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ESPN Staff Writer- John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on 'The John Keim Report', which airs on ESPN Richmond radio, and follow him on Twitter @john_keim
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ESPN Insider- Covered the NFL for 15 years
- Previously with Scout.com and FoxSports.com
- Appears on SportsCenter, NFL Insiders, NFL Live
The Washington Redskins have released veteran guard Chris Chester, the team announced.
The Redskins also cut veteran cornerback Tracy Porter.
The release of Chester saves the Redskins $4 million against the salary cap, but he still will count for $800,000 in dead money. Porter's release saves Washington $2.33 million in salary-cap space, though $1 million in dead money will remain.
Chester had started every game the past four seasons at right guard for Washington, but when he signed with the Redskins, they wanted to play a different style under then-coach Mike Shanahan. The team ran more outside zone, and it liked his footwork in that scheme.
But at 303 pounds, Chester is smaller than the current regime would prefer as it opts for a more power-based system.
The Redskins drafted Spencer Long in the third round last season, and he is the likely heir apparent at right guard. Long weighs 311 pounds, and this year's fourth-round pick, guard Arie Kouandjio, weighs 315.
Chester, 32, spent his first five seasons with Baltimore.