KC Chiefs waive Josh Martin, announce addition of Jah Reid

The Chiefs are releasing a core special teams player to add some much-needed depth at offensive line.

On Monday, the team announced that third-year pro Josh Martin, one of the team's best special teams player a year ago, has been waived. The team also announced the signing of offensive tackle Jah Reid, who was released by the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

The team has invested the last three years in developing Martin, a former undrafted rookie free agent who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 245 pounds. He was one of the team's best special teams players a year ago, posting a Pro Football Focus rating of 13.5 — the best on the team — and positive grades on kickoffs and punts. He also had 10 special teams tackles a year ago.

Martin suffered a concussion during the Chiefs' preseason finale against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday, which means he was waived with an injury designation. That means if he clears waivers, he'll be placed on injured-reserve.

Martin's release — and that of backup Dezman Moses, as well — clears the way for 2014 first-round pick Dee Ford to be the undisputed No. 3 outside linebacker behind Pro Bowlers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali. Ford, who played some special teams a year ago, might have to do the same this year, too. Core special teamer Frank Zombo provides depth there, as well.

But while the Chiefs might not be as strong at outside linebacker as they were before Saturday, Martin's release does create a much-needed roster spot for Reid, a 6-foot-7, 325-pounder who was a third-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2011.

Reid, 27, has dressed in 39 games with seven starts during his four-year career, with his last start coming in 2012.

Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said he likes Reid's versatility. He has appeared at right tackle, right guard, left guard and left tackle during his career.

“Jah Reid gives us size, the versatility to play left and tight tackle, as well as a little bit of guard,” Reid said. “He has a really good punch and he finishes blocks, so there's a lot of combinations here … (if) you're looking for a swing tackle, a guy that can contribute, he had all the attributes you're looking for.

“That degree of versatility has value on it.”

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 6:20 PM with the headline "KC Chiefs waive Josh Martin, announce addition of Jah Reid."