It took a bit for the Kansas City Chiefs to release their 53-man roster, and based on all the leaks today, they’ve put together an initial roster that includes two recent trades and very few surprises.
The Kansas City Chiefs open the regular season one week from Thursday when they face the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL opener. On Tuesday afternoon, they announced their initial 53-man roster, which could change tomorrow, depending on any waiver claims or potential veteran signings.
On offense, the Chiefs keep 26 players, the defense 24 players, and their trio of special teams specialists that make up the final roster.
Offense (26)
Quarterbacks (2): Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz
Running backs (2): Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Fullbacks (1): Carson Steele
Wide receivers (7): Marquise Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster
Tight ends (4): Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Peyton Hendershot
Offensive line (10): LT Kingsley Suamataia, LG Joe Thuney, C Creed Humphrey, RG Trey Smith, RT Jawaan Taylor, Wanya Morris, Mike Caliendo, Hunter Nourzad, Ethan Driskell, CJ Hanson
Defense (24)
Defensive tackles (4): Chris Jones, Turk Wharton, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel
Defensive ends (5): George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Malik Herring, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Cam Thomas
Linebackers (5): Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones
Cornerbacks (6): Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nahzeeh Johnson, Nic Jones, Chris Roland-Wallace
Safeties (4): Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks
Special Teams (3): Matt Araiza, Harrison Butker, James Winchester
There were some notable surprises, such as the release of receivers Nikko Remigio, Kadarius Toney, and Justyn Ross. However, with the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster and the possibility that Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy might want to reunite with receiver Allen Robinson, the Chief’s weakness a year ago is now a strength.
Defensively, there are no real surprises on the roster decisions. Kansas City is carrying ten in the secondary, and the most prominent name missing might be safety, Deon Bush.
Wednesday afternoon, the Kansas City Chiefs will put together their 16-man practice squad. If any other moves are made, the Chiefs must release someone on the 53-man roster.
One name to watch for is former Miami Dolphins Cornerback Xavier Howard, per sources, could visit Kansas City in the coming days.
Stay tuned to ChiefsBlitz.com for all your Chiefs news!
