Final Kansas City Chiefs 53-man Roster Prediction: Andy Reid and Brett Veach can craft a team fit for Super Bowl LX
With just days until 53-man roster cuts are due, we take our final shot at predicting how things will shake out for the Chiefs.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason is officially over, which means the roster cuts are about to pour in ahead of the Tuesday, Aug. 26, deadline. The decisions made will help carve the path to Super Bowl LX as the team looks to put their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles behind them. How will the preseason in its entirety impact things as it relates to the composition of both the 53-man roster? Find our final prediction ahead of 53-man roster cuts below.
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2025 draft picks. Players with double asterisks (**) are 2025 undrafted free agents. Players in italics are practice squad candidates.
Quarterback (2)
On the 53-man roster: Patrick Mahomes & Gardner Minshew
Cut: Chris Oladokun, Bailey Zappe
This group is pretty self-explanatory with Gardner Minshew as the clear and undisputed No. 2 option. Chris Oladokun has gotten to a point where he’s more than capable as a No. 3 option on the practice squad.
Running back (3)
On the 53-man roster: Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, & Brashard Smith*
Cut: Elijah Mitchell, Carson Steele, Michael Wiley
Going with just three running backs might shock some folks, but I’m willing to wager the Chiefs are going to be looking on the waiver wire on Wednesday or at some vested veterans after roster cuts. They could even have a trade in the works. Brashard Smith proved in the final game that he belongs and can contribute in Year 1 on both offense and special teams. Elijah Mitchell made some strides in preseason Week 3, but I’m not convinced that he did enough to make the 53. Carson Steele played in the fourth quarter, which isn’t an excellent sign for his chances to stick.
Tight end (4)
On the 53-man roster: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Robert Tonyan & Jared Wiley
Cut: Tre Watson**, Geor’Quarius Spivey
IR: Jake Briningstool**
Robert Tonyan was in the game with the first-team offense on snaps in both 12 personnel and 13 personnel, which tells you he’s making this team. Jared Wiley also did some nice things with the second-team offense in preseason Week 3, which makes me confident they’ll carry four tight ends in 2025.
Wide receiver (7)
On the 53-man roster: Rashee Rice, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals*, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nikko Remigio, & Tyquan Thornton
Cut: Elijhah Badger**, Mac Dalena**, Jimmy Holliday**, Jason Brownlee, Key’Shawn Smith**, Hal Presley**
Tyquan Thornton is like the best parts of Justin Watson and Marquez Valdez-Scantling all rolled up into one. It feels as if Jason Brownlee and Nikko Remigio are fighting over one spot, and I think Remigio won that out in preseason Week 3 with his play. Even if there were an extra spot, I’m not so sure that Jimmy Holiday didn’t make a case for it over Brownlee. The big questions that need answering here surround Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown. Will Rice be suspended for Week 1 or will we have to wait until his Sept. 30 hearing to learn his fate? Will Brown be healthy for Week 1, or will he start 2025 in the same fashion as he did in 2024?
Offensive line (9)
On the 53-man roster: Josh Simmons*, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, C.J. Hanson, Hunter Nourzad, & Wanya Morris.
Cut: Esa Pole**, Ethan Driskell, Joey Lombard**, Chu Godrick, Dalton Cooper**, Mike Caliendo
Despite being a favorite among the coaching staff, Mike Caliendo hasn’t had a good preseason. I genuinely think that C.J. Hanson and Hunter Nourzad have surpassed him. Cutting Esa Pole is a tough decision, but I think going with experienced backups in Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris is the right call for now. If two of Pole, Ethan Driskell, and Chu Godrick make it to the practice squad, this team will be in good shape at tackle.
Defensive line (9)
On the 53-man roster: George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, Ashton Gillotte*, Omarr Norman-Lott*, Chris Jones, Jerry Tillery, Marlon Tuipulotu, and Mike Pennel
Cut: Fabien Lovett, Malik Herring, Coziah Izzard**, Nate Matlack**, Owen Carney
NFI: BJ Thompson
IR: Janarius Robinson & Felix Anudike-Uzomah
With Felix Anudike-Uzomah out for the year, I think the Chiefs opt for a heavier approach on the interior defensive line. Omarr Norman-Lott has a nagging ankle injury, and Marlon Tuipulotu has actually looked really good in the preseason thus far. Malik Herring was unable to prove himself against the second stringers for Chicago, but when you’ve got guys like Chris Jones and Jerry Tillery who can also slide out to rush the passer from the edges, I’m not sure you need an extra defensive end.
Linebacker (6)
On the 53-man roster: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jeffrey Bassa*, Cam Jones, & Cooper McDonald**
Cut: Cole Christiansen, Brandon George**, Xander Mueller**
IR: Jack Cochrane
I know that both Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Toub prefer a roster that carries six linebackers. Knowing that Leo Chenal could be used as a pass rusher with greater frequency after the Felix Anudike-Uzomah injury, I think it makes six linebackers that much more likely. Cooper McDonald absolutely made his case in preseason Week 3, and if you don’t put him on the 53-man roster, he’s going to get snatched up by one of the other 31 NFL teams on waivers.
Cornerback (6)
On the 53-man roster: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Kristian Fulton, Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams* & Kevin Knowles**
Cut: Joshua Williams, Jacobe Covington**, Melvin Smith**, Azizi Hearn, Ajani Carter
I decided to go with six cornerbacks, and I still cut former 2022 fourth-round pick Josh Williams. I wouldn’t be shocked if someone sent the Chiefs a pick to acquire him in trade ahead of the roster cut deadline. I’ve got Kevin Knowles making it in the sixth spot, primarily as a special teams ace. He blocked a kick in preseason Week 3 and could wind up in the role that Justin Reid played on the PAT and field goal block units.
Safety (4)
On the 53-man roster: Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, Chamarri Conner & Chris Roland-Wallace
Cut: Mike Edwards, Major Williams**, Glendon Miller**
IR: Deon Bush
I still believe Mike Edwards will receive the vested veteran treatment and will briefly join the practice squad in Kansas City. Chris Roland-Wallace provides too much versatility to be left off the 53-man roster.
Special teams (3)
On the 53-man roster: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, & LS James Winchester
No changes here because there’s no competition.
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