Zach Thomas was expected to add a veteran presence to a relatively young Chiefs defense, but the linebacker was released by the team today.

Thomas was a seven-time Pro Bowler in 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Following an injury-plagued 2007, he was released by the Dolphins and ended up with the Cowboys, but his production appeared to drop significantly in 2008.

Injuries have kept Thomas off the field for most of the Chiefs’ practices, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, insisted this week that the 36-year-old linebacker doesn’t intend to retire, despite reports to the contrary.

Also released by the Chiefs was safety Bernard Pollard. The team reportedly explored trade options for Pollard — best known for ending Patriots QB Tom Brady‘s season on a tackle in Week 1 last year — but the fourth-year pro ended up a roster casualty as the Chiefs narrowed their roster to the league-mandated 53-player limit.

• For all roster cuts, go to NFL.com’s transaction page

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