4 former Chiefs players who are still waiting for a place to land in 2024

Some former Chiefs are still waiting for a place to call home for the 2024 NFL season.

While there are a few new faces on the Kansas City Chiefs these days, the primary strategy of the offseason seemed to be about keeping the band together for another year. We can't blame them, since this roster core has delivered two consecutive Super Bowl titles.

This year, the Chiefs went into free agency with several players hitting the open market and one by one, they brought back a large percentage of them. From running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire to linebacker Drue Tranquill to defensive end Mike Danna to multiple defensive tackles, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach clearly liked the thought of bringing back known quantities over experimenting with the unknown.

That said, a few players are still floating out there in free agency as former Chiefs waiting for a new home. It's quite possible that some veterans are being picky and waiting for a late preseason injury before signing. Others might be waiting for the phone to ring. Whatever the reason, here are four players you might not have realized are still available for hire.

Blake Bell, TE

Blake Bell was always one-dimensional as a tight end for the Chiefs, but the team needed his exemplary blocking and he was always good for a surprise wrinkle or two offensively. But Bell has always been a fringe roster player who could be eclipsed by a more well-rounded option and the Chiefs moved on this spring in two ways: the signing of Irv Smith and the drafting of Jared Wiley.

Bell is still in free agency and could be courted by the Chiefs in case of an injury, but for now, the team has good reason to love the offensive potential in multi-TE sets with guys like Travis Kelce and Noah Gray working with Wiley. Smith could also convince the Chiefs to keep a fourth TE with a solid preseason.

As for Bell, someone should come calling at some point if he wants to extend his career, but he should be quite proud of a solid 9-year career if not.

Blaine Gabbert, QB

No one would ever think that replacing a backup quarterback would be referred to as "big shoes to fill," but there's no doubt that Chiefs Kingdom loved Chad Henne as QB2 in K.C. While Henne didn't play much, he was quite effective in the few times he was called upon and that 98-yard touchdown drive in the Divisional Round two seasons ago is exactly how the playoffs can create a legacy for a player at any time.

Blaine Gabbert was called upon to replace Henne after the popular backup retired. Despite being a homecoming of sorts, the Mizzou quarterback never got to play until garbage time and even then he looked not-so-hot. The Chiefs moved on quickly this offseason for a reason and Carson Wentz should be the best backup that Mahomes has ever had.

Back to Gabbert. In a league that gladly recycles quarterback talent, we're a bit shocked that he doesn't have a new home after playing in K.C. last year and winning a title. That said, he's going to be 35 soon and perhaps his pro chapter is closed. At the very least, Gabbert will need a few injuries to resurface in the league.

Richie James, WR

Last year at this time, James was hoping to capitalize on a breakout season in 2022 with the New York Giants by racking up the yards in the Chiefs' dynamic offense. Instead of appreciating his QB upgrade from Daniel Jones to Patrick Mahomes, injuries kept James from finding his footing early and he failed to stand out from a mediocre pack even upon his return. Speaking of returns, James wasn't even exciting on that front.

It's possible that James can catch on with another team, but he's getting ready to be 29 in a league where it's not hard to find once-exciting wideouts looking for another chance. We might have seen the last of James at this point.

Donovan Smith, OT

It's a bit surprising to see Donovan Smith still out there as a potential free agent grab for several reasons. First, Smith was a full-time starting left tackle on the best team in footbal just last season and he's been a model of durability until the last couple of seasons. But even last summer, the Chiefs installed him at LT without hesitation in the preseason and only an injury took that role away from him.

Given his championship experience with both the Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Smith would make an excellent addition to any line even in terms of the intangibles he'd bring to the organization. Not to mention, it can be hard to find quality tackle play these days and Smith is a nice security blanket even if a team likes a younger player.

Now that we've said all of this, maybe Veach will want to give him a call.