Alex Smith Says He Is 'Shocked' Jeremy Maclin Was Released by Chiefs

One day after the Kansas City Chiefs released wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, quarterback Alex Smith noted his surprise at the move. 

Per Blair Berkhoff of the Kansas City Star, Smith said he was "shocked" at the Chiefs' decision to part ways with Maclin. 

"Jeremy's a great person, a great teammate, a great player,” he said. "... On all those levels, (I'm) just kind of letting that sink in, I guess."

Maclin signed a five-year deal with the Chiefs prior to the 2015 season. He previously played under head coach Andy Reid from 2009-12 with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

The 29-year-old had a solid debut season in Kansas City with 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns. He missed four games last season due to a groin injury and posted career lows in receptions (44), receiving yards (536) and receiving touchdowns (two). 

The Chiefs have made the playoffs in three of Reid's first four seasons as head coach and won the AFC West last year for the first time since 2010.