs sign veteran offensive tackle Kansas City Star, March 3, 2007.Chiefs agree to terms with UFA LB Napoleon Harris KCChiefs.com, March 6, 2007. The team also signed long snapper J. P. Darche.Teicher, Adam. Chiefs pick up deep snapper, Gammon appears out Kansas City Star, March 7, 2007. Insideside linebacker Donnie Edwards,Brisendine, Steve. LB Donnie Edwards returning to Chiefs Associated Press, March 10, 2007.Pasquarelli, Len. Chiefs land veteran LB Edwards ESPN.com, March 10, 2007. defensive tackle Alfonso Boone,Pasquarelli, Len. Chiefs ink veteran Boone to bolster their run defense ESPN.com, March 17, 2007. and strong safety Jon McGraw.Associated Press. Kansas City signs SS Jon McGraw Sports Illustrated, March 29, 2007.
In May, the Chiefs signed 16 undrafted rookie free agents for OTA's. Among those signed were Tyron Brackenridge and Dimitri Patterson, both of whom remained on the Chiefs' 53-man roster throughout the season.Chiefs agree to terms with 16 rookie free agents KCChiefs.com, May 7, 2007.
In August, the Chiefs signed kick returner Eddie Drummond to a one-year contract.Chiefs add veteran return specialist ESPN.com, August 26, 2007. The Chiefs also signed wide receiver Bobby Sippio to their practice squad.
Throughout the season, the Chiefs used three different kickers. Rookie Justin Medlock started only one game (at Houston) before his release the following day due to his poor performance in the game, as well as the pre-season. Dave Rayner was acquired through waivers from Green Bay, but later released after a Week 12 loss to Oakland. Lastly, Kansas City acquired John Carney after his release from Jacksonville, and remained on the active roster through the end of the season.
Departures On March 21, strong safety Sammy Knight and offensive tackle Kyle Turley were released. Turley was subsequently re-signed on July 21 after contemplating retirement.Kansas City Star, section D, page 2; June 21, 2007.
On April 15, offensive guard Will Shields announced his retirement.Pasquarelli, Len. Chiefs guard Shields, a 12-time Pro Bowler, retires ESPN.com, April 15, 2007. On April 25, the Chiefs traded wide receiver/kick returner Dante Hall to the St. Louis Rams for a fifth round pick, and both teams also swapped picks in the third round (Kansas City moved up two spots).Teicher, Adam. Chiefs trade Dante Hall to Rams Kansas City Star, April 25, 2007.