Kansas City Chiefs announce 53-man roster, two big name players among the cuts

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This past Tuesday was one of big decisions for the Kansas City Chiefs and all 31 other NFL teams.

Painful decisions, sometimes. The deadline that the league gives franchises to determine who their 53-man roster will be was 27 August.

KC had 90 players on its roster and had to cut 37 of them for the regular season that kicks off on 4 September. It’s worth noting that some of the cut players may sign to be put on the practice squad.

Considering 2024 as one of the most historic seasons for the Chiefs, what’s really at stake is ensuring that all the best are on board.

Meet the 53 players in the Kansas City Chiefs roster after all the cuts:

Quarterbacks

• Patrick Mahomes
• Carson Wentz

Ian Book and Chris Oladukon were waived, probably because Wentz is a very reliable veteran to serve as Mahomes’ backup in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Running backs

• Isiah Pacheco
• Carson Steele*
• Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Steele should be the fullback returning to KC. Deneric Prince didn’t get another chance and was waived.

Tight ends

• Travis Kelce
• Noah Gray
• Peyton Hendershot
• Jared Wiley

Wide receivers

• Rashee Rice
• Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
• Xavier Worthy
• Justin Watson
• JuJu Smith-Schuster
• Skyy Moore
• Mecole Hardman

Smith-Schuster returned to the Chiefs after spending a year with the New England Patriots. It’s a pity that Nikko Remigio didn’t make the 53-man roster, but he’s likely to remain on the PS.

Offensive linemen

• Kingsley Suamataia
• Joe Thuney
• Creed Humphrey
• Trey Smith
• Jawaan Taylor
• Mike Caliendo
• Wanya Morris
• Ethan Driskell
• C.J. Hanson
• Hunter Nourzad

The organisation took a chance on the rookies and kept all of the selected ones in the roster. Protecting Mahomes’ blind side is crucial for this year.

Defensive linemen

• George Karlaftis
• Mike Danna
• Felix Anudike-Uzomah
• Malik Herring
• Cam Thomas
• Chris Jones
• Mike Pennel
• Tershawn Wharton
• Derrick Nnadi

Cam Thomas is the latest Chiefs signing. That’s because Chris Omenihu and BJ Thompson are still on injured reserve and need some more time to return.

Linebackers

• Nick Bolton
• Drue Tranquill
• Leo Chenal
• Jack Cochrane
• Cam Jones

Cornerbacks

• Trent McDuffie
• Nazeeh Johnson
• Jaylen Watson
• Joshua Williams
• Nic Jones

One of the units most affected by the cuts. Let’s see what Steve Spagnuolo’s strategy will be to make up for the lack of L’Jarius Sneed in the secondary.

Safeties

• Justin Reid
• Bryan Cook
• Chamarri Conner
• Jaden Hicks
• Christian Roland-Wallace

Roland-Wallace secured his place because he can play multiple roles.

Special teams

• Kicker Harrison Butker
• Punter Matt Araiza
• Long snapper James Winchester

Surprising cuts

The big ‘breaking news’ among the cuts Kansas City made were Kadarius Toney and Louis Rees-Zammit.

After failing to find partners to trade the player, the reigning Super Bowl champions let Toney go. KC acquired the receiver in 2022 for third and sixth round picks in a trade with the New York Giants.

Besides, his last season wasn’t one to be proud of, shall we say.

Rees-Zammit was a bold bet by the franchise and it’s hard to see him out of the league properly.

Not to mention that he will now be placed on waivers, which means another team could sign him.

However, he is expected to remain with the Chiefs as part of the practice squad.