Meet the Chiefs' 53-man roster following 2023 cuts
The Kansas City Chiefs have trimmed their 90-man offseason roster and assembled their first iteration of the 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season. This roster will almost certainly change over the next few days with some transactions to move players to injured reserve. The team will continue to tinker with the roster throughout the course […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have trimmed their 90-man offseason roster and assembled their first iteration of the 53-man roster for the 2023 NFL season.
This roster will almost certainly change over the next few days with some transactions to move players to injured reserve. The team will continue to tinker with the roster throughout the course of the 2023 NFL season.
Without further ado, here's a look at the 53-man roster:
Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (2)
In: Patrick Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert
Cut: Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun
Reaction: This one we predicted. We'll see what that means for the practice squad. Should Buechele or Oladokun clear waivers we could see them back there. We could also see a veteran addition like Carson Wentz.
Running back (3)
In: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Cut: La'Mical Perine, Deneric Prince** and Jerrion Ealy
Reaction: A little surprising that the team went with only three players here, but with how the RB position is valued around the league, it might pay off in the long term.
Tight end (3)
In: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Blake Bell
Cut: Matt Bushman, Kendall Blanton, and Izaiah Gathings**
Already on IR: Jody Fortson
Reaction: Again, a bit surprising given that Bushman was the team's best pass-blocking and second-best run-blocking tight end this preseason. The team will roll with the veteran crew for now.
Wide receiver (7)
In: Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice*, Richie James, and Justyn Ross
Traded: Ihmir Smith-Marsette
Cut: Cornell Powell, Ty Fryfogle, Juwan Green and Ty Scott**
Waive-injured: Nikko Remigio**
Reaction: Chiefs fans got their wish of seven receivers. This should be an exciting group to follow.
Offensive line (10)
In: Donovan Smith, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Nick Allegretti, Prince Tega Wanogho, Wanya Morris*, Lucas Niang and Mike Caliendo
Cut: Darian Kinnard, Austin Reiter, Sebastian Guitterez, and Jason 'Chu' Godrick**
Waive-injured: Jerome Carvin**
Reaction: The Chiefs went heavy on the offensive line and opted for Mike Caliendo over former fifth-round pick Darian Kinnard. Versatility matters. Brett Veach will surely catch heat for the trade that netted both Kinnard and Skyy Moore, when they could have had Steelers WR George Pickens at their original slot.
Defensive line (10)
In: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah*, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson*, Neil Farrell Jr., Derrick Nnadi, Matt Dickerson, Tershawn Wharton, and Keondre Coburn*
Cut: Joshua Kaindoh, Phil Hoskins, Danny Shelton, Truman Jones, Daniel Wise, and Chris Williams
Reserve/suspended: Charles Omenihu
Reserve/did not report: Chris Jones
Reaction: I expect they're not done making moves here yet. Matt Dickerson could wind up on injured reserve with his turf toe injury. That'd allow the team to bring a player like Shelton back as early as tomorrow.
Linebacker (6)
In: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Willie Gay Jr., Leo Chenal, Cam Jones and Jack Cochrane
Cut: Cole Christiansen
Waive-injured: Ola Fatukasi
Reaction: Keeping six linebackers could spell bad news for Leo Chenal, who left preseason Week 3 with a hip pointer. Look for the team to potentially add him to IR.
Cornerback (5)
In: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Nic Jones*
Cut: Ekow Boye-Doe**, Dicaprio Bootle, Kahlef Hailassie**, Reese Taylor**, Lamar Jackson, and Duron Lowe
Already on IR: Nazeeh Johnson
Reaction: A bit surprised that they're going this light at cornerback. Chamarri Conner's ability to play nickel should help here, but perhaps look for a veteran addition.
Safety (4)
In: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, and Chamarri Conner*
Cut: Deon Bush, Anthony Cook** and Isaiah Norman**
Reaction: This group was pretty straightforward for Kansas City. Could see Bush return to the practice squad in one of the veteran spots.
Special teams (3)
In: K Harrison Butker, P Tommy Townsend, and LS James Winchester
Out: None.
Reaction: The Chiefs literally couldn't do anything else here because Butker, Townsend, and Winchester have no competition.
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Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
