Five Chiefs players with the most at stake in the 2024 season

It's hard to look at any player on the Kansas City Chiefs and think they have something to prove in 2024. The team success has been so great over the last five years that they've been able to seemingly overcome any obstacle. Last year the team had the most penalized player in the NFL, a bottom-three receiving corps, and a first-round pick who barely played—and still won the Super Bowl.

However, there are players on the Chiefs roster who are fighting for something: a spot on the roster, their role on the team, or their next contract. These players all have something different at risk but they can change the narrative around them with a good season.

Let's take a look at five players with the most at stake in 2024.

5. Rashee Rice, WR

What's at stake? Can he stay out of trouble off the field? How can he follow up his big rookie year.

It's been an off-season that Rashee Rice would like to forget. With the off-the-field issues, it's hard to think about football with him. However, as camp progresses it's clear he is going to be a huge part of the offense again and will benefit from the downfield speed the roster has now. Rice needs to prove that his transgressions off the field are behind him and that he's worth the trouble too.

The Chiefs have stuck by some players with troublesome players over the years but most of those players are impact players. As long as Rice continues to be a rising star it's easier for the team to justify his role on the team and help him grow as a person. There are also some questions about what his production will look like with a much more diverse offense. Can he produce when he's not being force-fed the ball? Can he still be a key part of the offense?

4. Trent McDuffie, CB

What's at stake? Can he solidify himself as one of the best corners in football and earn a top contract

After a promising rookie campaign Trent McDuffie solidified himself as one of the top slot defenders in the NFL by earning first team all-pro. There's no doubt that McDuffie is one of the league's elite defenders but how can he follow up this year? Last year he had the benefit of having another elite CB playing against the top receiver every week. The slot has also been good for McDuffie's lack of length the only limitation that he really has.

If he can have another great season mixing in on the outside, he could be in line to be one of the top paid corners in the league. As the Chiefs are set to have several defensive backs hit free agency at the same time (Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, McDuffie and Bryan Cook) locking up their CB1 would be a massive step for long term roster construction.

3. Felix Anudike- Uzomah, EDGE

What's at stake? Can he earn a regular role on the defense and secure his future on the roster

Last year was a glorified red shirt year for FAU, but there's a big opportunity for him this year. With the injury to Charles Omenihu and the unknown future of B.J. Thompson, the Chiefs are relying on him to step up and take a bigger part of the snaps. Looking ahead, the Chiefs are set to have Omenihu be a free agent and it won't be long before George Karlaftis needs a new contract as well.

The Chiefs brought in Anudike-Uzomah to be a pass-rushing presence to win on the other side of George Karlaftis. As the aging curve comes for Chris Jones, the Chiefs will continue to need to find more pass rush across the line. A nice step forward from Anudike-Uzomah would not only be big for his future on the team but also the team's roster construction.

2. Isiah Pacheco, RB

What's at stake? Is he a top 10 back? Is he worth a second contract? Can he break out?

Pacheco is an interesting case. How he is viewed across the league and by Chiefs fans is vastly different. Pacheco also benefits from an offense that defenses beg to run the ball with light boxes. He is often a fan favorite for his unique running style and his tenacity in seeking contact. However, he's yet to have a huge season as he's never broken 1,000 yards on the ground or 250 yards receiving. Given the lack of depth the Chiefs have at running back they are counting on him to be a lead back that fits into that top 10 category.

The league isn't keen on paying running backs, but if Pacheco can have a signature season, he might be able to get a nice mid-level deal. The Chiefs will likely need to add running back depth in the future regardless of what he does. But if he wants to remain the top back in K.C. long term, he needs to have a big year. This could be the season he's cemented as a top back or just a benefactor of a Mahomes/Reid offense.

1. Jawaan Taylor, RT

What's at stake? Is he worth the contract he got? Can he reduce the penalites?

When the Chiefs gave Jawaan Taylor $60 million guaranteed, they certainly had something better in mind than his 2023 season. He led the NFL in penalties by a wide margin and struggled in run protection as well. When Kansas City brought him in, it was to lock down the right side of their offensive line as they tried to find a long-term option at left tackle. Instead, he brought more instability to the offense.

While it wouldn't be enjoyable, the Chiefs could, in theory, move on from Taylor after this season with some cap savings. With Wanya Morris on the roster, he could switch roles as the future right tackle. The Chiefs need Taylor to be the player they signed him to be to also help develop rookie Kingsley Suamataia. Can Taylor prove the penalties are behind him and he's worth his contract? Or is he a sunk cost?