The Chiefs have parted ways with their incumbent kicker.
Ryan Succop, the Chiefs’ kicker the last five seasons, was released by the club on Saturday, the team announced.
The 27-year-old Succop hit 22-of-28 field goals and forced 47 touchbacks in 91 kickoffs in 2013. The final pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Succop had spent his entire career with Kansas City.
It’s quite possible Succop could land elsewhere this season. New Orleans, Philadelphia and Tennessee are among the clubs unsettled at kicker. His release could have been driven by finances. Succop was slated to make $1.95 million in salary in 2014 and $7.6 million in salary over the next three seasons, according to NFLPA records.
With Succop departing, the Chiefs are left with rookie Cairo Santos at kicker. Santos is scheduled to make $420,000 this year, per players union data. Santos connected on all three field goal attempts in exhibition play.
In addition to cutting Succop, the Chiefs announced the release of safety Jonathon Amaya, safety Malcolm Bronson, fullback Jordan Campbell, defensive lineman Dominique Hamilton, wide receiver Mark Harrison, offensive guard Ricky Henry, linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, linebacker Nico Johnson, defensive tackle Kyle Love, cornerback Justin Rogers, defensive lineman Kona Schwenke, cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, linebacker Devan Walker, offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb, tailback Charcandrick West and wide receiver Fred Williams. Johnson was the Chiefs’ fourth-round pick in the 2013 draft (No. 99 overall).
The Chiefs also placed quarterback Tyler Bray and wide receiver Kyle Williams on injured reserve, with defensive end Mike Catapano landing on the non-football injury list.
The team also said it had placed wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and offensive lineman Donald Stephenson on the reserve/suspended list. Bowe will serve a one-game NFL suspension to begin 2014, while Stephenson is out four games. The Chiefs get roster exemptions for both players.
The Chiefs are at the 53-player limit.