Danny

Shelton

Shelton spent all of 2022 on the Chiefs’ practice squad and will have a shot at making the 53-man roster this offseason. The former first-round draft pick has split time between four teams over the last five seasons and appeared in just one game last season. The Chiefs also announced the signings of TE Kendall Blanton, DB Dicaprio Bootle, TE Matt Bushman, OG Mike Caliendo, RB Jerrion Ealy, QB Chris Oladokun, RB La’Mical Perine, WR Cornell Powell, C Austin Reiter, and WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette to reserve/future contracts.

Shelton, 29, lasted 21 days in Kansas City after spending most of the offseason on the street. The former 12th overall pick of the Browns, Shelton’s career is on fumes.

Shelton did not particularly distinguish himself in small action for the Giants last year, posting a 43.4 PFF run defense grade. He hasn’t had an above-average PFF grade in the area since 2019. The monster nose will join the interior rotation in Kansas City, likely playing behind Derrick Nnadi.

The Raiders have made a habit of signing former Patriots, and Shelton fits the bill. He played in New England in 2018 and 2019, earning two TFLs and three sacks in his second season with the team. Raiders GM Dave Ziegler was the Patriots’ director of pro personnel at the time. If signed, Shelton would play a rotational role for Las Vegas.

Shelton started all 12 games he appeared in under Matt Patricia during the former’s lone season in Detroit, battling a knee injury at the end of the year. He’s the fourth Lions player to join the Giants this offseason, linking back up with Kenny Golladay, Reggie Ragland and Kenny Wiggins.

Another part of the Patriots-to-Lions express route has followed ex-coach Matt Patricia out the door. Shelton spent one season in Detroit, and his release saves the Lions $4 million against the cap. Shelton, 27, started all 12 games he appeared in for Detroit while spending time on I.R. with a knee issue.

Shelton is expected to return for Sunday’s Week 17 game with the Vikings after spending four weeks on IR. The former No. 12 overall pick started every game and was playing 60% of snaps before going down. Signed to a two-year, $8 million contract last offseason, Shelton’s roster spot won’t be guaranteed in 2021 with ex-Lions coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn gone.

Shelton started every game before going down, playing 61% of snaps. It’s a downgrade to a run defense that was already one of the league’s worst. Da’Shawn Hand should pick up Shelton’s snaps.

It’s another Foxborough connection for coach Matt Patricia. Shelton will be a rotational nose tackle to plug up running lanes for a defense that’s desperate for passing coverage. The 2015 first-rounder is coming off a career-high 61 tackles, six quarterback hits, and three sacks.

The Patriots sent a third-round pick to Cleveland in order to acquire Shelton last March, but utilized the run-stuffer on just 23 snaps over two postseason games at season’s end. The 25-year-old will make for a viable option in a rotational role up the middle with Lawrence Guy, Adam Butler, and Mike Pennel.