Kansas City Chiefs Face Tough Roster Decisions Ahead of Cutdown Day

As the clock ticks down to the NFL roster cutdown deadline, Kansas City Chiefs fans are anxiously awaiting to see which players will make the final 53-man roster. The Chiefs’ cutdown day is set for tomorrow, August 26th, at 3:00 PM Central, and it’s shaping up to be a day of tough decisions for general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid.

While the Chiefs are in a great position to compete for another Super Bowl, some tough cuts are on the horizon, especially at positions like running back and cornerback. In this video, Michael Darcy of the KC Sports Report dives into some of the key players who could be on the chopping block, including quarterbacks, running backs, and other fringe roster candidates.

Roster Battles: Who’s On the Bubble?

Joshua Williams (Quarterback):
One player whose future with the team seems uncertain is quarterback Joshua Williams. After playing deep into the third preseason game, there’s been growing speculation about whether the Chiefs are truly invested in him. With guaranteed money over $3 million, Williams could be a trade or cut candidate. The Chiefs are loaded with depth in the cornerback room, especially with the addition of Christian Fulton, which makes Williams’ place on the roster less secure. His future with the team might hinge on whether the Chiefs can find a trade partner or decide to part ways with him.
Elijah Mitchell (Running Back):
Elijah Mitchell, who was brought in during the offseason with a one-year, $2.5 million deal, hasn’t exactly wowed the coaching staff so far. Despite his guaranteed money, Mitchell has yet to make a strong case to remain with the Chiefs. Other running backs like Kareem Hunt, Bashard Smith, and even rookie Carson Steel have been getting more attention and reps, leading many to believe Mitchell could be one of the cuts. Steel, in particular, has impressed with his versatility, making it harder for Mitchell to secure a spot.
Carson Steel (Running Back):
Though not a fan favorite, Carson Steel has seen significant preseason action and might be in the mix for the final roster spot. As a developmental player, Steel may still have a place in the team’s long-term plans, but with the Chiefs’ current depth at running back, it’s unclear if they can afford to keep him on the roster. His future could depend on how much Andy Reid and the coaching staff value having a fullback in their offense.

Tough Decisions in the Defensive Backfield

The cornerback and safety positions will also see some tough decisions as the Chiefs approach roster cutdown day. The cornerback room has been bolstered by the addition of Christian Fulton, while the safety group has depth with players like Brian Cook, Shamari Connor, and Jaden Hicks. Mike Edwards, a veteran safety, could be one of the casualties as the Chiefs decide whether to go with five or six cornerbacks and safeties combined. Joshua Williams, despite his potential, may find himself on the outside looking in due to the fierce competition in the defensive backfield.

The Overall Depth of the Roster

The Chiefs have one of the deepest rosters in recent memory. Across positions like running back, cornerback, wide receiver, and tight end, the team boasts talented players who have impressed throughout training camp and preseason. The increased competition at nearly every position has created a dilemma for the Chiefs’ coaching staff. While some players have stood out, others who have been on the bubble could be let go simply due to the team’s abundance of talent.

One area of note is the tight end position, where Robert Tonian has looked impressive in both training camp and preseason. Despite the presence of Jared Wy, who has battled injuries, Tonian’s performance could make him a valuable asset. The Chiefs have a solid core in their tight end room, but Wy’s status, combined with his injury concerns, may influence his chances of making the final cut.

A Look Ahead: The Chiefs’ Super Bowl Push

As the Chiefs prepare for the 2023 season, their roster is stacked with talent, and this year’s depth makes them one of the favorites to contend for another Super Bowl. However, the cutdown day will be a pivotal moment in solidifying the final roster. The Chiefs’ depth has certainly raised the expectations, but it also means that some talented players may be left out of the 53-man roster. Regardless of the final decisions, many of these players will likely find a place on another team.

The Chiefs’ front office, led by Brett Veach, is expected to make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the team remains a Super Bowl contender. The final 53-man roster will shape the direction of the season, and while some beloved players may not make the cut, the Chiefs are ready to compete with one of the deepest rosters they’ve ever had.