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Five Chiefs players barely hanging onto a roster spot

By Jacob Milham

Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Cam Sims (89) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (2) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Cam Sims (89) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (2) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jermaine Carter (53). Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jermaine Carter (53). Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

LB Jermaine Carter

A 17-game starter for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 to the roster bubble in 2022. That is where linebacker Jermaine Carter currently resides.

Carter was a 2022 free-agent acquisition for Kansas City, after spending the past four seasons in Carolina. 2021 was Carter’s best NFL season in his career, recording 88 combined tackles and starting all the team’s regular-season games. After the Chiefs released linebacker Anthony Hitchens, bringing in Carter for decent depth seemed like a smart move. That opinion changed quickly once camp started.

Carter appeared and continues to appear physically outmatched by blockers and receivers. He is not big enough to quickly shed blockers but not fast enough to keep up with receivers or running backs. He is still competing with Darius Harris for the MLB2 spot, behind Bolton. While Carter is more experienced than many of the other linebackers, he isn’t showing many in-game strengths.

Plus, Carter is not a top special teams option, something that can make-or-break a player’s roster chances. Carter did record four special teams snaps against the Commanders, but was the third-worst special teams player, according to PFF. Again, his physical limitations are not helping his case for the 53-man roster.

Carter’s best-case scenario is that his veteran status and fully guaranteed contract keep him in Kansas City. Also, if there are any more question marks about Harris’ play in preseason Week 3, then Carter might be the safer choice for Kansas City. But, he hardly inspires confidence amongst fans in the preseason. There is no reason he should during the regular season.

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