Offensive Line
While there is some intrigue in terms of who will for sure fill what role, I think most people could identify the eight offensive linemen that are going to make the roster right now. Then there are seven other guys that are going to have to prove that they are clearly better than one of those eight to earn a spot. Here are how the numbers look.
Eric Fisher
Age: 27
Last year under contract: 2021
Post June 1? $1.3M cap HIT if cut
Mitchell Schwartz
Age: 28
Last year under contract: 2020
Post June 1? $4M saved
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Age: 27
Last year under contract: 2022
Post June 1? $2.2M cap HIT if cut
Mitch Morse
Age: 26
Last year under contract: 2018
Post June 1? $1.1M saved
Cameron Erving
Age: 25
Last year under contract: 2018
Post June 1? $0 saved
Bryan Witzmann
Age: 27
Last year under contract: 2018
Post June 1? $1.2M saved
Parker Ehinger
Age: 25
Last year under contract: 2019
Post June 1? $639K saved
Kahlil McKenzie
Age: 21
Last year under contract: 2021
Post June 1? Contract not currently factoring into salary cap
Jordan Devey
Age: 30
Last year under contract: 2018
Post June 1? $630K saved
Here are the other offensive linemen on the roster whose contracts are not current factoring into the salary cap (along with their ages):
- Dillon Gordon, 24
- Ryan Hunter, 23
- Kaleb Johnson, 25
- Tejan Koroma, 22
- Jimmy Murray, 23
- Andrew Wylie, 23
I think if the Chiefs could have their way the starting line would be Fisher, Ehinger, Morse, LDT, and Schwartz. That would leave Witzmann and Erving coming off the bench (each with some position versatility) and McKenzie essentially getting a redshirt season to make the switch from defense to offense.
If there was one player in that top eight that could be knocked out it might be Ehinger if he still isn’t quite right after his injury and someone else steps up on the interior. However, I really expect that to be the group they go with if everyone is healthy. I really think they like Witzmann and Erving’s positional flexibility and Brett Veach invested a draft pick in McKenzie.
So what do you think Chiefs fans? Do you agree with some of these observations or do you think I’m reading too much into the contract situations? The three spots I’m most intrigued to watch are the third quarterback battle between McGloin and Litton, the running back spots after Hunt, and the tight end spots after Kelce. I’d love to hear in the comments below what you think.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!