Kansas City, Mo. ? The Kansas City Chiefs released veteran linebacker Demorrio Williams on Tuesday, saving the franchise about $2 million in salary cap space before the start of free agency.

The 31-year-old Williams joined the Chiefs in 2008 after four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, and eventually became the starter ahead of Derrick Johnson. But he’s been used primarily on special teams the past few seasons as Johnson emerged as a Pro Bowl middle linebacker.

Williams has started 65 of 124 career games, including 22 starts over the past four years in Kansas City. He made 237 tackles (155) solo with the Chiefs.

Playing time would have been tight for Williams next season.