The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to make history with a third consecutive Super Bowl victory. However, before their quest begins, they must finalize their 53-man roster. This article explores two potential surprise cuts that could shake up the Chiefs’ lineup before the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.
Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Chiefs
Potential Surprise Cuts Loom for the Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs face tough decisions as they trim their roster. While some cuts are expected, others might shock fans. Let’s delve into two potential surprises.
Irv Smith Jr.: A Tight End Room Squeeze?
The Chiefs’ tight end room boasts future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, making it one of the league’s strongest. However, this depth might lead to a surprising cut.
Competition at Tight End: Behind Kelce, Noah Gray has proven himself a reliable second option. Additionally, rookie Jared Wiley, drafted as a potential long-term replacement for Kelce, adds further competition. This crowded room puts Irv Smith Jr.’s position in jeopardy.
Smith Jr.’s Performance: Despite nearly 50 games of NFL experience, Smith Jr. hasn’t consistently performed at a high level. His time with the Bengals last season failed to yield a breakout year, potentially leaving him at the bottom of the Chiefs’ depth chart. This lack of production, combined with the team’s existing talent, makes Smith Jr. a potential cut candidate.
Derrick Nnadi: A Run-Stuffer in a Changing Defense?
Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi’s potential release would surprise many. His specialized skillset, focused on run defense, may not align with the Chiefs’ evolving defensive needs.
Nnadi’s Limited Impact: Nnadi’s strength lies in stopping the run, but he lacks significant pass-rushing prowess. His career stats reflect this, with only 4 sacks and 7 QB hits. This limited impact raises questions about his value, especially given his salary.
Cost-Effective Alternatives: The Chiefs have other options who can fill a similar role at a lower cost. Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel Jr., and Neil Farrell could potentially replace Nnadi, providing comparable run defense while freeing up cap space. This potential cost saving makes Nnadi a surprising, yet plausible, cut candidate.
Conclusion: Tough Choices Ahead for the Chiefs
The Chiefs’ pursuit of a historic three-peat will require difficult roster decisions. While both Irv Smith Jr. and Derrick Nnadi possess valuable skills, the team’s depth and financial considerations could lead to their surprising departure. These potential cuts highlight the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant need for teams to adapt and evolve. Will these predictions come to fruition? Only time will tell as the Chiefs finalize their roster for the 2024 season.
