We know about the star power in Kansas City, but depth is key for them to recapture powerhouse status in the AFC.
Quarterback (3)
Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Chris Oladokun
It seemed obvious from the moment he went down with a torn ACL in Week 15 of last season that Patrick Mahomes would do everything possible to be ready for Week 1—and I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t out there for the Monday night opener versus Denver. In the meantime, Justin Fields will get showcase opportunities in Andy Reid’s offense this summer, as will Chris Oladokun and seventh-round rookie Garrett Nussmeier. I’ll lean towards Oladokun—who started on Christmas Night and nearly upset the Broncos—making it as the No. 3 quarterback.
Running back (4)
Kenneth Walker III, Brashard Smith, Emmett Johnson (R), Emari Demercado
It was a major move to sign Kenneth Walker III this offseason, and he’s primed for a monster year with Kansas City looking to have more balance on offense. The question is whether four running backs will still be kept, but there is talent in the room behind Walker with all three of Brashard Smith, rookie Emmett Johnson, and Emari Demercado being capable pass-catchers. Also, don’t completely count out undrafted rookies EJ Smith and Jaydn Ott.
Wide receiver (6)
Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen (R), Nikko Remigio
The uncertainty at wide receiver is regarding whether the team can trust Rashee Rice as he comes off knee surgery that he is rehabbing during a 30-day stint in jail. If he’s unavailable for whatever reason, Jason Brownlee or undrafted rookie Jeff Caldwell might have a chance to make it, but I believe the group is close to set with Xavier Worthy the other featured player with all of Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, and fifth-rounder Cyrus Allen pushing for snaps—while Nikko Remigio is the top returner.
Tight end (4)
Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, John Michael Gyllenborg (R), Jake Briningstool
Travis Kelce is back for what is expected to be his final season in 2026 (after it felt like he was done towards the end of last year), and Noah Gray is established as the No. 2 tight end. The Chiefs might not end up keeping four options here, but I’m very high on undrafted rookie John Michael Gyllenborg, and Jake Briningstool got a year to learn the system while on IR as a rookie. If they both make it, 2024 fourth-round pick Jared Wiley would be off the 53-man roster after two receptions across his first two seasons.
Offensive tackle (4)
Josh Simmons, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, Wanya Morris
The Chiefs are exploring trade options for Wanya Morris, but I’ll keep the former third-round pick on the roster for now with talks not always coming to fruition. Esa Pole emerging as the swing tackle is likely the reason for Morris wanting a fresh start, so three options might be kept if a trade happens—especially with Chukwuebuka Godrick getting a roster exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
Guard (3)
Kingsley Suamataia, Trey Smith, Mike Caliendo
The interior offensive line for Kansas City is as good as it gets, so they’ll probably try to keep just one backup at guard with Mike Caliendo. As was the case last season, C.J. Hanson could come up from the practice squad when needed, and undrafted rookies Kahlil Benson and Josh Thompson are other options here.
Center (2)
Creed Humphrey, Hunter Nourzad
The Chiefs have an undrafted rookie at center as well (Pete Nygra), but All-Pro Creed Humphrey is obviously set in stone, and Hunter Nourzad should be safe as the primary backup for the third season in a row.
Interior defensive line (4)
Chris Jones, Peter Woods (R), Omarr Norman-Lott, Khyiris Tonga
First-round pick Peter Woods is in an excellent spot to learn alongside Chris Jones to begin his career, and Kansas City is counting on him to provide an immediate impact inside. Omarr Norman-Lott is coming back from a torn ACL suffered in October that ended his rookie year, and the former second-round pick will come off the bench with Khyiris Tonga. Marcus Harris is the guy to watch if the Chiefs keep five defensive tackles.
Edge defender (5)
George Karlaftis, R Mason Thomas (R), Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, Vincent Anthony Jr. (R)
The Chiefs have made plenty of investments on the edge in recent years, but they are still seeking for a big-time presence to cause havoc alongside Chris Jones. I was high on second-round pick R Mason Thomas and still have hope for 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah putting everything together, and we’ll see if Ashton Gillotte can step up in his second season. Ethan Downs and Tyreke Smith are considered the favorites for the other roster spot, but I like undrafted rookie Vincent Anthony Jr. as a player who could have gone early on Day 3.
Linebacker (5)
Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bassa, Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald
Leo Chanel leaving in free agency creates a hole at the third linebacker spot for KC, but I would think 2025 fifth-round pick Jeffrey Bassa is at least the safest bet to make the roster behind Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill. The other two spots figure to come down to Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald, Cole Christiansen, and undrafted rookie Wesley Bissainthe; I almost went with Bissainthe, but Cochrane and McDonald were both on the team all last year.
Cornerback (6)
Mansoor Delane (R), Nohl Williams, Kader Kohou, L’Jarius Sneed, Kristian Fulton, Jadon Canady (R)
Cornerback was crowded enough before the return of L’Jarius Sneed, and now competition should really be fierce for not only roster spots, but also roles behind first-round pick Mansoor Delane. My initial instinct was that Sneed could start in the slot since that’s where he played early in his career, but the team signing Kader Kohou and drafting Jadon Canady in the fourth round. Instead, the move might be an indication that Kansas City isn’t fully confident in 2025 third-rounder Nohl Williams, and Kristian Fulton’s roster spot could now be in jeopardy. The notable cuts here are Kaiir Elam and undrafted rookie Bryce Phillips.
Safety (4)
Alohi Gilman, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Chris Roland-Wallace
In general, there is no shortage of options in the slot for the Chiefs with Chamarri Conner having experience there and Chris Roland-Wallace competing for snaps this summer—but no matter how it shakes out, the safety group is set in terms of roster spots for the top four. If another makes the team, undrafted rookie DeShon Singleton would be my choice.
Special teams (3)
Harrison Butker, Matt Araiza, James Winchester
The accuracy for Harrison Butker has taken a hit over the past couple of seasons, but he’s still one of the game’s best—and the special teams unit remains intact for Kansas City with no competition this summer.