Mike

Merritt

It took so long because Merritt was hurt; he was the last rookie to sign. Merritt, mostly a blocker, played college ball at UCF with Kevin Smith.

He’ll be eligible to return in Week 7. The Chiefs could have a spot open because No. 2 tight end Brad Cottam is bound to get injured at some point.

The Chiefs have three weeks to decide whether to activate them. They hope Merritt can develop into a solid blocking tight end in the mold of former Chief Jason Dunn.

A seventh-round pick, Merritt is primarily a blocking tight end who won’t challenge Tony Gonzalez for snaps.

Merritt was arrested for marijuana possession earlier this month, which may end the 2008 seventh-round pick’s career. He was only a blocker anyway.

Here’s one way to get the new front office’s attention. A blocking tight end prospect, Merritt was spotted inside his vehicle “rolling what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette.” Merritt saw police, put the object in his mouth, and when told to spit it out asked “all this for a little bit of weed?” Another three grams were found in his shoe after a search. He’s unlikely to make the club now.