Chiefs’ Scott Pioli’s Hatchet Job

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 -- Kansas City Chiefs' new general manager, Scott Pioli, is rebuilding the team by hacking away at it and releasing some often-injured veterans. Quarterback Damon Huard, linebacker Donnie Edwards and cornerback Patrick Surtain were all cut on Tuesday.

Soon after being hired, Pioli, who is credited with having created the Super Bowl championship Patriot teams, fired Chiefs’ head coach Herm Edwards. Todd Haley was hired to replace him.

All three players who have been cut are aging vets. Edwards, who is 35, played in just seven games last season, making 34 tackles. Huard, who is also 35, has been a career backup. He’s been with the Chiefs for the past five seasons, but was unable to play in the last 11 games of the 2008- 2009 season.

At 32, Surtain is the youngest of the trio. Last year, he appeared in eight games, making 11 tackles. Surtain, who has been a pro for 11 seasons, has 37 career interceptions and has appeared in three Pro Bowls. He’s been All-Pro twice.

The Chiefs also let tight end Michael Merritt go after just one season. In 2008, Merritt, a rookies, saw little action.

There was no comment made by Kansas City regarding the released players. The terminations were announced on the Chiefs’ website.