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Kansas City Chiefs: How offensive contracts will affect roster battles

By Lyle Graversen

SAINT JOSEPH, MO - JULY 31: The team runs drills during Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on July 31, 2011 in Saint Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SAINT JOSEPH, MO - JULY 31: The team runs drills during Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on July 31, 2011 in Saint Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6:Running back Kareem Hunt
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 6:Running back Kareem Hunt /

Running Backs

Much like the quarterback position, the starting spot is locked in with the Chiefs returning the NFL’s leading rusher, Kareem Hunt. After that it’s pretty much wide open.

The candidates:

Kareem Hunt

Age: 22
Last year under contract: 2020
Post June 1? $584K saved

Spencer Ware

Age: 26
Last year under contract? 2018
Post June 1? $1.5M saved

Charcandrick West

Age: 26
Last year under contract? 2018
Post June 1? $1.7M saved

Damien Williams

Age: 26
Last year under contract? 2018
Post June 1? $1.1M saved

Darrel Williams

Age: 23
Last year under contract? 2020
Post June 1? Contract ot currently factoring into salary cap

Kerwynn Williams

Age: 26
Last year under contract? 2018
Post June 1? $630K saved

If I’m undrafted rookie Darrel Williams, I’m feeling pretty good at the opportunity in front of me. Darrel (I’ll use first names for the Williamses since there are so many) is the only running back besides Hunt that is under contract beyond this season and the only player that doesn’t clear them cap space if cut. If the former LSU RB can prove himself competitive with the other backs I think he has a great opportunity if he can take advantage of it.

Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, and Damien Williams all find themselves in a similar situation. The Chiefs have invested a decent contract in them, but it also means that they can save money by releasing them.

I actually think the running back with the highest odds to make the roster (after Hunt) may be Kerwynn Williams. He put up solid numbers running the football last season in Arizona, is a proven return man, and has a lower cap number than Ware, West, and Damien Williams. I think the back up running back spots may be some of the funnest camp battles in camp this year with five capable backs competing for two or three spots.

As far as fullback goes, I’m not expecting much of a battle.

Anthony Sherman

Age: 29
Last year under contract? 2018
Post June 1? $2M saved

John David Moore

Age: 22
Last year under contract? 2020
Post June 1? Contract not currently factoring into salary cap

Moore would have to have an amazing camp to unseat the well respected veteran Anthony Sherman. However, with Sherman on just a one year deal and $2 million to be saved, if the Chiefs did think Moore was a hidden gem they are not financially tied to keeping Sherman around.

Now on to the wide receivers.

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