Chiefs part ways with veteran linebacker Demorrio Williams

As we move closer to the start of the new league year on March 13^th, NFL teams will begin the process of releasing players.

Some teams already have.

The Chiefs announced the release of veteran linebacker Demorrio Williams Tuesday afternoon. It’s the first such transaction the team has made this off-season.

Williams was a marquee member of the Chiefs 2008 free agent class, coming to Kansas City as an unrestricted free agent from Atlanta. He posted a 70-tackle season his first year with the Chiefs before notching a career-best 142 tackles in 2009.

Originally inking a five-year, $16 million deal with the team in 2008, Williams was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2012. He’s played a backup role at “Will” linebacker to Derrick Johnson each of the past two seasons, totaling 25 tackles in 28 games played.

The move saves the Chiefs a reported $1.7 million in cap space heading into free agency.

The 31-year old appeared in 60 games (22 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2008-11. In four seasons, Williams tallied 237 tackles (155 solo) with 1.0 sack (-2.0 yards), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, five passes defensed and three QB pressures. He also notched 33 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery on special teams.

With Williams’ release, the Chiefs currently have four inside linebackers under contract for 2012.

Cory Greenwood and Brandon Siler each signed contract extensions earlier this off-season and Caleb Campbell has re-inked a deal with the team as well. The trio joins 2011 Team MVP Derrick Johnson to form the club’s current inside linebacking core.

Jovan Belcher, who started all 16 games beside Johnson last season, is currently set to become a restricted free agent.