KC Chiefs: Potential surprise roster cuts to clear salary cap space

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 10: Mitchell Schwartz #71 of the Kansas City Chiefs at the line of scrimmage waiting to block on a play during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chiefs 35-32. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 07: Joe Haeg #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fails to make a catch against Anthony Hitchens #53 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Anthony Hitchens

Since this deal was made, it seems fans have been clamoring for a way out of this contract. Cutting Hitchens this year would net the Chiefs $2 million in cap savings—with the remainder of this cap hit falling into dead cap ($8 million). Waiting until next year would provide the Chiefs with less dead money, but it would also mean continuing to pay for sub-replacement level linebacker play.

The drafting of Willie Gay in the second-round last year seemed to suggest that the Chiefs were ready to move on from Hitchens but Gay had trouble finding the field in 2020. Additionally, both Ben Niemann and Damien Wilson are free agents, so the linebackers are thin.

Given the uncertainty at the position, this would certainly be a surprise cut. If the Chiefs and Brett Veach can find some value replacements at the position, then moving on from Hitchens might become a reality. This cut would be surprising given the dead money that it would create, but it may be the best path forward.

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