Roster Shake-Up: Who Will Fill the Void After Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s Surprise Departure from the Chiefs?

Certainly, here’s a more detailed analysis of the four Kansas City Chiefs players who could potentially be next in line for departure following the surprising release of Marquez Valdes-Scantling:

Justin Reid, Safety:

Justin Reid’s performance hasn’t quite matched the expectations since joining the Chiefs. Despite signing a lucrative three-year, $31.5 million contract in 2022, Reid’s on-field production hasn’t justified his hefty salary. With a $14.2 million cap hit for the 2024 NFL season, the Chiefs could view his contract as an opportunity to free up significant cap space. Reid’s coverage struggles, highlighted by a subpar 52.8 coverage grade on Pro Football Focus in the 2023 season, raise questions about his long-term fit with the team. While he has shown flashes of talent, inconsistency and high salary may make him a prime candidate for release or trade as the Chiefs aim to address other roster needs.

Kadarius Toney, Wide Receiver:

Despite high hopes after being acquired from the New York Giants in 2022, Kadarius Toney has failed to make a substantial impact in Kansas City. His underwhelming performance in the 2023 season, where he managed just 27 receptions for 169 yards and a touchdown across 13 games, has left fans and coaches alike wanting more. Toney’s inability to establish himself as a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes, coupled with his relatively modest $2.5 million cap hit, could prompt the Chiefs to explore alternatives at the wide receiver position. While waiving Toney wouldn’t provide immediate cap relief, trading him could allow the team to offload his entire salary and potentially acquire assets to address other areas of need.

Lucas Niang, Offensive Tackle:

Drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Lucas Niang was expected to solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line. However, injuries and inconsistent play have hindered his development, resulting in him not starting a single game over the past two seasons despite being named the starting right tackle in 2021. Niang’s struggles in both run-blocking and pass protection, as evidenced by his subpar grades on PFF, raise doubts about his ability to contribute effectively in the upcoming season. While the Chiefs could save a modest $1.1 million by trading or cutting Niang, his lack of progress and the team’s aspirations for continued success may prompt them to seek alternative options via the draft or free agency.

Charles Omenihu, Defensive End:

Despite showing promise in his inaugural season with the Chiefs, Charles Omenihu’s future with the team is clouded by uncertainty following a season-ending ACL injury. While Omenihu’s performance prior to his injury was encouraging, his $7.2 million cap hit for the 2024 season, coupled with his uncertain recovery timeline, presents a dilemma for the Chiefs’ front office. With the opportunity to free up significant cap space by releasing or trading Omenihu, the Chiefs must weigh the potential long-term benefits of retaining him against the immediate financial flexibility and roster flexibility that his departure would provide. Ultimately, the decision may hinge on the team’s assessment of Omenihu’s rehabilitation progress and their overall roster strategy heading into the new season.

In conclusion, while each of these players possesses talent and potential, their performances, contracts, and the Chiefs’ roster needs may converge to put them at risk of being the next casualties of Kansas City’s roster shake-up. As the team navigates the complexities of the offseason, decisions regarding these players will undoubtedly shape the composition and competitiveness of the Chiefs’ roster in the upcoming season.