Potential offensive cuts who could interest KC Chiefs
By Jacob Milham
The Kansas City Chiefs have rebuilt different offensive position groups two years in a row. Last offseason, general manager Brett Veach completely replenished the offensive line after a dreadful Super Bowl performance. This year, Veach is bringing a new look to Kansas City’s wide receiving corps.
Franchise-great Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins after the Chiefs did not want to pay Hill all-time money. Long-time depth pieces Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson are gone, leaving Mecole Hardman as the only notable receiver left from 2021. Veach added JuJu Smith-Schuester and Marquez Valdes-Scantling via free agency. The Chiefs also invested a second-round selection in Skyy Moore. 2022 could feature one of the Chiefs’ most well-rounded receiving groups in recent memory.
2021’s strong offensive line returns for the most part, amidst a battle for the starting right tackle spot. Andrew Wylie, Lucas Niang, and Darian Kinnard all have a case for the starting role. The offensive line depth is solid, with Nick Allegretti and Geron Christian having proven reps.
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive unit is very deep heading into the 2022 season. What possible cuts could round out the offense further?
The quarterback spot is firmly set, with Patrick Mahomes starting and Chad Henne likely being the backup. Kansas City could carry a third quarterback option, but they have not in recent years. Regardless, Kansas City will likely not be in the running for released quarterbacks.
The running back rooms saw a lot of turnover behind former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The Chiefs brought in Ronald Jones via free agency and drafted speedy back Isiah Pacheco. Every back behind Edwards-Helaire is not a roster lock right now, depending on how the Chiefs coaching staff wants to utilize the group.
Overall, the offense is pretty set for starters and depth. But, each season features some big-name cuts that could improve Kansas City’s top-five offense. Who could those players be and what would they bring to Kansas City?
RB Kareem Hunt
Chiefs fans either love him or hate him, but running back Kareem Hunt is an undeniable talent.
Hunt started his NFL career in Kansas City, leading the league in rushing yards as a rookie. Even after a down 2018 campaign, Hunt’s future as a Chief looked bright. But, a slew of assault incidents in 2018, including a video showing Hunt kicking and shoving a woman, culminated in his release.
After serving an eight-game suspension, Hunt has been a reliable backup for the Cleveland Browns. Hunt has not gotten a feature-back opportunity outside of Kansas City, and he likely never will. Injuries have held Hunt back for years, and that never gets better for a running back. However, the Browns have good reasons to move on from Hunt. First, Cleveland could save $6 million by releasing Hunt, and incur no dead-cap hit. The team is flush with younger, cheaper options, such as D’Ernest Johnson, Demetric Felton, and Jerome Ford.
Hunt is still a good player at running back. A reunion with the Chiefs is a long shot but never say never in the NFL. Some bridges would have to be rebuilt, but Hunt’s best years came in a Chiefs uniform. If the front office wants him, Hunt could be a good situational running back in Kansas City.