49ers vs. Chiefs: Raiders, Cowboys send scouts to Arrowhead

Several teams in the NFL and CFL are sending scouts to scope out the players suiting up for the Chiefs and 49ers at Arrowhead on Friday night.

On the verge of kickoff for the preseason opener for both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, it’s interesting to consider that some people at Arrowhead Stadium will be doing their jobs back under the cover of indifference, as scouts take in the game to scope out potentially available talent.

Over the course of an offseason, plenty of attention is given to front office personnel and the work of scouts. The selection of draft picks and signing of free agents, both rookie or veterans, are largely dependent upon the work of scouts, but we hardly think of scouts being in attendance at preseason games, yet it makes perfect sense as teams prepare to scour the waiver wire in coming weeks as every franchise pares back to a 53-man roster.

When it comes to Friday night’s game at Arrowhead Stadium, several NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, and even one Canadian Football League team will have scouts in attendance. Check out the full list below:

More from Arrowhead Addict

• Former Chiefs cornerback in legal trouble in Las Vegas
• Chiefs Kingdom: Get ready to break contract news
• Chiefs news: Travis Kelce wants to host fan ‘chug-off’ in Germany
• Podcast: Breaking down the Chiefs biggest roster battles
• KC Chiefs send Dave Merritt to NFL coaching accelerator

It’s interesting to note that the Arizona Cardinals sent two scouts, perhaps to see Kyle Shanahan and the all-new staff of the 49ers, who play in the same division: the NFC West. As for the rest of the teams, most of them are on the Chiefs schedule this year, so maybe they’re trying to gain some inside information when teams face off in several weeks.

Then again, the Chiefs are also one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. Talented players will be cut by the Chiefs, including key positions that are very competitive like the offensive line and secondary.  Certainly the Chiefs likely have scouts elsewhere this week looking at various rosters in play for useful parts they can claim on the waiver wire when and if they’re made available.

It’s important to note that many of these players who will be claimed by other teams, or the Chiefs, will likely stand out most on special teams, so make sure to watch closely who comes up big as a gunner or stands out in coverage.