Barry

Richardson

The Rams were apparently sending out a casting call for a swing tackle, as Robert Turner and Quinn Ojinnaka were also brought in. Ojinnaka was signed, likely eliminating Richardson from contention.

Free agent Barry Richardson was one of the least effective right tackles in football last season. While Branden Albert finally emerged as a fine all-around left tackle in 2011, he’s now entering a contract season. The Chiefs have no depth to speak of behind Albert.

In other words, Chiefs backs had their greatest success behind LT Branden Albert, who also graded out well as a pass protector in Pro Football Focus’ ratings. First-year starting RG Jon Asamoah excelled as a pass-blocker, but has room to grow in the run game. The Chiefs figure to look for an upgrade on free agent Barry Richardson at right tackle this offseason.

Richardson struggled mightily as the Chiefs’ right tackle last season, but the Rams are giving him a kick of the tires at a position of severe weakness. He’s still only 26. Haggan, 32, appeared in 16 games with Denver in 2011, making one start and focusing on special teams. He was a starter in 2009 and 2010.

Even though Smith is a former No. 2 overall pick and Richardson is a 2008 sixth-rounder, coach Jeff Fisher has opened up the job to competition. Smith certainly has more potential, but both are major liabilities pass protection right now. It’s an area of concern for the Rams.

It’s concerning news for Smith, as Richardson was merely a depth signing and is playing for the veteran minimum. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jim Thomas believes the job is “definitely” up for grabs, and may take the entire preseason to sort out. Richardson started the Rams’ preseason opener, and is practicing with the first-team offense. St. Louis will struggle to protect Sam Bradford this year.

A five-year veteran, Richardson has started 48 consecutive games. A former Chief, he served as the Rams’ right tackle last season, but was thoroughly mediocre. He’ll serve as veteran insurance for RT David Stewart (broken leg). LT Michael Roos is also dealing with a minor back injury, but is expected to be fine for camp. Richardson should be able to lock down a roster spot.

The Rams’ starting right tackle last season, Richardson was signed in June. He obviously didn’t show much in camp. Noted for his lack of separation skills on last summer’s Hard Knocks, Wallace doesn’t look like he’s ever going to cash his 6-foot-4, 225-pound frame into a permanent roster spot.

Even as a vested veteran, Richardson must clear waivers since his release came after the trade deadline. Richardson’s release is a sign RT Corey Hilliard (knee) is ready to return for Week 10.

It’s a little surprising. This Chiefs offense line is a total disaster. McIntosh is a veteran with a lot of experience so you know he must have been playing really poorly. It looks like Barry Richardson will be the starting right tackle, and you can be sure this unit will struggle this year. The Chiefs also cut OT Herb Taylor, C Eric Ghiaciuc and G Tavares Washington.