C.J. Spiller has reportedly been released by the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the third time since the team’s initial cut down to 53 that the running back has been axed. This time around, the Chiefs are letting Spiller go so they can make room on the roster for running back Akeem Hunt, whom Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star notes can contribute on special teams.
The descent into irrelevance has been a slow, but steady one for Spiller.
The former first-round pick (No. 9 overall) of the Buffalo Bills in 2010 has not started a game since 2015. He was pretty darn good for a couple of years (between 2012-13) when he totaled 2,821 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, an injury in 2014 marked the beginning of the end for the former Clemson star. After signing a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints that year, Spiller has failed to get back to his top form. He has started just seven games since the beginning of the 2014 season and has struggled to stay healthy and relevant ever since.
Throughout his seven-year career leading up to this season, Spiller has totaled 4,935 yards and 21 touchdowns.