Kansas City Chiefs: Dunta Robinson could swap positions

By Gil Alcaraz IV
Dunta Robinson
Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

Following a horrendous showing during the 2012 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs are rebuilding their roster and taking the necessary measures to avoid an encore in 2013.

One move they’ve made so far is signing veteran Dunta Robinson, who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons.

While the 30-year-old has spent each of his nine seasons lining up at cornerback, there are signs that Robinson could be in for a position switch during his first season with the Chiefs. More specifically, Robinson could be used as a free safety across from Eric Berry in Kansas City.

The Chiefs have yet to publicly announce their intentions with Robinson, but the writing is on the wall.

The first clue came in the form of Robinson’s three-year, $15-million deal, which includes $4 million in guaranteed money. Those are figures for a starting free safety, not a starting cornerback.

Second, Robinson has struggled in coverage as of late and was among the most inconsistent starting cornerbacks in the NFL in 2012. As age continues to become a factor, his abilities in man coverage have slowly declined. While his overall skill set still screams starter, Robinson has become a liability on the outside.

Finally, Robinson is still considered one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the NFL who wreaks havoc against the run. He isn’t afraid to step up and sift his way through traffic and is one of the surest tacklers of any cornerback in the league. While his coverage skills are dwindling, Robinson has shown the tackling prowess to continue his NFL career as a safety.

Assuming he does make the switch, Robinson will see plenty of action as both a free safety and slot cornerback in the Chiefs’ defense. The aging veteran is no longer fit to start across from Brandon Flowers, which is evidenced by the fact that Kansas City is still in the hunt for a top free agent cornerback.

A position switch is becoming routine for elite cornerbacks nearing the end of their career. Robinson has hit that point.

Gil Alcaraz IV is a Content Planner/NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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