8 familiar faces the Chiefs could turn to for help as injuries pile up

Five weeks into the season, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of only three teams in the league that remain undefeated. Heading into Week 6, the Chiefs come off a bye week and have no intention of slowing down. The Chiefs' front office knows there is still work to do as they look to make their playoff push and hopefully reach their sixth Super Bowl this decade.

The Chiefs know depth matters, and with recent injuries, Kansas City needs to keep its options open. Brett Veach has historically avoided signing veteran free agents midseason, opting instead for practice squad promotions or pre-deadline trades. At the same time, Kansas City has historically shown loyalty to former players, and a reunion could be in the cards.

Tyreek Hill

One day, the name Tyreek Hill will hang in the rafters of the Chiefs' new stadium as one of the best players in franchise history. But now, Hill is coming off one of the worst knee injuries the NFL has seen, along with other off-the-field legal concerns that have followed him throughout his career. If everything off the field checks out, Hill feels like a logical pickup for the Chiefs and could be a major contributor down the stretch.

Mecole Hardman

During his time with the Chiefs, Hardman has been up and down, but he may just be their good-luck charm. Once the hero of Super Bowl LVIII against the 49ers, "Tom and Jerry Right" was the defining moment of the season and Hardman's career with the Chiefs. Hardman has been with the Chiefs for all three Super Bowl wins, and returning to the team could be beneficial. He was also an All-Pro return specialist with the Chiefs, which would add value off the bench.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The Chiefs’ Tyquan Thornton before Tyquan Thornton, MVS was arguably the Chiefs' most impactful receiver from 2022–2023. A big, fast pass-catcher who has been a valuable threat, MVS has bounced around, playing for six teams since leaving Kansas City just three years ago. While he may not be what he was with the Chiefs, MVS could provide valuable depth off the bench, especially with Tyquan Thornton likely out for the year.

Khalen Saunders

A former fan favorite, Saunders has bounced around a lot since leaving Kansas City to sign with the Saints in 2023. A hyper-athletic defensive tackle, Saunders was a valuable run stuffer who showed pass-rush upside in his final season with Kansas City. With Omarr Norman-Lott still out, another injury could devastate the Chiefs' defensive line, and a reunion with Saunders could make sense.

Mike Edwards

Safety may be the Chiefs' worst position group, and a veteran like Edwards could be a big help. The Chiefs made a heavy investment in Alohi Gilman in free agency and have high hopes for young safety Jaden Hicks. But the room is still young, and adding a veteran presence, even to the practice squad, with Mike Edwards could be helpful on game days.

Deon Bush

Like Edwards, Bush was a valuable depth piece and special teams player for the Chiefs in the early 2020s. The Chiefs' safety room is thin, and if injuries become an issue, Bush could come into play. He tore his Achilles in a preseason game last season, but if he is fully recovered, he could get up to speed quickly and could be a valuable piece on the Chiefs' roster late in the season.

Nazeeh Johnson

Johnson is a former seventh-round pick by the Chiefs who was a key special teams guy for Kansas City during his time with the team. Special teams has been an issue in Kansas City, and Johnson could step in and make an impact. With injuries at corner, the Chiefs may want someone they are more comfortable with on defense, but Johnson could be a good practice squad grab if the team wants depth for its special teams unit late in the season.

Wanya Morris

Morris was a top-100 pick for the Chiefs in 2023 and played a rotational role at tackle with Kansas City before being traded to Atlanta this offseason. Morris did not make the Falcons' roster and is on the Cowboys' practice squad as of today. If injuries become an issue at tackle, Morris could be a good late-season pickup who can play on either side of the line as emergency depth.

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