CB Stanford Routt is staying in the AFC West.

Released by the Raiders earlier this month -- he signed a three-year, $31.5 million deal in Oakland one year ago -- Routt is now a member of the Chiefs after signing a three-year, $19.6 million deal.

ESPN first reported Routt's signing.

"We are excited that we were able to come to terms with Stanford," said GM Scott Pioli. "He is a talented player, and as we have said in the past, we are always looking to add competition at every position year-round. Stanford's experience and level of play will make him a solid addition to our defense."

The move could signal a busy offseason for Kansas City, which has loads of salary cap room. It could also now mean the team is more inclined to use its franchise tag on pending free agent WR Dwayne Bowe than CB Brandon Carr, a four-year starter since being drafted in 2008.

Routt, who's never been an all-pro or Pro Bowler in his seven-year career, picked off four passes and made 49 tackles in 2011.