Five Chiefs players barely hanging onto a roster spot
By Jacob Milham
DT Taylor Stallworth
The Chiefs’ defensive line desperately needed some help this offseason. Defensive tackle Taylor Stallworth was the first acquisition to improve the unit, but hardly the last. Now, he might be on the outside looking in.
Stallworth had a career year in 2021 for the Indianapolis Colts, making him a good value signing for the Chiefs. But, since Kansas City brought Stallworth on board, the team has had defensive line players. After the Chiefs added defensive tackle Danny Shelton, Stallworth’s roster spot was very much in jeopardy.
Taylor Stallworth still being out there in the fourth quarter, while Saunders and Shelton are on the sidelines, does not bode well for him making this roster. #Chiefs
— Zack Eisen (@zackeisen21) August 20, 2022
Stallworth’s preseason performance does not help. Stallworth has been the Chiefs’ worst-graded defensive tackle against the Commanders, according to PFF. Other players such as Khalen Saunders, Tershawn Wharton, and Shelton are all firmly ahead of Stallworth as of right now. At best, Stallworth is Kansas City’s DT6, and the Chiefs do not carry six defensive tackles on the 53-man roster.
Stallworth is likely a prime trade candidate, as other teams will see his value. Stallworth has still applied five pressures this preseason, albeit against second- or third-string offensive linemen. If the Chiefs can recoup a conditional pick, such as a sixth- or seventh-round selection, that would be ideal.