LeSean McCoy released, signs with Kansas City Chiefs: Fantasy context
By Raju Byfield
Rizzla discusses and breaks down the fantasy context of LeSean McCoy’s release from the Buffalo Bills and his decision to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Former Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy has been released by the Buffalo Bills. While there were rumors and talk of his potential release all summer, this still comes as a surprise to many.
Seemingly telegraphing this move all offseason, the Bills added top rookie running back Devin Singletary in the 2019 NFL Draft. This was after they added Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon in free agency. As a result, Buffalo was unable to find a trade partner who was willing to attach any compensation of significance for a back many in the league believed would become a cap casualty.
It’s a questionable move for the Buffalo Bills. There are likely plenty of overpaid wide receivers they could have brought in in exchange for McCoy. Instead, they will go into the season with John Brown, Cole Beasley and Zay Jones as their top three receivers.
Immediately upon his release, there were reports of multiple teams with varying amounts of interest in McCoy. LeSean McCoy would quicky sign a one year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Adam Schefter broke the news just after midnight.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, made a brilliant move by signing LeSean McCoy. As good as Damien Williams looked in a small sample, it was just that, a small sample. He has had trouble staying healthy this summer and is a career backup that could not beat our Kenyan Drake in Miami. This is part of the reason the Chiefs took a gamble on Carlos Hyde.
LeSean McCoy has proven that he can succeed in Andy Reid’s (and as a result the Chiefs) system. His $4 million dollar contract with $3 million guaranteed suggests he will be the starter over Damien Williams ($1.6 million guaranteed over two years). McCoy provides a solid infusion of talent and depending on who you ask, an upgrade to the Chiefs starting running back.