The Kansas City Chiefs signed cornerback Stanford Routt on Monday, inking the 28-year-old free agent to a three-year deal worth $20 million that guarantees him about $6 million in 2012 (via Kansas City Star). The signing likely means the Chiefs will allow cornerback Brandon Carr to become a free agent.

Routt is coming off one of his most productive seasons, grabbing a career-high four interceptions, defensing 15 passes and making 49 tackles. Since moving into the starting role in 2010, he's been among the Raiders best secondary players.

Prior to the signing of Routt, it was believed that the Chiefs were trying to decide between putting the Franchise Tag on Carr or wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. With Routt presumably moving into Carr's starting cornerback slot opposite Brandon Flowers, it would seem to indicate the Chiefs have decided to place the Franchise Tag on Bowe. Carr, 25, had nearly identical numbers to Routt in 2011 while Bowe logged his second consecutive 1,100-yard season.

For more reaction to the signing, be sure to check out Chiefs blog Arrowhead Pride.