Kansas City, Mo. ? Seven-year Kansas City Chief offensive lineman Marcus Spears has been released because of an influx of younger offensive linemen, Chiefs President Carl Peterson said Wednesday.

Coach Dick Vermeil said Spears was being released now so he could find a spot on another team. Spears was a second-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1994 before being signed by Kansas City.

“By letting him go now it enhances his opportunities to get a job, and he will get a job,” Vermeil said.

Spears started for the Chiefs in all 16 games in 2001, the first five as right guard before injuries forced him to move to right tackle for the last 11.

“This decision is a result of the development of our younger offensive linemen and those players acquired through trades and free agency,” Peterson said.