Chiefs sign OT Geron Christian

The Chiefs have signed free agent OT Geron Christian, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.

A third-round pick of Washington in 2018, Christian missed significant time due to injury in his rookie campaign and in 2020. After selecting Samuel Cosmi in the second round of last year’s draft and signing Charles Leno, Washington waived Christian on the same day it released longtime right tackle Morgan Moses.

The Raiders and Dolphins put in claims for the Louisville product, but the Texans had higher waiver priority and therefore were awarded Christian for the last year of his rookie deal. He wound up appearing in 14 games (eight starts) in 2021, and while Pro Football Focus assigned him a below-average grade of 59.5, he did allow just one sack.

Given his draft pedigree and the interest he generated when Washington parted ways with him last year, it’s clear that talent evaluators see something in the 6-6, 315-pounder. In Kansas City, he will provide insurance in the event that complications should arise in Lucas Niang‘s recovery from a torn patellar tendon, and even if Niang is fully healthy, Christian could theoretically push him for playing time.

If nothing else, Christian represents a young swing tackle with upside on what is likely a low-cost pact.