The Kansas City Chiefs didn’t win a game in the preseason, but some players made a statement at Arrowhead on Friday night. The Bears won the game, but later today, the Chiefs will make their final cuts. Here are my last thoughts.
So, as the team gets ready for the regular season opener in 10 days, here’s my final attempt at the 53-Man Roster.
Offense (26)
Quarterbacks (2) Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew
Wide Receiver (7) Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nikko Remigio, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice
Tight Ends (4) Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Jake Brinningstool
Running Backs (3) Isiaha Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith
Tackle (4) Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole,
Center (2) Creed Humphrey, Mike Caliendo
Guard (4) Kingsley Suamataia, Trey Smith, Hunter Nourzard
In summary, I expect Rashee Rice to start the season with the Chiefs. This means Jason Brownlee will remain the eighth wide receiver, and Robert Tonyan will be with another team in September. However, there is a meeting in New York between the NFLPA and the league to negotiate a fair suspension for Rice, so hopefully that is resolved before today’s cuts.
Regarding the running backs, I saw enough of Smith in the Bears game to believe he made a big jump on the depth chart. He’s pulled ahead of Mitchell, who just hasn’t picked up the offense to date.
The offensive line is probably overrepresented, but the team can’t keep Esa Pole off the 53-man roster. He probably won’t make it to the practice squad. I really don’t like the idea of keeping Morris; maybe he gets traded before Tuesday, along with Hunter Nourzard, but depth could become an issue if there’s an injury. If the Washington Commanders release Nick Allegretti, then he might return to the Chiefs.
Lastly, the Chiefs put Tight End Jake Briningstool on the 53-man roster and trade backup Tackle Wanya Morris to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Defense (24)
Defensive End (5) George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, Ashston Gillotte, Malik Herring
Defensive Tackle (5) Chris Jones, Mike Pennel, Omarr Norman-Lott, Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi
Linebacker (6) Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bassa, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Cooper McDonald, Jack Cochrane
Cornerback (5) Jaylen Watson, Nohl Williams, Kristian Fulton, Trent McDuffie, Chris Roland-Wallace
Safety (3) Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner
In summary, the Chiefs have some versatility on defense, but they also have a significant weakness in the secondary. After injuries to Mike Edwards and Deon Bush, I’ll continue pressing until they sign free agent safety Justin Simmons to replace Cook. If not, Chris Roland-Wallace will move to Safety.
Joshua Williams will be traded before the deadline, but with Nazeeh Johnson’s injury perhaps he goes on IR to start the season, I’m convinced the Chiefs will add a veteran corner soon. The good news is that Kristian Fulton will be ready for the season opener.
Special Teams (3) Matt Araiza, Harrison Butker, James Winchester
Final Thoughts: The Chiefs have some flexibility with this roster, and several players can fill different roles. When Rice returns, someone will have to be removed, but that decision is likely in October. Until then, injuries will probably influence that move.
