53 Man Roster Projections with Free Agent Signings!
It feels like the calendar turned to June about two weeks ago, but, unfortunately, we are just on Day 1 of the loneliest month of the NFL offseason.
Chiefs fans are taking any information they can get at this point in the summer — and we’re still seven weeks from training camp.
It’s likely that the Chiefs aren’t entirely done making moves to adjust the roster they’ll have heading into July, and will turn over every rock to improve their team until final cut down day.
I took a stab at predicting the final 53 man roster with a few additions I could see being made before the first game in week one.
Here’s a roster projection with free agent additions!
Quarterback (2)
Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne
The Chiefs have too many roster crunches at other positions to keep a third quarterback.
Running Back (4)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones, Isiah Pacheco, Michael Burton
Only three running backs (and a fullback!) on the roster. Pacheco gets the nod over Derrick Gore because he possesses immense upside on special teams and as a pass protector. Gore played only 24% of special teams snaps in his appearances.
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Wide Receiver (6)
Juju Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross
Free Agent Addition: Marcus Kemp
Four of the receiver spots are locked in with Smith-Schuster, Valdes-Scantling, Hardman, and Moore.
Ross gets the nod for me. The upside is undeniable if he can come close to his former self. The early indicators are exciting.
Brett Veach has talked about the special teams turnover they’re experiencing on the roster — so I’m giving Dave Toub a security blanket with the final receiver spot. I could see Marcus Kemp returning by the start of training camp to fill the bottom of the roster as a special teams ace.
Tight End (4)
Travis Kelce, Blake Bell, Noah Gray, Jody Fortson
It’s not normal to keep four tight ends, but I’d be surprised to see the Chiefs move on from one of Gray or Fortson initially. Fortson’s ability to return at full strength for week one will be something to monitor, however.
Offensive Line (9)
Orlando Brown Jr., Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Andrew Wylie, Lucas Niang, Darrian Kinnard, Geron Christian, Nick Allegretti
Special teams needs have the Chiefs keeping only nine offensive lineman on the roster. Allegretti has the ability to play center. Wylie can kick inside if something happens as well. There’s enough flexibility with the group to cover all bases in the event of injury — even Niang and Kinnard could move around.
Defensive End (5)
Frank Clark, George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Joshua Kaindoh
Free Agent Addition: Trey Flowers
Veach added a big swing at the EDGE position with Karlaftis to give the position a high-motor pass rusher that should be able to play a lot of snaps his rookie year.
Without a lot of proven commodities on the roster, the Chiefs add Trey Flowers into the mix. He has the requisite size, football IQ, and motor to play in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Linebackers coach Brendan Daly was formerly his position coach with the Patriots.
Defensive Tackle (4)
Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Taylor Stallworth
This is another position the Chiefs could potentially look to add another one tech before the season starts, but for now they keep the four listed. The Khalen Saunders experience ends just short of his rookie contract ending.
With roster spots needed at other positions, the Chiefs only keep four interior players.
Linebacker (6)
Nick Bolton, Willie Gay Jr., Leo Chenal, Mike Rose, Jermaine Carter
Free Agent Addition: Ben Niemann
I think Mike Rose is making the roster as an undrafted free agent. He’s got an intriguing physical profile and coverage ability. His ability to play special teams will determine if he sticks.
Speaking of special teams, the Chiefs bring back another familiar face to solidify the linebacker position. Ben Niemann had his best year as a pro in 2021, knows the defense, and can provide more stability on special teams for Toub.
Cornerback (6)
L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Lonnie Johnson Jr. Rashad Fenton, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson
The cornerback room looks a lot different from 2021, with four new names added in the last couple months. All three rookie cornerbacks make the team. The length, size, and potential of Williams and Watson is too intriguing to risk losing.
Safety (4)
Justin Reid, Juan Thornhill, Bryan Cook, Deon Bush
There are a ton of intriguing options at the bottom of the roster for the safety position with Bush, Nazeeh Johnson, Zayne Anderson, and Devon Key. It could push the Chiefs to keep five at the position. Lonnie Johnson Jr. could also has some safety depth as well with his background in Houston.
They have options, which will lead to tense times hoping to get some of their young safeties back on the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend, James Winchester
Tommy Townsend is QB3 — possibly QB1.
Tough Cuts
IOL Austin Reiter — Might be a tough cut if the Chiefs want more interior flexibility
WR Justin Watson — Getting some positive feedback from Mahomes and has special teams experience
RB Derrick Gore — It’s just hard to keep him with needs elsewhere
IDL Khalen Saunders — It’s been a disappointing start to Saunders’ career and he’s got some work to do to stay on the roster
S Nazeeh Johnson — The only draft pick not on the roster, but beating out Deon Bush for the fourth safety spot isn’t out of the question
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Would bet Kemp doesn’t sniff the roster. Toub will look to the secondary for gunner help.
I think they keep the RBs you listed but I would keep Gore over Jones. I've never been very high on Ronald Jones and at this point in his career he is what he is and that is a liability in the passing game. I was actually pretty surprised when KC signed him.