5 Chiefs who won’t be back in 2022
By Scott Loring
History tells us there will be more attrition next offseason than just a handful of players, and there will be some other contributors in a contract year who may be on their way out in 2022. Some other notable players I think will be gone: defensive tackle Jarran Reed, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, quarterback Chad Henne, and long snapper James Winchester.
Reed came into Kansas City as a starter, but so far he has contributed little to nothing. He will have to make a big change in order to make any kind of a splash in free agency. Robinson has been a de facto returner to this roster for two years now, but there are enough reasons to think that he will finally head for more opportunity in another uniform. Henne will be 37 next season, and while he may have a little left in the tank, the team may choose to move on after this, his contract year. 2022 could mark the first time we see the Chiefs employ a reserve quarterback who is a younger apprentice to Patrick Mahomes.
Also, there are a few other key cogs whose future is up in the air, but I believe the Chiefs will re-sign. Among players I think the Chiefs will retain include safety Tyrann Mathieu, offensive tackle Orlando Brown, and cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes. It’s far too early to comment on wide receiver Josh Gordon, because of his circumstances and how high his pendulum swings, but the hope is that he’ll play well enough to return next season.