Breaking News: Just before OTAs, six Chiefs players, with Rashee Rice on top of the list, are facing contract termination.
These Chiefs players are already teetering on the edge of uncertainty as OTAs approach. The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to etch their name in the annals of NFL history in 2024. Following their consecutive Super Bowl triumphs — marking their third title in five years — they are eyeing a historic three-peat.
Despite grappling with offensive challenges throughout the previous season, Kansas City secured their latest championship, a testament to the exceptional skill of Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the premier player in the league. As they gear up for the 2024 campaign, the Chiefs appear notably strengthened on paper. Consequently, these six players find themselves on precarious ground even before OTAs kick off.
1. Rashee Rice, Wide Receiver
Despite a promising rookie season, Rashee Rice’s off-field troubles have cast a shadow over his potential. Facing multiple criminal charges and accusations of assault, Rice’s legal issues threaten his roster spot, despite his undeniable talent. While the Chiefs have historically tolerated talent to a certain extent, Rice’s transgressions may prove too egregious, especially given the team’s offseason acquisitions.
2. Kadarius Toney, Wide Receiver
Kadarius Toney, a first-round pick in 2022, arrived in Kansas City amid high expectations but has failed to meet them. Despite sporadic flashes of brilliance, his overall performance has been lackluster, with just 340 yards on 41 receptions and recurring drops. Toney’s reluctance to acknowledge the need for improvement exacerbates concerns about his future with the team. Despite Rashee Rice’s impending suspension, Toney’s prospects of retaining his roster spot appear bleak, with Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy offering viable alternatives.
3. Charles Omenihu, Defensive End
Charles Omenihu, acquired by the Chiefs in 2022, initially impressed with seven sacks in his first two seasons with the Texans. However, a torn ACL in the 2023 AFC Championship Game and the emergence of Felix Anudike-Uzomah as a capable reserve may render Omenihu expendable. His potential release could yield savings of over $5.2 million for Kansas City.
4. Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver
Following the departure of Tyreek Hill, Skyy Moore was tasked with contributing to the Chiefs’ receiving corps but has failed to deliver. With just 43 receptions for 494 yards in two seasons, Moore faces heightened competition from newly acquired talents like Xavier Worthy. Even with Rice’s suspension, Moore’s position on the roster appears precarious.
5. Justin Reid, Safety
Signed to anchor the Chiefs’ secondary following Tyrann Mathieu’s departure, Justin Reid’s performance has fallen short of expectations. Targeted 120 times and conceding 76 receptions, Reid’s struggles in pass coverage have been evident, warranting a cap hit of $14.25 million in 2024. With promising rookie Jaden Hicks potentially challenging for his position, Reid’s future with the team hangs in the balance.
6. Lucas Niang, Offensive Tackle
The Chiefs have long grappled with instability at offensive tackle, and Lucas Niang, a third-round pick from TCU in 2020, has been among those vying for a starting role. Despite earning the starting right tackle position in his sophomore season and making nine starts, Niang’s performance has waned. His pass-blocking grade of 56.5, as per Pro Football Focus, and susceptibility to pressure raise concerns. With the addition of Kingsley Suamataia in the 2024 NFL Draft, Niang’s tenure as the swing tackle may be in jeopardy, potentially leading to his release and a savings of $1.1 million for the Chiefs.
In a league where talent often trumps all, Rice must swiftly address his personal issues to salvage his promising career with the Chiefs.
