KC Chiefs: Offensive players whose jobs are in jeopardy

Looking ahead to the rest of the 2023 NFL offseason, Kansas City Chiefs fans don’t have much to look forward to between now and training camp. Common talking points will likely include speculation abounds about potential free-agent signings, contract extensions, and final roster projections.

Of particular interest is which players may be at risk of losing their current roles on the team and need to perform well during the summer to keep their positions. This includes both bubble players and projected starters. In the NFL, circumstances can change rapidly, and a poor showing in training camp could be the difference between starting in Week 1 and being cut from the team.

Let’s examine three players on the Kansas City Chiefs offense who may be in danger of losing their current roles.

Lucas Niang, Offensive Tackle

It’s unclear whether Lucas Niang was ever a “starter” since Jawaan Taylor is the only established tackle on the team. However, the fact that the Chiefs drafted a third-round player at his position and signed a veteran tackle does not bode well for Niang’s short-term prospects. While Kansas City was expected to pick an offensive tackle early, the acquisition of Donovan Smith raises legitimate questions about the team’s confidence in Niang.

Andy Reid has confirmed that Smith will be the team’s left tackle, leaving Niang to compete with Wanya Morris and Prince Tega Wanogho for the swing tackle position in 2023. Morris, as a fresh rookie, is likely to have an advantage in the competition.

Niang’s patellar injury towards the end of the 2021 regular season was devastating, and it took him a while to recover. The team may be questioning his durability, and the drafting of Morris and the signing of Smith do not inspire confidence in Niang’s abilities. These moves could indicate that his chances of starting Week 1 were always slim or even that he’s closer to being on the roster bubble than most believe.