The Kansas City Chiefs’ roster is fairly set; one of the perks of being a perennial Super Bowl contender. But the Chiefs do have some critical decisions to make and noteworthy players like Carson Steele and Joshua Williams.
Just as surprising, The Athletic’s Jesse Newell projects the Chiefs will also cut newcomer Elijah Mitchell.
Chiefs Predicted to Part Ways Super Bowl Champion, Noteworthy Duo
Super Bowl Champion on Roster Bubble
The Chiefs selected Williams in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, logging 12 starts in 50 games played across his three seasons. Despite that, the Chiefs’ depth at his position could make Williams a cut candidate.
Moreover, Williams’ experience and draft pedigree could make him an appealing trade target. That is especially true for any team not looking to compete for his services in free agency.
“A lot of teams in the NFL should be inquiring about Chiefs 2022 fourth-round draft pick Joshua Williams, who is the odd man out here,” Newell wrote on August 23. “Williams has good size at 6-3 and 193 pounds, and though he struggled to move up the depth chart this camp, he’s a great personality and locker room presence who could help a more cornerback-needy team.”
The Chiefs boast a deep and versatile room of corners, led by two-time All-Pro Trent McDuffie.
Chris Roland-Wallace, Nazeeh Johnson, and Nohl Williams are on hand to provide depth and support behind McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and newcomer Kristian Fulton. That could have Williams on the outside looking in for the Chiefs.
What the Chiefs could expect to receive in return for Williams is a significant question mark. It is clear they do not need him and that he could be a cut candidate.
It is also unclear if the Chiefs are even keen on parting with Williams, given his experience.
Rookie 7th-Round Pick Putting Roster Squeeze on Chiefs Teammates
Williams’s exit might impact the Chiefs more on the field, but Steele is a fan favorite. Newell pointed to the presence of rookie seventh-round draft pick Brashard Smith as a reason the Chiefs could move on from Mitchell and Steele behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt.
That does not mean the Chiefs would not look to add someone else to the mix.
“Smith, a former receiver in college, should be more of a wideout/running back hybrid player as opposed to someone who will be asked to line up and take carries out of the backfield. That means the Chiefs are likely still one body short at this position,” Newell wrote. “Don’t be surprised … if the Chiefs look to the trade market or waivers for an upgrade. On top of the wish list would be a third-down back with receiving skills who also could be trusted to protect Mahomes on pass-blocking downs.”
Mitchell, who spent the first three years of his career battling injuries with the San Francisco 49ers, and Steele have showcased versatility before.
However, neither has established himself enough to warrant closing the door on outside options. More such options could become available as teams make cuts to trim their rosters down to the 53-player limit for the regular season.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
