Kansas City Chiefs: Offensive players on the roster bubble
By Jacob Milham
RB Derrick Gore
Running back Derrick Gore is no stranger to the roster bubble. After seeing significant playing time in 2021, the Chiefs may soon move on from Gore.
The University of Louisiana-Monroe alum joined the Chiefs in February 2021 and joined the 53-man roster in October 2021. Gore was a reliable backup option but never got the feature back opportunity. The reason why puzzled Chiefs fans last year. The team suffered an inconsistent rushing attack and fluctuating availability from members of the running back room. Meanwhile, Gore was electric at points during the regular season. Fans anxiously awaited him to see more snaps, but he recorded less than 55 rushing attempts in 2021.
Andy Reid said RB Derrick Gore looked like Gale Sayers last game. Then he did this. 😳 (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/6KCfgBWRa1
— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) August 28, 2021
Gore returned to Kansas City after being an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA). The move came early this offseason, showing the team’s interest in retaining Gore. But, the team added multiple running backs both via the draft and free agency.
Gore is currently not only RB3 but Kansas City’s oldest running back. Neither are ideal for the 27-year-old who carries an $825,000 cap hit with no guaranteed salary this season.
If Pacheco outplays Gore this offseason, the latter would easily be gone. Gore would certainly be a favorite to return to the practice squad, but he is very much on the roster bubble right now.d