Chiefs rumors: Who will be Kansas City’s surprise cuts in 2017?

Allen Bailey, defensive end

Every year, a veteran perhaps we didn’t see coming or a young player assumed to be a lock to find themselves on the final 53 instead finds themselves out in the cold. This year, that name that could surprise could be veteran defensive lineman Allen Bailey.

Entering the third year of a four-year contract, the Chiefs deepest position group may just be along the defensive front, especially after the acquisitions of Bennie Logan in free agency and Tanoh Kpassagnon in the draft. Combined with the emergence of young Rakeem Nunez-Roches and second year player Chris Jones, playing time could be scarce for Bailey. Jarvis Jenkins was resigned to a deal for a far lower cap number then the $6.1 million Bailey is scheduled to count this season. (Bailey is also scheduled to count $8 million next season). For an organization that still has some cap problems, saving just over $4 million this season with likely only two carried over to next season could aid the organization in keeping a majority of their younger core together.

Much will depend on the development of the young players—the aforementioned Kpassagnon, Nunez-Roches and Jones. (Don’t forget Jones is starting camp on the PUP list coming off a July 12th scope.) If the trio prove they can provide quality depth and production, Bailey likely is the odd man out, especially if he’s not likely to be the starter entering the 2017 season. While a majority of the roster spots at least appear to be known, this is a fight that could be worth watching.

However, if Bailey is able to show that he’s fully recovered from the shoulder injury that ended his 2016 campaign and is ready to start alongside Bennie Logan and likely Chris Jones along the front three, then Bailey is safe likely for another season. He does carry experience as well as versatility to slide inside on passing downs and a solid overall defender.

The Chiefs have done a good job of identifying and developing young, unheralded lineman in recent seasons, so depth as well as the ever present concerns of cost, will be worth keeping in mind as camp gets under way and as we see the initial rotation of lineman in preseason games. When Bailey comes on the field will tell us a great deal about what exactly the plans and expectations are for him this season and beyond. [John McCarty]