Chiefs Sign New Kicker

Hopefully, the third time will be the charm for the Kansas City's kicking game.

The Chiefs signed veteran John Carney on Monday, adding the 43-year old to solve their kicking woes. Carney is the third kicker the Chiefs have signed this season. At this point, it also appears that current kicker Dave Rayner will be cut.

Rayner was signed a game into 2007 after Justin Medlock, the Chiefs fifth-round pick, bombed in his first NFL game. The Chiefs gave Medlock every opportunity to take control of the job, but the UCLA product couldn’t adjust to the pro game. He struggled throughout the preseason, then missed his first NFL kick, and the Chiefs couldn’t wait any longer.

Kansas City picked up Rayner after the Green Bay Packers released him this preseason. He lost his job to rookie Mason Crosby, who the Chiefs had considered drafting before settling on Medlock.

At first it appeared that Rayner was the answer for the Chiefs, as he started out strong, but missed field goals over the last month, including one that was the difference against the Raiders Sunday, sealed his fate.

Always known as an accurate kicker, the only knock on Carney now is his leg strength. The Chiefs may have to sign Billy Cundiff to take care of kickoffs. Cundiff also stayed in town last night and could end up on the roster.

If Cundiff is signed, the Chiefs will likely cut kick return specialist Eddie Drummond, who’s also struggled this season. Drummond has been inactive the last couple of games, with wide receivers Jeff Webb and Eddie Kennison assuming his return duties.

For more on this topic check out this week’s edition of Colquitt’s Coffin Corner. Kansas City’s punter talks about the kicking situation and what he thinks of John Carney.