INDIANAPOLIS -- The releases of wide receivers Donnie Avery and A.J. Jenkins by the Kansas City Chiefs were not surprising. Neither player was productive for the Chiefs in his two seasons in Kansas City, and the team saves more than $4.7 million against the salary cap by making these moves.

Beyond that, though, there’s a lot to like about these moves. They show that the Chiefs are serious about fixing a weakness.

They’re clearing out the debris. Avery never developed into the deep threat the Chiefs hoped he would be when they signed him two years ago. It was time for him to go. Likewise for Jenkins, who produced little when the Chiefs turned to him for desperately-needed help at his position last year.

The Chiefs are left with three wide receivers who caught a pass for them last season and are under contract for 2015. This includes Dwayne Bowe, who should join Avery and Jenkins if he doesn’t agree to have his scheduled $10.75 million salary reduced, and De’Anthony Thomas, who lines up in a variety of spots, including as a running back.

The Chiefs are making room for the new. Their coaches and scouts are in Indianapolis for the scouting combine, looking at receivers the Chiefs will draft, catch passes and -- that’s right, I’m going to dare say it -- score touchdowns for them next season.

The Chiefs may already have a couple of such players in Albert Wilson, who finished his rookie season well, and Da’Rick Rogers, a talented player who signed last month.

The Chiefs need to turn that position over. Wilson, Thomas and a less-expensive Bowe are keepers. They should start fresh at receiver otherwise.

General manager John Dorsey -- shortly after the end of last season -- offered encouragement that the Chiefs were aware of their receiving needs when he said, “I think that the stats speak for themselves, and we’re going to have to do some work there.”

Those were just words. By releasing Avery and Jenkins, the Chiefs supported those words with actions. They are an even better indication the Chiefs are determined to fix the problem.