The Kansas City Chiefs’ first round of official transactions included a huge loss.In a statement sent out late Thursday, the team announced the release of veteran guard Brian Waters, who started 149 games in his Kansas City career. A stalwart at guard on some of the best offensive lines in NFL history, Waters plans to play in the NFL again.“I’d like to thank the entire Chiefs organization, especially for giving me an opportunity as a young player when other teams wouldn’t,” said Waters, an undrafted free agent out of North Texas in 2000. “I’m grateful for the coaches, teammates and support staff who helped me become the player and man I am today. I’d also like to thank the fans of Kansas City who cheered us on. The Chiefs and I have mutually agreed on this decision and although I look forward to continuing my career, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Kansas City.”The Chiefs cut ties with Waters, wide receiver Chris Chambers and defensive back Jackie Bates on Thursday, the first time teams could officially release players.None of those will affect the team more than Waters.A five-time Pro Bowler, Waters played in 163 games and started every game he played in since 2002. His departure likely leaves second-year guard Jon Asamoah as the incumbent to Waters’ spot. Waters played alongside Ryan Lilja last year.“Brian has played a key role in our progress and I am personally grateful for his contributions to this team,” Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli said.Waters was the longest-tenured Chiefs player on the roster.Punter Dustin Colquitt and linebacker Derrick Johnson now assume that title. Both were drafted in 2005.Chambers leaves the Chiefs after 1½ seasons with Kansas City and clears about $3 million in cap space.Coming to the Chiefs midseason 2009, Chambers started 16 games, including the final nine of 2009 when he caught 36 passes for 608 yards and four touchdowns. He mainly played alongside Dwayne Bowe but fell out of favor last year when he started only seven games, catching just 22 passes and only one touchdown.A combination of Verran Tucker, Terrance Copper and other fill-ins replaced him late in the season.Chambers becomes expendable after Bowe’s breakout year, the drafting of Jonathan Baldwin out of Pittsburgh in the first round of this year’s draft and the reported agreement between the Chiefs and Arizona free agent Steve Breaston. The deal could become official today.Chiefs players arriving for training camp Thursday on the campus of Missouri Western discussed Breaston and his potential impact.“I know he’s a speed guy, and I think he adds a lot to this offense,” Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel said.Bates played in two games last year, including one start before a knee injury put him on injured reserve. He was a rookie out of Hampton.In addition to the departures, the Chiefs made seven contracts official with draft picks.Baldwin and third-round choice Justin Houston out of Georgia are the only two out of the Chiefs’ nine draft picks left unsigned.Pioli expects the rookie contingent to be at camp in St. Joseph soon.An agreement with seventh-round pick Shane Bannon, a fullback from Yale, was reported Wednesday. On Thursday, the Chiefs made that one official along with six more, including second-round choice Rodney Hudson.A center at Florida State, Hudson projects to be a part of the Chiefs’ future plans on the offensive line.Allen Bailey (third round, DL, Miami), Jalil Brown (fourth round, DB, Colorado), Ricky Stanzi (fifth round, QB, Iowa), Gabe Miller (fifth round, LB, Oregon State), Jerrell Powe (sixth round, DL, Mississippi) and Bannon all signed deals Thursday.Ross Martin can be reached at ross.martin@newspressnow.com