KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Chiefs released linebacker Robert James and tight end Dominique Jones on Thursday as they prepare for the start of free agency next week.

James was signed near the end of last season when James Michael-Johnson went on injured reserve. Jones spent time on the practice squad before making the 53-man roster at the tail end of the season, but he did not have a catch with the Chiefs.

The Chiefs were already in the market for a linebacker to provide depth, either through the draft or free agency. Jones was expendable with the anticipated return of tight end Travis Kelce, their third round pick last year who missed the season with a knee injury.