In one week, the Kansas City Chiefs will reduce their roster to the league limit of 53 souls who will open the regular season against the Baltimore Ravens. Andy Reid mentioned some tough cuts were coming, and he’s right about that.
Though the Chiefs still have one preseason game on Thursday against the Chicago Bears, the looming roster cuts are paramount to building enough depth to endure a 17-game regular season and a deep playoff run for Kansas City.
This is the deepest and best roster Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have had in their seven-year journey together. Granted, Mahomes only started six of those seasons, but it’s clear that general Manager Brett Veach has found a steady balance in rebuilding his entire roster over the last two seasons.
He and Reid face some complex decisions, and even after the 53-man roster is announced, I would not be shocked if the Chiefs add a couple of veterans to their team next week.
So, if I were in charge, here is my 53-man roster for opening day.
Offense (26)
Quarterbacks (2)
Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz
Summary: I can’t see the Chiefs keeping three quarterbacks, and Reid needs the extra roster spot. Besides, it’s doubtful Oladokun will find a spot on another roster. He’ll go back to the Practice Squad.
Running Back (3)
Isiah Pacheco, Deneric Prince, Carson Steele
Summary: The situation with Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a tricky slope for the Chiefs. However, based on this admission of PTSD and the fact he’s been practicing part-time, I think the Chiefs will place him on the Pup list to start the year. That means he can return later this season. I also think the Chiefs might add another running back at some point.
Tight End (4)
Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Marcus Wiley, Irv Smith, Jr.
Summary: The Chiefs have generally kept four tight ends, and this year’s group is the best foursome in the Reid era. Smith played well against the Lions on Saturday, and he has some upside that the Chiefs should hold onto.
Wide Receivers (7)
Hollywood Brown, Skyy Moore, Xavier Worthy, Justin Ross, Rashee Rice, Nikko Remigio, Justin Watson
Summary: The Chiefs will attempt to trade Kadarius Toney, who hasn’t succeeded in a Chiefs uniform. If they go eight, Mecole Hardman would be the only option.
Guard (4)
Joe Thuney, Trey Smith, CJ Hanson, Mike Caliendo
Summary: The Chiefs, especially Hanson, have some versatility in this position. Caliendo has earned his chance to play Nick Allegretti.
Center (2)
Creed Humphries, CJ Hanson
Summary: Hanson is a player the Chiefs might count on in the future. Sitting behind Humphries, who is angling for a new contract, could pay dividends if the Chiefs and his agent can’t get a deal done.
Tackle (4)
Kingsley Suamataia, Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Ethan Driskell
Summary: I can’t see the Chiefs wasting a roster spot on Lucas Niang. He’s overweight and has never hit his stride in Kansas City. Driskell has some games, but they are unrefined.
Defense (24)
Defensive End (5)
George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danne, Charles Omenihu, Malik Herring
Summary: Omenihu’s opening-day roster status creates some complications. Either way, he’s going to need to be active on the initial 53-man roster and then could go on IR with a designation to return. If there was a sleeper for the roster, it might be Truman Jones.
Defensive Tackle (4)
Chris Jones, Mike Pennell, Neil Farrell, Fabien Lovett, Sr.
Summary: Derrick Nnadi, on the PUP list, would be the odd man out. I think Farrell, who has been solid since camp arrived, could be the starter next to Jones. I’m good with keeping Fabien over Matt Dickerson. The undrafted free agent has tremendous upside.
Linebacker (5)
Drue Tranquill, Curtis Jacobs, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane
Summary: This is a very versatile group, but it is also thin behind the starters. The back-ups have talent but need more game experience. This could be another spot where the Chiefs look for a veteran presence. The key will be Jacobs’ development into a prime-time performer. So far, he looks the part.
Cornerback (6)
Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson, Connor Chamarri, Kamal Hadden
Summary: Johnson’s health is a concern, but this team has plenty of backups who can step up. Still, carrying eight is going to be a roster challenge. Further, Kelvin Joseph deserves to make the roster, so this is a tough call for Reid and Spags.
Safety (4)
Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Deon Bush, Jaden Hicks
Summary: This might be the deepest safety room Steve Spagnuolo has built in Kansas City. Hicks is a player at every level, and he could start this season if Reid is slow to return.
Special Teams (3)
Harrison Butker, James Winchester, Matt Araiza (3)
Summary: This group is acceptable. Winchester is injured, but he will likely be ready for opening day. If not, backup Noah Gray handled those duties against the Lions, which is notable.
