Kansas City Chiefs Roster Decisions Ahead of the 2025 Season 🏈

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the clock ticks down to 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Chiefs have a monumental task at hand: trimming their roster from 90 players to the final 53 for the onset of the 2025 season. General Manager Brett Veach and his team are grappling with some tough decisions that could shape the future of the organization.

Preseason Finale and Roster Moves

The players had one last opportunity to shine during Friday night’s preseason showdown against the Chicago Bears, where the Chiefs suffered a narrow 28-27 loss. With practices resuming on Tuesday at 1:20 p.m., most who will make the final roster and those earmarked for the practice squad will likely be the only ones hitting the field.

Key Rules to Remember 📋

A significant change for the 2025 season allows teams to place up to two players on injured reserve during the roster cutdown, who can then be designated to return. Previously, players had to make the roster first before being moved to injured reserve, a process that often made it challenging to manage roster spots.

When players with fewer than four seasons in the league are released during this transition, they must go through waivers. Conversely, players with four or more seasons become free agents immediately. This creates an opportunity for teams to maneuver strategically—veterans like Mike Pennel or Robert Tonyan could be released and brought back the following day without going through waivers.

Tough Roster Decisions 🔍

The challenge of making final roster selections cannot be overstated. Below are projections of the last players who may make the roster and those who might be on the outside looking in:

Last Four In:

Mike Edwards
Cooper McDonald
Nikko Remigio
Malik Herring

Last Four Out:

Marlon Tuipulotu
Esa Pole
Joshua Williams
Cole Christensen

Once the roster deadline passes, teams have until 11 a.m. Wednesday to claim players put on waivers. Kansas City finds itself in the No. 31 position on the waiver wire. Consequently, they will need 30 other teams to pass on a player before Kansas City can make a claim. This dynamic could prompt the team to explore trade options for players they desire. Notably, veterans like cornerback Joshua Williams, offensive tackle Wany Morris, and wide receiver Jason Brownlee may draw interest from rival teams.

Looking Ahead 🚀

Even after the Tuesday deadline, Kansas City is not necessarily set on having a finalized roster. Changes may very well occur as the team prepares for Week 1, particularly as they consider upgrading depth at running back, defensive tackle, and cornerback.

Using insights from the training camp, preseason performances, and discussions with team sources, here’s a forecast for the initial 53-player roster.

Quarterbacks (2)

Starter: Patrick Mahomes
Backup: Gardner Minshew
Practice squad: Chris Oladokun
In the mix: Bailey Zappe

Friday’s game validated the team’s preseason observations: Oladokun is the more reliable backup. His decision-making and awareness outshine Zappe's, complemented by a strong arm. His work ethic and commitment make him an invaluable scout team quarterback.

Running Backs (3)

Starter: Isiah Pacheco
Backups: Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith
Practice squad: Carson Steele
In the mix: Elijah Mitchell and Michael Wiley

The preseason served multiple purposes for running backs: gear up Pacheco and Hunt for the regular season, integrate the dynamic Smith, and discover a reliable fourth option. They desire a fourth back with speed who contributes to special teams, which may have posed challenges for players like Mitchell, who has not exhibited the explosive plays from earlier in his career.

Wide Receivers (7)

Starters: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown
Backups: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Royals, Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio
Practice squad: Jason Brownlee, Jimmy Holiday
In the mix: Mac Dalena, Key’Shawn Smith, Elijah Badger, Hal Pressley

It's apparent that keeping six receivers is imperative. Remigio holds the most precarious role, as his absence from the roster would be a hard choice given he is the only experienced punt returner available.

Tight Ends (4)

Starter: Travis Kelce
Backups: Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Robert Tonyan
Practice squad: Tre Watson
In the mix: Geor’Quarius Spivey
Injured reserve: Jake Briningstool (projected)

Tonyan's skills present a different dynamic from a typical third-string tight end. Despite not being the strongest blocker, he provides reliable options in the passing game. Briningstool's injury status leaves room for strategic decisions moving forward.

Offensive Line (9)

Starters: LT Josh Simmons, LG Kingsley Suamataia, C Creed Humphrey, RG Trey Smith, RT Jawaan Taylor
Backups: T/G Jaylon Moore, G/C Mike Caliendo, C/G Hunter Nourzad, T Wanya Morris
Practice squad: T Esa Pole, C.J. Hanson, T Chukwuebuka Godrick
In the mix: G Dalton Cooper, C Joey Lombard
Non-Football Illness: T Ethan Driskell (projected)

If Remigio is the 53rd player, then Esa Pole may be the 54th. Keeping an extra offensive lineman may demand sacrifices from other positions.

Defensive Line (9)

Starters: DE George Karlaftis, DT Chris Jones, DT Mike Pennel, DE Mike Danna
Backups: DE Charles Omenihu, DT Omarr Norman-Lott, DT Jerry Tillery, DE Ashton Gillotte, DE Malik Herring
Practice squad: DT Marlon Tuipulotu, DT Fabien Lovett
In the mix: DT Coziah Izzard, DE Owen Carney, DE Nate Matlack
Injured reserve: DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE Janarius Robinson

Selecting the final defensive lineman remains uncertain due to injury challenges. The versatility of various players will undoubtedly come into play.

Linebackers (6)

Starters: Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal
Backups: Jeffrey Bassa, Cam Jones, Cooper McDonald
Practice squad: Cole Christiansen, Brandon George
In the mix: Xander Mueller
Injured reserve: Jack Cochrane (projected)

Cochrane's injury could allow for McDonald to secure a spot, especially after his impressive preseason showing. His productions alongside others like Bassa, who also excelled, make them considerable assets to the team.

Cornerbacks (5)

Starters: Trent McDuffie, Kristian Fulton
Backups: Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams
Practice squad: Joshua Williams, Kevin Knowles
In the mix: Melvin Smith Jr., Ajani Carter, Azizi Hearn

Williams has potential, but with roster constraints, he may find himself as a candidate for trade. Meanwhile, Knowles has consistently demonstrated upside throughout training camp.

Safeties (5)

Starters: Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner
Backups: Jaden Hicks, Chris Roland-Wallace, Mike Edwards
Practice squad: Glendon Miller, Major Williams
In the mix: Jacobe Covington
Injured reserve: Deon Bush

The safety unit is versatile, providing options that may allow the Chiefs to carry an additional cornerback.

Specialists (3)

Starters: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, LS James Winchester

The specialists are solid and present minimal concern moving into the regular season.

The countdown to final roster decisions is on, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the team's choices as the 2025 season draws closer. 🌟