Let’s take a look at several potential roster cuts from other teams who could come in handy at positions of need for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Just like that, the preseason is over. While the Kansas City Chiefs looked stellar in all three phases, there are certainly still questions about the final pieces of the roster.
It is unclear whether Brett Veach, Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo, and Dave Toub have determined which position groups are most crucial to having a successful 2022-2023 season. For instance, will the Chiefs hold on to four tight ends? Will they find value in keeping five or six cornerbacks? Even with those questions up in the air, one thing is certain: general manager Brett Veach will have his eyes open for any player that could fill a role that falls victim to the final roster cut-downs.
So where could Veach be looking? Depth at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle, and linebacker are all real possibilities. Veach could look at a number of other positions as well. So who are some potential cut-down day casualties that could interest the Chiefs? We discuss the potential options starting with the running backs.
Myles Gaskin, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
While the offense looked good throughout the preseason and training camp, there was a noticeable lag in the rushing game. One option could be Myles Gaskin. While it is possible that the Dolphins bring him back to be a part of their committee, Gaskin could be on the outs due to the additions of Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert in free agency and then Zaquandre White in the draft.
Gaskin would make for an interesting chess piece in Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. Gaskin is effective on the ground and through the air. If the Chiefs were to make him one of their options, he could blossom into a key piece of the puzzle. Last season in Miami, Gaskin rushed the ball 173 times for 612 yards and 3 touchdowns. Where he was best, however, was in the passing game where he caught 49 balls for 234 yards and 4 touchdowns. If the Chiefs wanted a fourth running back to be a part of the committee, Gaskin would make a lot of sense.
D’Ernest Johnson, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
The Chiefs surprised some fans when they signed Ronald Jones this offseason. After a lackluster start and an inability to be a consistent blocker, it now appears as though Jones could be on the way out. Will they want a power back with some potential to replace him? If so, D’Ernest Johnson makes sense as the guy to take his spot. The Browns already have Kareem Hunt and rookie Jerome Ford playing second fiddle to Nick Chubb. Johnson just might end up a casualty because of their embarrassment of riches.
Johnson would be the type of running back that Andy Reid likes having around. At 5’10, 208 he is not the most physically threatening player. However, he is fearless and seems to find a way to gain yards where there are none. Appearing in all 17 games a year ago, Johnson got the call exactly 100 times and had 534 yards and 3 touchdowns. It does not take a mathematician to see that he averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. If Johnson was the odd man out in Cleveland, expect the Chiefs to at least give him some consideration.
Ty’Son Williams, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
The Baltimore Ravens were a mess of injuries last year. Offensively and defensively they were forced to play some reserves as starters. One of those players was running back Ty’Son Williams. Williams was a part of a committee that saw plenty of opportunities in the rushing attack. Williams was generally the third wheel to that group but finished the season with 35 carries for 185 yards and a touchdown.
Now, brought on by the Colts in May, it seems plausible that Williams is a late-cut candidate. The Colts backfield is stacked: Johnathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, Phillip Lindsay, and rookie D’Vonte Price. It seems apparent that Williams will either get a shot as the fourth guy to be on special teams, or he will be on his way out. The Chiefs could use a player with his skillset to fill a role.